Book Description

Millions of people worldwide enjoy bird watching; it offers them a chance to get back to nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Bird Watching For Dummies covers all the basics of bird watching, leading you on a guided tour of the gorgeous world of birds. From identifying birds by sight and sound to making your own “life list,” you’ll find all the tips and advice you need right here.

Whether you’ve been bird watching for years or you’re just starting out, Bird Watching For Dummies has all your bases covered. It’s full of practical tips and proven advice to make your bird watching experiences as fun and rewarding as possible. It’s your first aid kit for finding, identifying, feeding, and even housing birds. Plus, there’s more:

• Designing a bird-friendly backyard
• Purchasing bird feeders, birdhouses, binoculars, clothing, and more
• Keeping notes and records of the birds you spot
• Joining bird clubs, taking field trips, and attending bird festivals
• Booking bird watching tours that fit your budget and expertise
• Choosing and using field guides

You won’t find a more straightforward and reliable bird watching guide than this one. Written by Bill Thompson III, and the staff of Bird Watcher’s Digest, it covers everything from backyard bird watching to field trips across the globe. No matter what your level of experience, this guide offers everything you need for unforgettable bird watching:

• Tackling pests and other feeder problems
• Bird-friendly gardening tips
• Optics and how to use them
• Birding by habitat and hotspots
• Songs, calls, and non-vocal identifying sounds
• Attracting and spotting hummingbirds
• Understanding the terminology
• Dressing for success
• And, 32 pages of full-color photos!

If you need help getting started in your new hobby, or you’re an old hand who just wants a quick-and-easy reference, Bird Watching For Dummies is the fun and simple way to stay up on all the latest in the world of bird watching. With unbeatable advice and practical guidance from the experts at Bird Watcher’s Digest, this handy resource is the only bird watching guide you need. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

The best introductory book for bird-watchers so far!
When I accompany Rodger Titman, my ornithological sidekick, on leading a field trip of bird-watchers of all ages and experience, we usually find it prudent to split the group between us. After all, how many self-respecting birds are going to hang about with the harangue and hubbub of a humongous herd of humans?! Not just because Rodger is a much more experienced birder than me, I generally volunteer to lead the group of total neophytes. While we might not spot those rare, exciting species, I simply find it satisfying to turn people onto birding and to teach them the basic ingredients of such a pleasurable hobby. No question asked of me is ever judged in my mind to be "dumb"! Moreover, I have never referred to anyone in any of my groups as a "dummy". So don't be insulted if I insist that you rush out to your favourite nature or better book store and buy a brand-new book called Bird Watching for Dummies. Written by Bill Thompson III, editor of a classy popular magazine called Bird Watcher's Digest (BWD), Bird Watching for Dummies is probably the best book you're ever gonna read on this subject! Gosh, I wish I'd written it!Part of the award-winning ...For Dummies(R) series (remember Computers for Dummies?) published by IDG Books World-wide, Inc., this so-easy-to-read-that-it's-funny volume contains information on just about every aspect of bird-watching you can think of. Want some examples? How to design and maintain a bird-friendly yard with feeders, baths, gardens and houses. Where to obtain all your birding needs. How to identify both eastern and western birds from hummers to herons and even recognize birds by their songs. How to go beyond just bird-watching locally by participating in bird counts, tours and festivals. There's much more.What's really neat about Bird Watching for Dummies is that the text is broken up into nicely digestible, humorous tidbits so that you don't have to read it all. It's so understandable that you'd have to be a dummy not to learn something from it! If you're going to buy one bird-watching book in your lifetime, besides your favourite field guide, of course, this is the one to get. It's a bargain at $26.99 (ISBN 0-7645-5040-3). Trust me on this!

A fine birding primer for everyone, not just dummies!
Like others in the hard-headed but helpful "Dummies" series, Bill Thompson's solid, funny and unerringly instructive birding primer is something you can't imagine being without, once you've had it in your hands. For a true novice, the book offers down-to-earth solid information, tips, and the fine example of an expert with humor and humility. For the experienced birding enthusiast, Thompson opens avenues to better optics, resources and tips for refining skills, and the gentle encouragement to take more patience, more study, and more pure joy in bird-watching. And for every birder, hours of pleasure, very solid information and great fun. Every time I pick up this book I like it more!

