Synopses & Reviews
Nearly one in five Americans is a birder. Many more would like to learn how to identify the common birds seen in their backyards. But the traditional field guides, packed with lots of detail and technical jargon, appear inaccessible to the uninitiated. What is a beginning birder to do?
What's That Bird? offers a unique combination of ID guidance along with general information basic to becoming a birdwatcher, making it the perfect tool for beginning enthusiasts. Intended as a book for adults and children to share, the design and text are engaging and accessible to all ages.
Detailed profiles of 30 common North American birds, featuring family information, silhouette, habitat, call, size, and general description, make it easy to become a master at identifying backyard birds. The "Also Meet" section introduces an additional 30 birds, usually a regional variation or another member of the family, further expanding one's bird repertoire.
In a separate section, first-time birdwatchers learn how birds eat, communicate, and even breathe. They also learn the best ways to observe birds, techniques for keeping a bird journal, and how to protect endangered birds. And family-friendly projects, such as building a nesting platform, a bird arbor, and a nesting box, enhance the birding experience.
The book contains more than 120 fullcolor photographs by noted bird photographer Tom Vezo, along with full-color illustrations and easy-reference charts. With interest in birdwatching on the rise, this is an invaluable introductory tool for educators, parents, and children alike.
Review
"...a beautifully illustrated and informative beginners guide to backyard bird watching, appropriate for both school children and adults." -ForeWord
"...an informed and informative book that the entire family can enjoy." -Bookwatch
"Easy to use, loaded with digestible information and full of spectacular photography." -San Diego Union Tribune
"Choiniere...and Golding have put heart and soul into this beautifully conceived and produced guide." -San Diego Union Tribune
"...not only a helpful field guide, but also includes read-aloud fast facts..." -Star Tribune
"...a delightful beginner's guide to backyard bird watching." -Rural Heritage
"...lively, easy to understand language..." - Science News
"This book is an attractive tool for an adult teaching a child about nature in general and birding in particular." - Science News
Synopsis
This colorful guide introduces beginning birders of all ages to the wonders of the avian world. With profiles of 30 North American birds detailing their color, size, habitat, and calls, you'll quickly learn to identify the birds in your neighborhood. Additional sections on bird anatomy and behavior, ideas for keeping a bird-watching journal, instructions for building a nesting box, and tips for where to find specific species will have you exploring all the joys of birding in no time.
About the Author
Joseph Choiniere has worked for the Mass. Audubon Society for more than 25 years, currently as the director of the 1,200-acre Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. He teaches classes at universities and colleges, as well as workshops for elementary and high school groups. He lives in Princeton, Massachusetts.Claire Mowbray Golding is vice president and managing director for a small educational publishing company in central Massachusetts. She lives in Princeton, Massachusetts.