Customer Reviews

Backyard Birds of California: How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds

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One of the many "Backyard Bird" series, this is a handy little volume for backyard birders. Only 25 birds are described, all of which represent the most common species usually found in urban or suburban backyards, including the mockingbird, scrub jay, house sparrow, mourning dove, house finch, and three species of hummingbirds. In the introduction, the author provides details on bird identification and what "backyard habitat" provides for birds: cover, shelter, food, and water. For each bird, a page-long species account is provided along with a range map and a color photograph. Along with the account we also see a small diagram comparing the size of the bird relative to other birds (i.e., is it hummingbird-sized, or crow-sized?). The end of the book contains several useful discussions regarding birds, such as bird feeder information, bird-feeding preferences by species, predator threats (i.e., cats!), how to call birds in by "pishing," nest box ideas, and what backyard plants are best for attracting birds. The author recommends keeping a backyard bird list and to simply enjoy birding for what it is: a wildlife window and an opportunity to appreciate nature. The book shouldn't be the only field guide available to backyard birders. Within a few months of backyard bird watching, the attentive birder should start seeing species not in the book, and will have to eventually move on to more regional bird guides. But, the volume makes a nice "starter-kit" and is suitable for casual observers or the person that wants to know "what the heck is that bird I always see in my backyard?"

This book was very helpful to learn about the different species of birds that I see in my area. I can look them up & identify the type of bird & what attracts them. I recommend it to anyone who's interested in bird watching.

Recently retiring from construction, I have had the opportunity to see much of California's wildlife and vegetation over the last 50 years. I've settled in Redding, Ca. which is northern California. After settling in, I noticed the neighbors had humming bird waterers hanging out. I watched and noticed two or three different colored humming birds getting drinks. Of course I had to put out some waterers on my front porch. Started me wondering what the different types were feeding. A few neighbors down the street had bird feeders out hanging. So, of course I put out some birders. Now the were birds all the time coming around. After watching them for awhile, I noticed the groups changed as the season move on. I finally started looking for a book that would identify the birds in my area. When I came across "Backyard Birds of California: How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds" [Paperback] by reading the reviews of varies books, I decided this was t5he best for me. It had pictures and localized to northern California. The books give good description about nesting, seasons, ranges and feeding. If it didn't have pictures of the birds in my locale I would not recommend it. I guess some people can identify a word description of birds, I can't. If you just want to know the birds in Northern California, look no farther. If you want to write a thesis on birds of California, this would not be a bad choice to add to your research library.

GEORGE2 a satisfied purchaser of "Backyard Birds of California: How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds"

This was purchased as a gift for my grandson. I have one, earlier edition, that I find invaluable. My wife uses it also and loves the organization of material. Great book. Arrived in pristine condition!