Informative, fun to read, every birder needs it!
I have never spent my money on a better book! This book got me into birdwatching and nature. In "Bird Watching for Dummies," Bill Thompson, III introduces you to his passion of observing birds. The book is filled with information and tips on which optics, field guides, bird seed, and books to buy, and very useful tips on how to observe bird behavior, identification, and attracting birds to your yard with food, water, shelter, and plants. If you are thinking about becoming a bird watcher, you must buy this book- if I could give it sixty stars, I would.

The dummy speaks
I have thoroughly enjoyed Bill Thompson's book. It's rare when you can find a book that is so informational and completely entertaining as well. I love the sensitivity of the drawings throughout. I intend to use this book quite often; in fact I am currently building a bluebird nesting box. Birdwathchers most likely have the stigma of being eggheads, but this book certainly wouldn't lend credence to that (comparing a bluebird's love of worms to Homer Simpson's doughnut cravings is pure delight). Anyone at all interested in our feathered friends would enjoy reading this book.

A great how-to guide for bird watching and bird feeding!
This book gave me the confidence I needed to become more active in birdwatching. If you want to attract more birds to your backyard, this book gives you practical how-to-do-it advice on birdhomes, plants that attract birds, dealing with squirrels and other "pests," feeders and foods, etc. Now, thanks to this book, I have the confidence to venture beyond the backyard, thanks to the down-to-earth encouraging tips about identifying and enjoying birds. ... Read more

Book Description

For centuries biologists have tried to understand the underpinnings of avian migration: where birds go and why, why some migrate and some do not, how they adapt to a changing environment, and how migratory systems evolve. Twenty-five years ago the answers to many of these questions were addressed by a collection of migration experts in Keast and Morton's classic workMigrant Birds in the Neotropics. In 1992, Hagan and Johnston published a follow-up book,Ecology and Conservation of Neotropical Migrant Landbirds.

InBirds of Two Worlds Russell Greenberg and Peter Marra bring together the world's experts on avian migration to discuss its ecology and evolution. The contributors move the discussion of migration to a global stage, looking at all avian migration systems and delving deeper into the evolutionary foundations of migratory behavior. Readers interested in the biology, behavior, ecology, and evolution of birds have waited a decade to see a worthy successor to the earlier classics.Birds of Two Worlds will complete the trilogy and become indispensable for ornithologists, evolutionary biologists, serious birders, and public and academic libraries.

Reviews (11)

Funny and Informative
I love both birds and squirrels. I don't mind feeding the squirrels, I just don't want them destroying my bird feeders. With the help of this book I was able to set up a bird feeding station that was safe from squirrels but also had a ground feeder just for them. It's a great book.

Inadvertantly increased my appreciation for squirrels
I really enjoyed this extremely humorous book. After reading it, any failure on any birder's part to get rid of his sleek, well-fed squirrels is understandable. They're great athletes, motivated and social to boot.

It is great stocking stuffer for your squirrel-obsessed birder spouse or friends!

A definite stocking-stuffer for any birding friends
There are some books that you just HAVE to have - if only because the topic they're on is so funny. This is one of those! Not only that, but it actually is handy for birders, in a practical way.

Whether you like or don't like squirrels, you have to account for them when you're trying to feed birds. Otherwise your birds end up with no food and you have many fat squirrels running around. This book gives you ways to handle this situation whether you mind the squirrels, or just want them to be in their own area.

It rates various feeders, complete with photos, showing you the drawbacks and benefits of each one. It talks about different kids of food, and different ways you can work with them to make them bird-only. It gives you ways to distract the squirrels. And it's REALLY funny!

A must-buy for any birder on your present list, and tuck one into your own stocking, too.

One thing works for sure, cayenne pepper in bird food
I bought the book but only one strategy has kept the squirrels out of the feeder, bird food with cpasicum pepper pre mixed. Those that say capsicum doesn't work are using only a recipe amount for human consumption which isn't enough. Buy the capsicum laced food and the birds will feed and you won't have to modify your feeder.

People have asked us regarding the safety of mixing capsaicin in with the bird seed to repell squirrels from eating the seed. Here is one reply from a couple of scientists.

