The Backyard Bird Lover's Field Guide: Secrets to Attracting, Identifying, and Enjoying Birds of Your Region (Paperback)

by Sally Roth (Author) "One of my favorite things in nature is lichens, especially those flat, round patches that decorate rocks..." (more)
Key Phrases: backyard nester, chickadee size, wire suet cage, Plant Picks, Wild Menu, Feeder Pleasers (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A stunning full-color guide to one of America’s most popular hobbies, with a region-by-region approach that unlocks the key to quick and easy bird identification.

Some 63 million Americans report that they enjoy observing their avian friends from their homes, and newcomers join the backyard bird-watching ranks all the time. But how do backyard birders learn who’s who when typical field guides bombard them with choices that take forever to sort out?

The Backyard Bird Lover’s Field Guide keeps it simple with a regional approach that cuts the possibilities down to size. Instead of poring over hundreds of species that don’t come anywhere near our own backyard, readers will find about 30 of the most likely prospects for each of seven regions of the country. Each entry is packed with advice on favorite foods, welcoming plants, and other temptations to lure birds to the backyard, along with glimpses into the birds’ personalities.

Sally Roth has a gift for conveying her passion for the subject along with her extensive knowledge. "Roth’s love for birds and her hands-on practical experience are inspiring," say Sharon Dunn and Michael Dunn, owners of the Duncraft Birdfeeding Catalog, about Roth’s Backyard Bird Feeder’s Bible. Filled with you-can-do-it features, such as tricks to help birders identify birds in a flash and ways to avoid confusing two similar birds, this new field guide will receive similar praise.

About the Author

SALLY ROTH, a lifelong naturalist and gardener, is the author of several books. She frequently lectures and leads workshops on bird-watching, gardening, and natural history.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books (June 26, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594866023
• ISBN-13: 978-1594866029
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #264,949 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars making friends with the birds..., June 16, 2008

By	Gene Berger "Bergers Book Reviews" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"When you identify birds by name, they feel like friends."

That is Sally Roth's assertion noted on the back of her very pleasant book, The Backyard Bird Lover's Field Guide. If you are accustomed to the usual suspects utilized for bird identification, such as the Peterson's guide or Sibley's, Roth's work will give you a refreshing, simple alternative. And if you're a novice birder, it's just what you need.

Roth begins by describing a bit of bird-watching history along with personal reasons on how and why one should pursue such an activity. She writes with a casual, light-hearted style that makes it seem like you're reading notes from a familiar acquaintance. The large number of vivid photographs adds additional life to her homespun tales.

The author gets to heart of solving the avian identification riddle by describing specific geographic regions around the United States detailed with native birds in mind. The information is especially handy for those who enjoy traveling or are just curious about common bird populations around the country.

The book provides easy directions for identifying a variety of well-known species. What are your "First Impressions" of the bird in question? "Details, details," and "Listen up!" are just a few of the categories one should consider. Roth even tells us what seeds they will eat from birdfeeders and the types of vegetation they prefer. Each page is capped off with a short recollection or insight of the featured bird.

The focus and style of Sally Roth's field guide make this a valued addition to any bird lovers collection. It may be slanted to newcomers, but it's a great way for anyone to become friends with the birds.


Reviewer: Gene Berger

5.0 out of 5 stars had the bird we were looking for , February 14, 2009

By	JP "jpdavis79" (Florida) - See all my reviews

I got this for my 85 year old mother. We had put in bird feeder for her enjoyment, and she wanted to ID her new friends. She loves the birds...and the book which helps her mame them.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Bird Guide Book, January 28, 2008

By	Lili Goldberg "pumpkin" (So. Egremont, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Great little book - easy to identify all the backyard birds I have right
in my back yard!