Customer Reviews

National Geographic Field Guide to Birds: California

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

 

 

I have been a long time user of the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America. When I heard they were beginning to produce state or small area specific mini-guides, I welcomed the reduction in mass and volume for my back pack. However, the new California field guide fell short of my expectations. Less than 200 of the 600+ species observed in California were illustrated in this guide. As such, it holds little appeal to me as a true field guide. However, my volume has been passed to friends that enjoy feeding birds in their yard, but are rarely sure of the ID of their visitors. They have told me how much they enjoy the book and how useful they find it. This would appear to be the niche that this new set of guides will fill. It will whet the interest of new birders and feeders of birds. From there, hopefully they will find they enjoy the hobby enough to pursue it more completely. At that point, they will need more than this book can offer.

I wanted one and the price was right. Used, but in perfect condition. I have already started carrying it on hiking trips around the area. I like it as well as others I saw. Photos are great. Size is perfect. Not too heavy. Sturdy enough to hold up and water repellant.

We are really enjoying this book. We have recently moved to a new home and have placed many bird feeders in our yard. We can now identify most of the birds that are dining at our outdoor restaurant, which is providing much entertainment.

This is another great, and small book to carry along on trips to anywhere, to identify birds. Field guides are always good for the Bird lover.