"I asked Russ Mason, an expert on chemical repellents, whether birds are affected by capsaicin. Here's his reply: "No--the ethmoid branch of the trigeminal nerve innervates the eyes, nose, and oral cavity. This is the nerve responsible for mediation of chemical irritation. There is no evidence that birds code capsaicin (red pepper) as an irritant at concentrations as high as 20,000 ppm (the hottest chili is about 2,000 ppm). Mammals like squirrels (rats, mice) reject capsicum concentrations as low as 1-10 ppm." In other words, birds are insensitive to red pepper, period. They could be irritated by excessive dust, however. Robert H. Schmidt, Associate Professor, Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, Utah State University, Logan UT 84322-5210"

Serious approaches, humorously written
I wish I had known about this book two years ago. Mr. Adler provides insight into the single-minded focus of these furry creatures and their expensive impact on attempts to fill the backyard with a variety of colorful birds. Be sure to read the section on Nixalite. If only Bill Adler could be convinced to write a book on squirrels and their egregious misappropriation of the attic. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Lovely and inspiring
I can't say enough good things about this book. Lovely, lovely lovely; charming and thoughtfully written. And I've been inspired to be a bad birdwatcher myself, purchasing a pair of "bins" and a local bird guidebook and going out to see what I could see. And I saw much, including my first-ever tiny indigo bunting! I may be hooked. I've already bought several copies of this book for friends. Wonderful. ... Read more

Book Description

Produced in association with the National Audubon Society, the North American Birdfeeder Guide covers the best ways to attract, observe, and feed birds in your own backyard. From profiles of individual species to understanding bird behavior, this is the only book you'll need to master the art of bird watching. ... Read more

Book Description

This guide includes all 39 species of North American hawks and other diurnal raptors, including eagles, falcons, and vultures. Color paintings and photographs show each species in various color morphs and plumages, which are aso described in detail. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Quality Study
This book is not only informitive but the photos and diagrams are high quality like the paper it is printed on.
If you love birds of prey like me , get this book.

thorough reference
This book certainly lives up to the standards of other peterson guides which I keep handy all the time. Hawks can be tricky identifying so I use this book in tandem with The Photographic Guide to North American Raptors. These two books together make a great set

Don't be fooled!
This book is not all that other reviewers have made it to be. The plates are often vague and marginally helpful in field identification. This may be an ok first guide, but birders should look elsewhere for raptor identification tips!

the ultimate guide to North American birds of prey
If you are fascianted by American birds of prey - more properly known as raptors - than this is the book for you. Excellent coverage of all the birds of prey of the United States (excluding Hawaii) and Canada; hawks, falcons, eagles, harriers, goshawks, vultures, and condors are all covered. Detailed notes and excellent illustrations on how to identify males, females, and juveniles perching and in flight, as well notes on natural history, taxonomy, ranges, and more.

A must buy for the dedicate birder or natural history student, I recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Gem
This account of efforts to understand and deal with threatened exotic-caused extinctions on Guam is a gem. The paper back's blurbs focus on Jaffe's "ecological detective thriller." But it's the seamlessness of the book's widely-informed joined elements -- including biographical and political sketches of great pith, accessible population biology, and How Modern Science Works to try to save avian species -- that's most compelling. This deftness in weaving many individually fascinating threads recalled for me Neal Ascherson's astonishing "Black Sea."

The paperback's Index lists only passing references to DDT -- on pages 26, 27 and 72. Because the bad guy is not a chemical, not one of our products. No, he's one of us. And after the paucity and untimeliness of the legislative response to the Guamanian situation had sunk into my consciousness, it was ironic that in the end, an air force base on the island established the 50-acre "environmental reclamation experiment" Jaffe hopes could begin to turn it all around. Like the ending of William Golding's little masterpiece, with the navy warship rescuing the tribe of island-stranded boys from themselves.

silence of the birds
My God! You won't find any birds singing in this masterpiece! Rachel Carson has nothing on this guy! The DDT chapter broke my heart!!! ... Read more

Book Description

All the birds of Texas and most of those found in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana are illustrated here in 60 plates that show key features. Descriptions of 542 species, silhouttes, and comparisons of similar species help with accurate identification. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Limited colour plates; good organization
For each bird, Peterson gives field marks, similar species, and where found (overall and within Texas) as the main information; the latter is useful for elimination.Where appropriate he also has sections for voice and nest.The emphasis on field identification is good, with additional sections showing, for example, silhouettes of accipiters, falcons, kites and harriers to show the differences.

