Audubon Pocket Backyard Birdwatch - 10 Feb 2008
Last November I had the privilege of reviewing a phenomenal project produced by the folks at DK Publishing: Bird: The Definitive Visual Guide. So, when I was recently asked to review their latest project I jumped at the chance, especially knowing the reputation and quality that DK Publishing puts into their books. I was surprised, however, when the latest book arrived. The Audubon Pocket Backyard Birdwatch, in size, is a polar opposite to Bird! This is a tiny, pocket sized-book that fits in a shirt pocket. However, like all DK books it is surprisingly detailed and packed with lots of information and photos that make this a very nice ‘pocket’ reference for the backyard bird watcher. Its release is timely, as it can make a nice compliment for folks participating in this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count, which is scheduled for February 15 – 18, 2008.Pocket Backyard Birdwatch is a small (~4”x8”), hardcovered, 72-page, tri-fold booklet that contains a large, poster-sized foldout ID chart of common backyard birds along with identification keys, food preferences, and song descriptions. It is by no means comprehensive, but it will be surprisingly valuable for novice birdwatchers as it describes 34 possible species that will visit the urban and suburban garden.
The book itself is well-detailed with colorful photographs and packed with basic information regarding bird behavior, habitat needs, and tips for identification. Concepts covering a bird’s basic need for food, water and shelter are well-covered, and additional information regarding such concepts as territory and migration provide added value.
If you are a novice birder interested in improving your identification skills and want to attract more than just House Sparrows or Mourning Doves, then this book will make a nice resource. If you know of family members or friends that limit their birding to their immediate home surroundings this will make a nice gift for just a few dollars.
If you are interested in detailed plans for building nest boxes or bird houses then this is not the book for you. The basic nest box plans in this book will attract Bluebirds, House Sparrows and House Wrens, but won’t provide enough information for someone wishing to attract owls, Wood Ducks, or other cavity-nesters. This booklet will also not provide detailed recipes for attracting specific birds, but that is not the intent of a pocket guide. Its purpose is to provide a nice overview to the requirements and pleasures of attracting backyard birds. It will be difficult to find a smaller book containing more information and colorful images than this one. Well done, DK! The Audubon Pocket Backyard Birdwatch is well worth a look.
If you are a novice birder interested in improving your identification skills and want to attract more than just House Sparrows or Mourning Doves, then this book will make a nice resource. If you know of family members or friends that limit their birding to their immediate home surroundings this will make a nice gift for just a few dollars.
If you are interested in detailed plans for building nest boxes or bird houses then this is not the book for you. The basic nest box plans in this book will attract Bluebirds, House Sparrows and House Wrens, but won’t provide enough information for someone wishing to attract owls, Wood Ducks, or other cavity-nesters. This booklet will also not provide detailed recipes for attracting specific birds, but that is not the intent of a pocket guide. Its purpose is to provide a nice overview to the requirements and pleasures of attracting backyard birds. It will be difficult to find a smaller book containing more information and colorful images than this one. Well done, DK! The Audubon Pocket Backyard Birdwatch is well worth a look.
