162 of 167 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best of Birding Field Guides! Not just for East Coast.., January 30, 2004
This review is from: The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America (Paperback)
I bought this book because I live in the Northeast. However, I was surprised to discover that this edition actually has most species of birds, including those that live in the West or South, with ranges through and including Mexico. This was a wonderful surprise as I actually travel quite a bit, so I don't have to buy additional editions of Sibley's bird books.
As to the content of Sibley's guide, there is none better. His illustrations are outstanding, and descriptions are just wonderful. He describes ranges, eating habits, whether the bird tends to be solitary or fly in groups (flocks), nesting, coloration, etc. Best of all, I really like how he shows the bird in a multitude of positions, from standing to flight, so that if you saw a glint of the bird in a different point of view, you can still identify it using this guide. Top ratings.
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71 of 71 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
When only the best will do, November 5, 2005
This review is from: The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America (Paperback)
After a several year hiatus of working with a camera, I recently picked up photography again as a hobby. Shortly thereafter, I started gaining an interest in wildlife and birds, and began photographing them. When I asked several photographers which bird ID book to look into, they immediately mentioned Sibley.
While browsing through the shelves at a B&N brick and mortar store, I immediately understood why Sibley's book is so highly regarded.
There are several elements that really stand out in my mind
* The book is very well laid out
* Excellent, accurate illustrations detailing various characterstics among species, gender, etc
* Thoughtfully organized sections that make reading it a breeze, whether you are simply browsing for a bird ID or want to learn more by reading more in-depth.
* It's a managable size, that can be carried along, should you decide to take it in the field. I usually leave mine home, as I am usually capturing the bird on camera already.
* Although it's the Eastern North American field guide, there are species that can be found in the book from much further away. I can only assume they include everything that you "might" encounter out in the field, which is an excellent benefit.
Don't settle for anything less. Get the Sibley's book.
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82 of 83 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent field guide, November 28, 2003
This review is from: The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America (Paperback)
This field guide is a nice size that's easy to carry around, has multiple drawn pictures of each bird as well as a short text and range map for each - The text generally starts out with saying if the bird is common or not and then goes into where they nest, winter etc. It talks about the typical foods, if they're solitary or not. One thing I like too is that it often tells if the bird is native or non-native to the US which I find particularly interesting. Voice/song is also discussed in the text. Excellent reference book. I keep one in the house and one in the car. Highly recommended!
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