However, many of the plates are black and white, or line drawings, and this is a significant drawback.For that reason I'd recommend John Tveten's The Birds of Texas instead, although it's not as handy out in the field, and has less coverage of casuals and accidentals.The organization of the Peterson is good enough that you might want to get both.

A starter but not a stand alone
Range identification excellent but, although there is a 1998 date on the book, the names do not agree with current ABA nomenclature.Illustrations and descriptions are separated and minimal use of color limits theusefullness.When used for identification, range information is the mostusefull.Not up to the standard expected in connection with the Petersonname.

Good but not Great
This guide is good for identifying birds of Texas, the ranges are listed by their proximity to cities.There are no color plates, but the descriptions are pretty good.Would like to see information on feeding. Iwould recommend a supplemental guide (National Geographic 3rd Ed.) foradditional information. ... Read more

Book Description

Unlike the drawings and paintings of his contemporaries, which were produced from prepared skins and zoo specimens, Audubon’s paintings are taken directly from his observations in the wild, and the richness and directness come straight from the real world. No wonder that Audubon became known in his lifetime as “The American Woodsman.” These paintings were produced between 1828 and 1837; between 175 and 200 sets of these paintings were produced, and the last complete set to come to auction fetched nearly $3 million. The prints of this edition are almost exactly one-half size of the original life-size paintings.

Originally published at a 30 x 27” trim so that Audubon could paint life-size renditions of the birds, this edition contains 435 full-color reproductions of hand-colored aquatinted plates taken from a rare subscription copy at the Cambridge University Library. The descriptive matter is written by Dr. Colin Harrison, who is the author of the standard reference A Field Guide to Nests, Eggs and Nestlings of North American Birds and was for 26 years a scientific officer of the British Museum of Natural History, and Cyril Walker, a senior scientific officer of the British Museum of Natural History. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An invaluable reference for lovers of Audubon's art
This is the best book available for anyone who wishes to see accurate reproductions of Audubon's greatest work, the Double Elephant Folio edition of Birds of America. Produced in collaboration with the uniquely talented printer/artist, Robert Havell, Audubon's massive work is (as the subtitle of this book says) the most famous bird book in the world. As such, the Double Elephant Folio deserves to be reproduced as it really is, with all titles, part and plate numbers, and credits to artist and printer that are part of the original plates. This is the only book of several on the market (whether used or in print) that allows the reader to see the plates-all 435 of them--as they actually appear in the original work.

As a collector and art dealer, I use this book constantly, but I have never spent much time looking at the text. It consists of brief notes to each plate (primarily factual information on the specific birds pictured). Although the 2-page introduction gets the basic facts of Audubon's life right, I noticed many significant errors. The book also has organizational flaws (including the lack of an index to the plates or even page numbers to allow you to quickly locate specific plates). Nevertheless, the color and printing is very good to excellent on most of the images, and it is generally superior to that of other Audubon art books. Until something better comes along, I would consider this book a "must-have" for any serious student or collector of Audubon's art.

Do NOT buy this book.
The introduction had so many typos that (as a purist), I returned it before reading the last paragraph. If readers can live with that, great. Enjoy the book.

As massive an undertaking as the color printing was (first-rate, BTW), the poor attention to proofreading such a small amount of text matter renders the integrity of the rest of the book highly suspect. I didn't want to proofread the 435 plates (in microscopic Roman numerals) for out-of-order errors, missing plates, etc.

