Synopses & Reviews
No matter where we livehigh-rise or house, arid climate or humid, urban area or countryone creature binds us together like no other: the bird. In North America alone, 60 million people identify themselves as bird-watchers, and most hone their skills right in their own backyards. Now, there's a book for every family who wants to learn more about the birds they love. Chapters cover all aspects of birding in an easy, accessible way. Vivid illustrations of 150 common species make identification a snap. Tips on feeding, birdhouses, and bird-friendly landscapes show how to attract birds to any environment for optimal viewing. Even children can get in on the action with a section devoted to kid-friendly projects and activities. To round out this ultimate one-stop resource, readers will find expert advice on bird songs, birding optics, and bird photography.
Synopsis
Essential for the millions of Americans who watch and feed birds in their backyards--whether experienced birders or new birding enthusiasts--from the experts at National Geographic and co-author of the popular and perennial best seller
Field Guide to the Birds of North America. No matter where you live--in the country, city, a high-rise or house--this handy guide will quench your curiosity about the feathered creatures in your midst. It features 150 of the most common and interesting birds likely to be observed at backyard feeders, nesting nearby or just migrating through. An indispensable visual index of all 150 species appears on the inside front and back laminated covers, making identification a snap.
Beginning with Backyard Basics, an easy-to-follow, richly illustrated presentation on observing and identifying birds--with tips on attracting and feeding your favorite birds, birdhouses, and bird-friendly landscapes to entice nesting--the book is full of National Geographic's iconic field guide images and maps.
Core species on everyone's list--such as robins, woodpeckers, bluebirds and chickadees--are featured in two-page spreads including practical tips with additional imagery. Sidebars captivate with interesting and little known facts.
About the Author
JONATHAN ALDERFER is a nationally known bird artist and author who has worked on a number of National Geographic's birding books. His previous titles for National Geographic include
Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern North America, Field Guide to the Birds of Western North America, Illustrated Birds, Birding Essentials, and
Complete Birds of North America.PAUL HESS, former chair of the Pennsylvania Ornithological Records Committee, is department editor for the "News and Notes" column in Birding magazine. A retired newspaper editor, he writes an "Ornithological Literature Notes" column for the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology newsletter and has written many articles in the journal of Pennsylvania Birds.