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Old Bird Books Back in Use
Indigo Bunting 
Blue Grosbeak Today after spotting a breath-taking, vibrant little blue bird in the yard, I thought: “cool, that’s an Indigo Bunting”. Then the second-guessing started, as this little bird did not have black wings. What was it? To answer my question, I fished out an old field guide that had been given to me as a gift many years ago. There was my answer…a Blue Grosbeak juvenile! I don’t think I’d ever seen one before in the yard.
Even for avid birders, bird books always come in handy. They’re an excellent reference when trying to identify unusual species that may visit bird feeders. They make excellent and lasting gifts that will be used over the years. Stokes and Petersons are just two of the better known authors of bird books. Filled with terrific photos, and useful information, you’re bound to find your questions answered here!
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Best Bird Field Guides
Whether you’re new to backyard birding, or an accomplished veteran, bird field guides always come in handy. Stokes is just one of the well known authors for these birding books, giving amazing photos, information and insights. There are a myriad of field guides available, one to meet every possible birding interest.
Not limited to individual species, like hummingbirds, warblers, bluebirds and purple martins, there are guides on bats, butterflies, dragonflies, and even bird gardening. Field guides are baically separated into geographic regions, making the information more pertinent to you. They are also available on audio cassettes and DVD’s. These guides make great gifts for any birding enthusisast too, novice to advanced!
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Give a Bird Book…for any Occasion!
Although I’ve been doing my backyard birding for some 20+ years, I never really looked into purchasing a bird book. Trial and error has basically taught me what works and what doesn’t, and through the years you can pretty much identify who comes around.
The 500-page Stokes Field Guide to Birds does however sit on the breakfast room table with a small pair of binoculars. Catching a glimpse of the rare visitors is fun, but being able to identify them is better! More time to utilize these would sure be nice, as my bird food expenditures are ridiculous….they eat better than me – everyday! The yard is like a bird restaurant—buffet style. Suet, peanuts, sunflower hearts, no-waste seed mix, meal worms, thistle seed, finch mix, bark butter, Bluebird Delight and peanut nuggets…have I forgotten anything? Oh yes, 8 bird baths, 2 misters, 2 water wigglers, and 2 drippers. Wait, 3 hummingbird feeders, and the squirrel bungee for corn. This is why I am perpetually late…refills every morning!
Lately, while browsing many categories of bird books, I found myself wanting lots of them! Bird Food Recipes caught my eye, as did Stokes Guide to Bluebirds, because there is finally a brood of nestlings in my bluebird box. Now I want to learn all things Bluebirds! A bird book makes an excellent and lasting gift for any nature enthusiast, age 4 to 104…so when you’re stumped for a good gift, think bird book!
Birding Tips, Information & News