Regretfully,

Andy B

interesting
This book is neat. I liked reading it, because it is full of information. If there is anything you want to know about America's birdlife, you will find what you are looking for in this book. ... Read more

Book Description

South America, though home to about one-third of the world's bird species and twice as many endemic families of birds as any other continent, has the world's sparsest population of birdwatchers. Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica illustrates and describes all the known species--more than 1,000 of them--in a vast swath of this underexplored birder's paradise, from Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, southern Brazil, and Uruguay to parts of Antarctica. Just some of the birds it covers are teals, tinamous, chachalacas, conebills, cuckoos, macaws, parakeets, parrots, penguins, nightjars, hummingbirds, ovenbirds, tyrants, and tanagers. The habitats range from torrid rainforests and cloudforests to grasslands, the world's driest desert, second highest mountain range, and ice caps.

The 97 color plates depict each species' male in breeding plumage, with the female and young often shown as well. On the facing page are concise textual descriptions of each species, highlighting not only salient physical features and behavioral patterns but the calls or songs of each. Casual birders and ornithologists contemplating a journey to the region, or simply interested in a one-volume overview of its bird life, will not want to miss this book.

... Read more

Reviews (4)

a good guide for visiting birders
This guide is good; probably the best available for the region. The birders I ran into (even a park ranger) had this guide. It is a convenient size, fitting easily in my cargo-shorts pockets while both hands held my binoculars. It describes most of species (I found a few exceptions, eg. Gray Gull, but it is fairly complete). I did find that some of the illustrations were somewhat simplistic. More detailed descriptions would be useful, but could also negatively affect the weight of the book. I used it in Parque Nacional Iguazu and los Esteros del Ibera, and it served its purpose well.

A good guide for a beginner
It was the first time for me in South America, so I didn't know nothing about the birds there. I had the chance to find this guide, which helped me very much, thanks to the good figures. The text is a little bit poor, but for a beginner it's enough. For some families like the Furnariids and the Tyrannids the figures weren't always good for recognising the species in the field. But, in general, I found this guide very useful and the best between all other guides of the region which I saw.

A good guide
It was the first time for me in South America, so I didn't know nothing about the birds there. I had the chance to find this guide, which helped me very much, thanks to the good figures. The text is a little bit poor, but for a beginner it's enough. For some families like the Furnariids and the Tyrannids the figures weren't always good for recognising the species in the field. But, in general, I found this guide very useful and the best between all other guides of the region which I saw.

Excellent!
(From Planeta magazine) - Every bird species you may come across in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruaguay and southern Boliva and Brazil is described here, with more than 1,000 species illustrated in color. The text compliments the visuals, providing info about habitat, sounds and identification features. Excellent! ... Read more

Book Description

This attractive and informative book of 600 species includes a "special collection" of more than 100 species that are rare. Each portrait includes full-color original artwork; details on identification, habitat, nesting, and food; and a color-coded range map. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Easy reference by picture.Perfect for the novice.
This was my "beginner" book, but has also remained my favorite guide to identify my local feathered friends.Large and full colour pictures of the species allowed me to match my sightings simply by flipping through. Later as I became more fluent in typing my birds the I found the index easy to use. Descriptions of the individual birds were informative, but also entertaining with tidbits about each that were not strickly scientific. There are aspects of this guide that I have even yet to put to use, but hope to: the traveler's guide to birding sites of North America. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

If you do any birding in Maine, you need this book.
This is the best regional bird guide I have ever read. Not only is itindispensable for birders, but its a great guide for anyone who wants tofind new places to explore. It is everything you would want in a birdingguide. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (15)

Tales of migration that read like a Crichton novel...
This is absolutely one of the best non-fiction books I have ever read. Not only backyard birding enthusiasts, but anyone who has ever had even a passing interest in birds will love this book. Scott writes about birds in an understanding yet scientific manner that lends itself to wonderful readability while providing vast amounts of information. Beginning in Alaska, moving down the hemisphere to the pampas of Argentina, and back again, he takes the reader on a amazing journey that literally follows the paths taken by millions of birds each year. He combines personal field experiences with well assembled accounts of scientific research and ornithological history to paint a vivid picture of the swirling patterns of avian movement across the globe. If you have ever looked twice at a bird passing overhead, I highly reccomend picking up this valuable addition to any naturalist's library.

