Kitchen Table Bird Book [Paperback]

John Ham (Author), David Mohrhardt (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1995

The birds depicted in this book are arranged according to size, moving from the smallest birds in the front of the book to the largest at the back. Size here is determined by body length alone, and you'll see that measurement, in inches printed in the upper right corner on each of the plates. We believe this is to provide the simplest means of finding in this book any unknown bird that appears before you. Simply guess the bird's body length, then turn to that portion of the book showing birds of about that length. Once there, flipping pages back and forth in those approximate lengths should locate the bird for you readily. If you know the name of the bird, you can use the alphabetized index to species printed inside the back cover to locate the plate and information. This Kitchen Table Bird Book grew to publication over a period of three years, and changed form in that time gradually to fit what has seemed its most practical purpose - use by residents of our Great Lakes region who spend most of their bird-watching time at home, inside, looking out windows at feeding, bathing birds. The 77 species discussed and portrayed here represent the most common small birds that come to feeders, or which might land on marsh edge or lawn or woodlands of the type often seen from kitchen windows of this region. The companion Coat Pocket Bird Book contains another 80 species, most of which will be seen afield, but some of which may also come to your feeder. The placement of some species in one or the other of these books was in some cases arbitrarily decided, though our intention all along has been to provide one book for home use, one for field use. These two books were designed primarily for the casual, beginning, and intermediate birdwatcher, though we have been pleased by the positive reception given to the books by birding veterans with hundreds of species included on their ""life lists."" In fact, we believe any birdwatcher, of whatever experience, will find these books valuable and useful reference works. Together, the two books do not include all the birds that visit, nest, or live year-round in this region, but the 157 species collectively represent, we estimate, 90-plus percent of all the millions of birds that will be seen here. Consequently, if you eventually do see all the species depicted in these books, you will be a birdwatching professional.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jon Ham, the author of this book, taught school in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area for 38 years before retiring a few years back to watch, enjoy, and write about his favorite subject - backyard birds. Ham taught all school levels, from seventh grade through college, and admits that throughout his tenure he favored the subjects of nature, nature study, and natural history. His last 18 years were spent teaching zoology and ornithology at Grand Rapids Junior college. ""You might think, after teaching the subject of birds for so long, "" he writes, ""that I'd want to get away from birding, but in fact the exact opposite has happened. My wife and I have our home located in a dense patch of woods near the village of Cascade, and it's an ideal location to watch the comings and goings of a great many bird species. What had been my profession in everyday life has become our central retirement interest."" Ham is a registered bird-bander, and has held in his hand most of the birds he describes in this book. Most, in fact, have come to his feeders at one time or another, his backyard being a lively aviary at all seasons of the year. ""Just put out seeds, suet, and water in an environment safe from cats and dogs and you can be sure the birds will arrive. And with them comes the beginning of a lifelong interest."" David P. Mohrhardt began drawing wildlife at an early age, and currently works full-time producing commission paintings, canvases for prints, and illustrations for publications, including the Kitchen Table Bird Book and its companion, the Coat Pocket Bird Book. Mohrhardt holds a degree in biology from Michigan State University, but admits he studied that subject mainly because of its help in his wildlife painting. He has worked as a staff member and exhibits preparator at a number of nature centers, museums, and universities. He has shown his work in many one-man and group shows, and holds a string of awards and honors for his paintings. He believes that wildlife painting is entering a new and freer expression, that the field holds great promise to blossom in the years ahead as an important and unique American art form. He and his wife Anna live in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Thunder Bay Press (August 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1882376153
• ISBN-13: 978-1882376155
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #701,279 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Kitchen Table Bird Book, May 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Kitchen Table Bird Book (Paperback)

I'm ordering my second copy of this book, this one for my six-year-old grandson. It's a book of birds native to our Michigan area with beautiful illustrations, told in an interesting fashion. He has me read to him from it, and of course always needs to know about the bugs and such that they eat. He'll soon be old enough to read it himself, and likes to try and copy the illustrations. I'd recommend it for adults and kids alike.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Reference for the Average Bird Watcher, July 24, 2008

By 

E. Manning (Gladwin, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kitchen Table Bird Book (Paperback)

Many other bird books that I've looked at or bought are too technical - you might have to search by species, and then within the variations of the species, and for birds all over the country. If you are looking for a book that you can quickly navigate to see what kind of bird is on your feeder - this book is perfect! It organizes the birds by size, so you can easily match the bird to the large illustrations. It also has typical characteristics of the birds to help you better determine the bird. I am buying a copy for myself, as I have borrowed my mom's for years.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to use, very helpful for beginning birders!, June 16, 2010

By 

P. Kingsriter "R.N. Guy" (Lakeville, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kitchen Table Bird Book (Paperback)

The KITCHEN TABLE BIRD BOOK is, in our house, exactly what the title claims to be. We live in the Twin Cities area and set up a bird feeder outside our kitchen window. Of course, we wondered what the plethora of lovely visitors were called.

The book showcases birds common to the Great Lakes area. I was apprehensive about whether or not a bird book would be able to guide me to conclusive identifications. The KITCHEN TABLE BIRD BOOK has been immensely helpful! The birds are ordered by size, which initially might seem confusing, but after a few uses I found it makes for very quick reference, especially after you've identified a species or two that you can use for comparison. Clear, colorful diagrams and simple characteristic explanations help us zero in on each bird's specific traits.

We've found it very rewarding and gratifying to identify many different birds around our home and the KITCHEN TABLE BIRD BOOK has been an invaluable tool. It comes highly recommended as a resource for the casual or beginning birder.