Customer Reviews

Bird Watching for Dummies

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I accompany Rodger Titman, my ornithological sidekick, on leading a field trip of bird-watchers of all ages and experience, we usually find it prudent to split the group between us. After all, how many self-respecting birds are going to hang about with the harangue and hubbub of a humongous herd of humans?! Not just because Rodger is a much more experienced birder than me, I generally volunteer to lead the group of total neophytes. While we might not spot those rare, exciting species, I simply find it satisfying to turn people onto birding and to teach them the basic ingredients of such a pleasurable hobby. No question asked of me is ever judged in my mind to be "dumb"! Moreover, I have never referred to anyone in any of my groups as a "dummy". So don't be insulted if I insist that you rush out to your favourite nature or better book store and buy a brand-new book called Bird Watching for Dummies. Written by Bill Thompson III, editor of a classy popular magazine called Bird Watcher's Digest (BWD), Bird Watching for Dummies is probably the best book you're ever gonna read on this subject! Gosh, I wish I'd written it! Part of the award-winning ...For Dummies(R) series (remember Computers for Dummies?) published by IDG Books World-wide, Inc., this so-easy-to-read-that-it's-funny volume contains information on just about every aspect of bird-watching you can think of. Want some examples? How to design and maintain a bird-friendly yard with feeders, baths, gardens and houses. Where to obtain all your birding needs. How to identify both eastern and western birds from hummers to herons and even recognize birds by their songs. How to go beyond just bird-watching locally by participating in bird counts, tours and festivals. There's much more. What's really neat about Bird Watching for Dummies is that the text is broken up into nicely digestible, humorous tidbits so that you don't have to read it all. It's so understandable that you'd have to be a dummy not to learn something from it! If you're going to buy one bird-watching book in your lifetime, besides your favourite field guide, of course, this is the one to get. It's a bargain at $26.99 (ISBN 0-7645-5040-3). Trust me on this!

I have thoroughly enjoyed Bill Thompson's book. It's rare when you can find a book that is so informational and completely entertaining as well. I love the sensitivity of the drawings throughout. I intend to use this book quite often; in fact I am currently building a bluebird nesting box. Birdwathchers most likely have the stigma of being eggheads, but this book certainly wouldn't lend credence to that (comparing a bluebird's love of worms to Homer Simpson's doughnut cravings is pure delight). Anyone at all interested in our feathered friends would enjoy reading this book.

I have never spent my money on a better book! This book got me into birdwatching and nature. In "Bird Watching for Dummies," Bill Thompson, III introduces you to his passion of observing birds. The book is filled with information and tips on which optics, field guides, bird seed, and books to buy, and very useful tips on how to observe bird behavior, identification, and attracting birds to your yard with food, water, shelter, and plants. If you are thinking about becoming a bird watcher, you must buy this book- if I could give it sixty stars, I would.

This book gave me the confidence I needed to become more active in birdwatching. If you want to attract more birds to your backyard, this book gives you practical how-to-do-it advice on birdhomes, plants that attract birds, dealing with squirrels and other "pests," feeders and foods, etc. Now, thanks to this book, I have the confidence to venture beyond the backyard, thanks to the down-to-earth encouraging tips about identifying and enjoying birds.

Mr. Thompson has written a book that beginners will like for its information and clarity while more advanced birdwatchers will enjoy for it fresh insight and humor. The pictures and artwork will also be useful for everyone. Highly recommened!

not sure why anyone would bash this book. Its perfect for a beginner...has a great section on how to choose decent binoculars, what you need to get stated in the hobby of birdwatching, little section on bird id but overall a nice book for a beginner.

As a beginning bird watcher, "Bird Watching for Dummies" has been very helpful and informative. There are color illustrations for bird identifications, back yard plans for attracting various song birds, and feeder tips. All bird species are recognized and useful information is provided for each. The author's wit and humor makes reading this book a pleasure.

Into a universe of bird watching books that is characterized by tomes that are technically correct, tedious and bound to discourage participation in this wonderful activity by the novice, comes this gem of a book. Bill Thompson's writing provides the reader with a wealth of useful advice blended with just enough humor to bring across to the reader the shear joy of birdwatching. If you there is a friend, a loved one, or just someone that you want to turn on to birding, this is definitely the book to recommend or to give.

Birdwatching for Dummies offers a well-rounded, light-hearted yet information-packed volume to anyone interested in birds, whether beginner or intermediate birder. I've birded for 20 years now, and I think the book masterfully, and colorfully, ties together the many facets of birding. The beautiful illustrations put the icing on the cake. To anyone planning to begin to bird watch, or hone their skills, I'd highly recommend Birdwatching for Dummies as a smart choice!

While I read this book cover to cover, as I found its conversational style charming and entertaining, I find myself constantly refering to it. Nearly all the answers to my questions are found on its pages! Mr. Thompson's many years of experience as a birder and as editor of Bird Watcher's Digest serve the reader well, and his sense of humor makes even the most scientific information droll. In short this book has become a standard for me. It has taken an honored and well deserved place next to my Peterson Guide under my binocs!