An eloquent and informative book
Writing with obvious affection for the subject, Scott Weidensaul does an exceptional job of reviewing the complex topic of avian migration. The book is an up-to-date treatment of how, why, and to where birds move (at least in the Western Hemisphere). It is not written as a standard ornithological text (nor was it meant to be one) in that it does not include citations at every fact, but this makes the book flow more smoothly, and references are included at the end. The book is chock full of details, some written as very readable anecdotes about the author's travels and experiences as a birder and bird-bander. His lyrical descriptions of birds and their migratory accomplishments do justice to an incredible biological phenomenon.

A Wonderful BookI
If you enjoy nature reading you will love this book. I am not a birder, but nevertheless found this book to be an eloquent and fascinating read. Weidensaul introduces and explores a world that occurs around us every day but that few of us know anything about. He writes extremely well. Overall, a wonderful book.

The Birding Year
This is a book that will interest both people with only a passing interest in birds, and those with a very serious interest in bird ecology. It is an easy read, but still is cramed full of useful information about bird migration. Weidensaul follows many different species of birds as they move about during the migratory year. He clearly shows how all the places employed during migration, breeding and nonbreeding seasons are interrelated, and just how fragile the entire migratory system is for the birds. Living on the Wind is must read for any serious birder, and one well worth reading even if you are not!

Good read for anyone with an interest in birds
I am a birder, and familiar with many of the topics in the book. There were still things that were new to me: the incredible numbers of hawks that migrate through Vera Cruz, the new wintering areas developing (rufous hummers in the US souteast), the different factors causing the irruption of northern birds, and the serious problem of the expanding US goose populations. Most anyone with an interest in science and the natural world would be curious about the annual migration of birds, and the number of mysteries solved and still unsolved. The only suggestion I would have is that illustrations would have been nice for readers who were not familiar with the birds. I guess they will need to buy a good field guide from Amazon, so they can see what these birds look like. ... Read more

Book Description

From America's preeminent authorities on birds and nature, whose popular Stokes guides have sold nearly 4.5 million copies, comes the easiest-to-use, most comprehensive, most informative guide to North American warblers available. Warblers are among the most colorful and popular of bird species. As they leave the south each spring to breed in the north, their migration inspires warbler festivals, warbler watching and counting clubs, and warbler courses and workshops. For the millions of American birders who seek out these marvelous songbirds, the STOKES FIELD GUIDE TO WARBLERS imparts a wealth of identification and behavior information, presenting each of the 57 warbler species with detailed migration maps and multiple images showing seasonal plumage. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Brilliant! You NEED this guide!
Bird enthusiasts take notice: the Stokeses have done it again! With this newest guide in their excellent series of books dedicated to individual bird families, they have, as the saying goes, 'raised the bar' for field guides. There are three key features (in no particular order, as each is important) that make the Stokes Field Guide to Warblers a must-have for casual and fanatical birders alike.
1. YOU'LL LEARN THE BIRDS.The unique, tried-and-true, and extremely effective Stokes organization/teaching method will help birders sort the sometimes-confusing warblers into logical groups (by color). This is accomplished (as with all Stokes field guides) with the aid of color tabs; the color of each tab is the birds' dominant color(s). From there, key characteristics are utilized to help narrow a bird down to species. Especially useful are the opening section on learning the Yellow-rumped Warblers and the section dealing with dull-plumaged (i.e. fall) warblers. I also think the inset showing the undertail pattern of each warbler is an excellent feature, as warblers are frequently seen from beneath. In short, this is THE guide for learning the warblers--period.
2. PHOTOGRAPHY.Readers of the "Stokes Beginner's Guide" series will have become accustomed to the unparalleled beauty of the photography; the photos in this book are certainly up to that standard and beyond. Frankly, this is the most stunning photography I have ever seen in any bird book! When you first have this guide in your hands, prepare to have your jaw drop, and prepare to have warbler mania take hold of you.
3. INFORMATIVE CONTENT.A critical aspect of knowing what bird you're seeing is knowing which birds you are likely to see. In a series of boxes in the book's opening sections, the warblers are grouped in a variety of ways (e.g. migration timing, habitat, etc.) so that you can narrow down the list of possibilities BEFORE you even begin warbler-watching! With each species account there is also a pair of migration maps, one for spring and one for fall (with bars showing arrival dates), so that you can see when and where a given warbler is likely to appear. Life history information is also included--again, as with all Stokes field guides.
But enough from me; you must see this book for yourself. You will absolutely love it! Get your hands on a copy so that you'll be ready for spring . . . ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Patterson is a GODSEND!
Gareth Patterson is a saint! He is doing what needs to be done concerning the lions. Humanity is a cancer and that cancer is destroying everything in it's path. Buy this book and jump on the band wagon to save the lions!

