National Audubon Society First Field Guide: Birds

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This book is part of a series of guides designed for adolescents interested in natural history and nature. The books are an excellent introduction to the Rocks and Minerals, Birds, Wildflowers, and Insects for children aged 8-18. Each guide is appropriately sized to fit in a field vest pocket. Readers who remember previous versions of these field guides from the 1970s that were dull and overly detailed will be pleasantly surprised. These books are arguably the most beautifully photographed and laid out field guides yet published for young people. Each book has an introductory section filled with interesting facts, descriptions of early naturalists, definitions of many of the terms used in the book, and a guide to using the field guide portion of the book. Best of all, the books also come equipped with laminated field "cheat sheet" cards, for quick identification while on the go, in any kind of weather. Each field guide features 50 common species with photos and brief descriptions of many more regionally occurring birds. Brief discussions of threatened and endangered species are particularly valuable. Great first guides for children and adults with limited natural history background.

ANNOTATION

An informative, visual guide to the natural science of birds as well as a field guide to over 150 species found in North America.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Mary Sue Preissner

The National Audubon Society has geared this book to children but you don't have to be a child to delight in the presentations here. It provides information on characteristics such as form and color, habitat, species, and identification of the more widely found specimens. The book contains more than 450 color photographs with an easily read text. The soft vinyl cover provides portability and protection. A removable, water-resistant card can be used for spotting species in the field. The first section of each book provides general information on the topic, including a description of what a naturalist is and does. Essential equipment and rules for observing nature are also mentioned. Anatomy of birds is presented as well as reproductive methods (in simple language). The second section is entitled "how to look at...." and includes shapes, body parts, living condition, and habitat. The third section, also called the Field Guide, identifies the most common species with a spectacular color photograph on the left, and supporting information and similar species identification on the right. A glossary listing the 50 state birds, a list of resources, and comprehensive index completes this guide.

School Library Journal

Gr 4 Up-Two welcome additions to nature study that are not strictly field guides per se. Beginning with descriptions of ornithology and entomology, the authors invite young people to become aware of and familiar with the natural world. With sharp, clear full-color photos (some spectacular, some disappointingly small), birds and insects are described, classified, and placed in their habitats. Birds covers identification marks; eating, mating, and nesting habits; migration; and endangered status. Insects provides similar information plus cautions against those insects that bite or sting. The photos greatly magnify the size of each species. Both volumes do include useful sections of photos for quick identification while on hikes, etc. A glossary of technical terms, lists for further reading, organizations, videos, software, and Web sites are appended. These inviting and easy-to-use titles will deservedly be popular.-Kathleen McCabe, East Meadow Public Library, NY

John Caddy - Riverbank Review