National Geographic Birder's Journal, 2d Edition [Paperback]

National Geographic (Author)

Book Description

Series: National Geographic | Publication Date: November 7, 2006

This durable journal is a must for birders of all skill levels, from novices just beginning to build a life list to veterans looking for the most up-to-date, systematic, and visually complete way to document sightings of even the rarest, most elusive birds. Based on the latest classifications by the American Ornithologists' Union and organized by family, its comprehensive, easy-to-use checklist itemizes every species recorded in North America, including accidental visitors—more than 960 in all, each identified both by common and Latin names and illustrated with specially commissioned paintings by the finest bird artists at work today.

The Birder's Journal features a user-friendly page layout that directly mirrors the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America for quick access to information. It provides a consistent, familiar format for recording the place, date, and time a bird was spotted, along with additional space for notes and comments, sketches, and other important details. And with each new entry, it becomes ever more valuable and personal—both as a chronicle of birding accomplishments and as a memento of the observations and occasions that make birding so deeply satisfying.

A first-rate journal is an essential addition to any birder's bookshelf, and this is the best available anywhere. It's also a perfect gift, especially when paired with the latest edition of the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America.

Product Details

• Paperback: 504 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic; Revised edition (November 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426200056
• ISBN-13: 978-1426200052
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 1.4 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #289,913 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Okay, Not Great..., May 29, 2009

By 

Avid Camper "WS" (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: National Geographic Birder's Journal, 2d Edition (Paperback)

I found this Nat Geo Birder's Journal to be so-so. It's the same size as the Nat Geo Field Guide, but 1 1/2 times as thick (mostly, due to thicker paper for the pages). This makes it difficult to write in, without breaking the spine of the book. Due to it's large size, it is heavy, not something to lug around in the field. Also, the amount of writing space per bird varies greatly; a few birds get half a page, many two lines. The format is similar to the field guide, in that, the page numbering and photos are the same (except photos are black & white). The difference is, that instead of the written descriptions, the page has the bird's name, an area for date and location and usually 2-4 blank lines for you to write your comments. Looking at the layout of your NG Field Guide will give you an idea about the space per bird allowed; more species per page, less room to write. Some people may like this journal; I would have preferred no pictures (that's what my field guide is for), a smaller, lighter book, more room to write and a sturdier, more flexible, more permanent binding and cover. There is a life checklist. Otherwise, it's okay. Hope this helps...

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, June 30, 2008

By 

J. L. Miller (Boiling Springs, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: National Geographic Birder's Journal, 2d Edition (Paperback)

A Birding Journal bible! I love the fact that there is plenty of room to write about your bird sighting. I have even been able to write about two separate incidents in the space provided. My only wish would be that the pictures of the birds were in color.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Journal should suit it's intended purpose, July 20, 2010

By 

Alice "Merrill" (Fair Oaks, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: National Geographic Birder's Journal, 2d Edition (Paperback)

I think the Birder's journal doesn't properly take into consideration the purpose of keeping a journal. I agree with a previous poster that photos are really unnecessary, what is really wanted is sufficient space to write about each species observed, including extra room to take into consideration the ongoing spliting/lumping of species and name changes so the entire journal doesn't become obsolete every 6 months! But more importantly, the journal should be spiral bound with paper that better supports pen/pencil note taking. The cover is classy and I love it, but the 'innards' of this journal are far short of the mark.