Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The perfect introduction for beginning birders: a 12-step path to a lifelong addiction
Part of the satisfaction of watching birds is being able to name what you see. Yet, open a field guide, and there are hundreds of species to choose from, some with different appearances for males, females, immature birds, and even seasonal variation. It can be overwhelming. Where to start? The good news is that most people already know more than they realize about birds, and this can greatly simplify the identification process.
These twelve steps start with the basics--such as location, habitat, and season--and then build logically into a manageable framework that can help anyone to identify and appreciate birds.
For those new to bird watching, the book will help them understand the fundamentals of observation and the identification process. For more experienced birders, it helps them step back from years in the field and refresh their thoughts on how to watch and identify birds.
Written in a helpful, conversational style, and illustrated with more than 85 color photographs, this book outlines a pathway to enable anyone to get into, or get more out of, the world of watching, identifying, and enjoying birds.
Synopsis
Identifying birds can be overwhelming. Where and how do you start? The good news is that most people already know more than they realize about birds, which can greatly simplify the identification process.
Written in a helpful, conversational style and illustrated with numerous photos, this "12-step program" starts with the basics and builds logically into a manageable framework that enables anyone to get into, or get more out of, the world of watching, identifying, and enjoying birds.
"Identifying birds is a science and an art. These leading masters of the craft share a wealth of inside knowledge in this gem of a book. If you're a birder at any level of experience, I guarantee this book will improve your skills in the field." --Kenn Kaufman, author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced Birding
"The birding equivalent of having Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking teach you how to count, add, subtract, multiply, and comprehend quantum mechanics. Bird watchers at every skill level will garner insights from this book." -- Pete Dunne, author of Birds of Prey
STEVE N. G. HOWELL is an international bird tour leader with WINGS, a popular speaker and trip leader at birding festivals, and author of numerous books and articles. He lives in California.
BRIAN SULLIVAN works on eBird and digital publications at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. He lives in California.