Customer Reviews

Birds of Minnesota and Wisconsin

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

 

 

Each of the 322 bird descriptions in this book contains the usual details of the bird's appearance but also details on the bird's habits as well. For example, the Greater Yellowlegs performs the roll of lookout among mixed flocks of shorebirds, calling incessantly at the first sign of danger, often hops on one leg and will pick food off of the water's surface despite a bill that appears to be made for probing. The Lesser Yellowlegs was a popular game bird in the 1800s because of their tendency to return and hover over wounded flockmates. These details not only help identify the bird but allow you to get to know it as well. The best location and months of the year to see each bird is also included. The table of contents lists a small picture of each to help more quickly identify possible matches. I tend to prefer the photographs in Stan Tekiela's "Birds of Wisconsin" over the illustrations in this book, but both include enough detail to identify the bird. Also, the detail in this book makes it about twice the size of Tekiela's book which fits in a front jeans pocket. If you don't mind the size of the book or illustrations instead of photographs, then this book is an excellent choice for Wisconsin or Minnesota bird watchers. The top 50 sites in each state are listed, and the top 10 are given a paragraph or two describing what to see and when to go.

This is a great book for Wisconsinites who want to begin bird watching. It is easy to use. It has great illustrations and good descriptions. In addition, it has reference pages in the beginning with small illustrations to guide you to the right category of birds.

Pretty decent book. The best part is the "Where to See" portion, where hot spots to sight certain birds os listed.

I've used Bob Janssen's book going to the cabin or around the great midwest fly-way and it's a wonderful reference for my marking of dates and places when I see the birds. Easy to use, color coded with wonderful comments on bird behavior for the birder to check. It easily fits in your back pocket or jacket or hands as you are walking the trails or visiting the wet lands and looking for birds. I LOVE IT! It's also not a heavy hard-copy sibley or crosley that are not easy to carry. Of course, those books are back at the cabin or home where I can reference them when I get back and compare my memory or pictures with.

This book contains good descriptions and excellent photographs which makes it an outstanding reference for identification.