ALSO: One of the major problems we face is misinformation. One example is Jennifer Henderson's review of Gareth's book "Last of the Free." The book does not begin with Batian's murder, but end's with it. And in the book, Furaha nor any of her cubs get executed! What is wrong with people? I really wish people would read these books prior to writing reviews!

One last thing: If you buy these books and enjoy them, please do your part to help the Tuli Lion Trust.

Here is an idea. If you live in the Tuli area, become a vegetarian! It is the meat industry and cattle ranching that is the bane of lions today. If we can put the meat industry out of business we can save the lions... and some nice cows as well!

truly amazing tales
This story reveals the coruption and selfishness of the human race and highlight the work and lives of The Adamsons, truly amazing people that fought so selflessly for Lions and the African Wildlife ... Read more

Book Description

This generously illustrated, easy-to-use reference gives instant information on 238 birds that are native to New York State. The core of the atlas is a series of accounts of each species, each account including a distribution map with possible, probable, or confirmed breeding. Facing each map is an explanatory page of text that covers a number of topics: abundance, historical and current distirbution, habitat, and nest description and location. On the same page is an illustration of the bird, often with its nest and young. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Atlas is indepth but illustrations lacking
I was very disappointed in the black and white illustrations of the birds.This is key in identifying the species.Although the text of the atlas has very indepth descriptions and the maps show where the bird can be found in the state, many of the black and white illustrations are hard to make out and will make it difficult in identifying the bird.Too bad. ... Read more

Book Description

From the snowcapped Himalayas and the Indus valley, to the Ganges delta and the Sri Lankan forests, the Indian subcontinent is home to 13% of the world's species of birds and thousands of birders and ecotourists flock to the area every year. This field guide will be indispensable to those who wish to find and identify the many species of avifauna of the Indian subcontinent and environs.

Featuring more than 150 color plates by eminent bird illustrators from Europe and India, it depicts all the known species in the region, ranging from the Himalayan Snowcock in the north to the Sri Lanka Spurfowl in the south. The plates include all relevant identifiable subspecies, as well as ages and sexes. It contains hundreds of range maps and the succinct text on the facing pages covers identification, voice, and distribution. Specially designed for use in the field, it is a compact version of the landmark A Guide to the Birds of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, hailed on its publication as a "stunning book" that "advanced the cause of Indian birding by 20-30 years." With its modest price, small trim size, and sturdy, weather-resistant binding, this field guide is the one volume that every adventurous traveler to the Indian subcontinent must have. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

At long last...
Finally, a complete, comphrensive FIELD guide to the birds of India! Gone are the days of hauling 2 or 3 hardcover bird books to the subcontinent just to be able to identify relatively common species. The drawings in this book are excellent, the descriptions very detailed, and the range maps very helpful. My two criticisms are that birders familiar with the common names in Salim Ali's "The Book of Indian Birds" will be confused with the revised nomenclature in this guide (based on the Inskipp's Indian Checklist); some changes are relatively minor, while others are so dramatically different (and frankly puzzling) that cross-referencing is a chore. The second involves the seperation of many of the range maps from the plates and descriptions, sometimes by many pages. This was due to the large number of species featured on some plates- there just wasn't enough room for the maps also. A better strategy might have been to put them all in the back of the book. But the benefits of this book far outweigh the shortcomings- my next trip to India promises to be more rewarding and productive bird-wise (as well as easier on my back)due to this excellent and overdue field guide. ... Read more

Book Description

The most comprehensive series of field guides to North American birds ever. This impressive collection highlights birds from all regions of the United States including localized areas such as the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest and New England.

Whether birding in the foothills of New England, the prairies of the Midwest, or the beaches of Florida, Smithsonian Handbooks are the most comprehensive field guides to North American birds on the market. Looking for the Great Blue Heron or the Piping Plover while visiting the Great Lakes? Desperate to find the rare Long Billed Curlew or the Marbled Godwit during a hike in the Cascade Mountains? There's no need to look any further! Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution, these amazing guides are an absolute staple for any birder or amateur ornithologist. Each local species receives its own profile, along with descriptions of habitats and annotated photographs that highlight specific characteristics and other points of interest. Take bird watching to new heights! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great guide to Florida birds
Whether you want to take up the hobby of birdwatching, identify the water birds you see while touring the Everglades, or simply recognize the birds at your backyard bird feeder, this is a great guide to the birds of Florida. As with every DK guidebook I have ever used, this one is high quality. Within its heavy paper covers are lots of brilliantly colored illustrations and a wealth of information about each of the 331 species of birds known to occur regularly in Florida. It is published in association with the Smithsonian Institution.

Information in the full page profile of each species includes clear drawings and photographs with distinguishing features labelled, song, behavior, breeding, nesting and nest identification, flight patterns, location, habitat, and migratory habits. There is also general information on the anatomy and topography of birds, species and gender variations, birdwatching techniques, and tips on ways to identify birds, including physical and flight characteristics.

Since the bird profiles are arranged in taxonomic order, you have to page through the book, matching illustrations, in order to locate the profile of the bird you wish to identify. To help speed up identification, use the handy "similar birds" feature. When you find a bird close in appearance to the one you are seeking, this feature lists other species that are similar in order to help you hone in on the one you are looking for. This guidebook is a great resource for everyone from the casual observer to the serious birdwatcher. Happy birding!

Eileen Rieback

Highly recommend
Great book for novice up to advanced bird watchers! So good I'm even buying one for my friend. Easy to understand, with great pictures. I'm hooked! ... Read more

Book Description

This special edition of the award-winning Just Loons features a new introduction by David Evers, PhD, a leading researcher of loons, and an interpretive bound-in CD of the haunting calls for which loons are so admired and beloved. The audio CD runs approximately 25 minutes and contains various calls that are referenced on the CD jacket. Featuring stunning photography and insightful natural history text, Just Loons, with its new and extraordinary audio component, remains the ultimate guide to finding, watching, and understanding loons. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Haunting Call
Anyone who has heard the call of a loon on a lake at night is bound to be impressed by these birds.This book is full of pictures of loons, with some supporting discussion, and a CD of loon calls.

The book describes and defines loons, including how to find them, their family life, their calls, how to photograph them and loon conservation.The pictures in the book were taken by the late Bill Silliker, Jr., who was a famous wildlife photographer, and the book is clearly a vehicle for his work.Many of Silliker's pictures are first rate and quite striking, especially considering the difficulties of photographing a bird whose colors range from the brightest whites to dark, matte black.Sometimes, however, he shoots into the light when trying to record some element of loon behavior (not a deliberate silhouette) and these photographs are less successful.I must also confess that after 100 pages, even though I love loons, the pictures had developed a certain sameness.

The narrative provided was more of the "aren't loons great" type then being very useful.The book told me little more about loons then several pages in Kenn Kaufman's "Lives of North American Birds" or David Allen Sibley's "Guide to Bird Life and Behavior", although it did make clear to me that the reason loons nest on the water's edge is because they find it impossible to walk on land.Although the book notes that there are 5 species of loons in North America, it is devoted only to the common loon.Serious birders may well have to wait for the Oxford University Press to get to the loons in their series on Bird Families of the World for really detailed information.

I was particularly disappointed by the book's discussion of photographing loons.It's clear that most, if not all, of the pictures in this book were taken from a boat.Having done a little bit of avian photography from a kayak, I know that this type of photography requires some different techniques than shooting from terra firma.I would have liked to see some discussion of how to follow the bird photographer's rule about getting close to the ground when you are on water.

Although its clear that the CD of loon calls was an afterthought, (there is no reference to it in the text about the calls of loons,) listening to it is (pardon the pun) a hoot.While I doubt that anyone would ever mistake any loon call for the sound of another animal, filling your den with the call of these ancient birds is thrilling.

In summary, this looks like a good gift book for someone who likes loons and good pictures of them.It certainly is not a thorough reference book. ... Read more