The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible: The A-to-Z Guide To Feeders, Seed Mixes, Projects, And Treats (Rodale Organic Gardening Book) [Paperback]

Sally Roth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2, 2003 | Series: Rodale Organic Gardening Book

Become the best bird host in your neighborhood. Let The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible be your guide to the foods and feeders, plants and projects that will guarantee you a yard that's absolutely brimming with birds!

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Similar in layout and content to Roth!s Attracting Birds to Your Backyard (Rodale, 1998), this book is both enjoyable to browse because of its color photos, line art, and call-outs and useful as a home reference because of its alphabetical arrangement. Conveying an enormous amount of information on attracting, feeding, and observing birds, the entries vary in length from half a page to multiple pages for broad or complex topics such as the benefits of fruiting plants (trees, blueberry shrubs, strawberry plants, etc.) as a source of both food and shelter. Despite some overlap with his previous title, Roth presents enough new information, techniques, and anecdotes to make this work fun, worthwhile addition likely to be as popular as similar works by John K. Terres and Mathew Tekulsky. Recommended for public libraries."Bonnie Poquette, Shorewood P.L., WI
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

This is a copious, easy-to-use guide to bird feeding with 275 photographs and 125 illustrations. The pages devoted to the birds themselves--from blackbirds to wrens-- offer a description of each (including a color photo), a list of each bird's favorite foods, and a discussion of its behavior. The authors then provide extensive lists of flowers, fruit, berries, vegetables, plants, and seeds that attract birds, and detailed information on everything from baffles, banding, binoculars, bird counts, bird watching, binoculars, and field guides to discussions of bird communication, bullies and nuisance birds, and bird migration. And that's not all: Roth and Burgoyne offer instructions on how to photograph and draw birds, and how to build birdbaths and feeders; and they even present recipes for bird-seducing treats, such as blueberry bird granola, fruitful feeder bread, mockingbird manna, woodpecker favorite, starling pleaser, and bluebird tempter. Theirs truly is a comprehensive guide for bird enthusiasts. George Cohen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books (May 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875969186
• ISBN-13: 978-0875969183
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,473 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Animals > Birds & Birdwatching > Field Guides
  • #34 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Field Guides

More About the Author

Sally Roth is a lifelong naturalist and gardener and is the author of Natural Landscaping and Taylor's Guide to Ornamental Grasses. She lives in New Harmony, Indiana.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 86 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT RESOURCE September 18, 2000

By "mcatelli"

Format:Hardcover

This is a fantastic book for the novice bird enthusiasts to the expert! Everything is included: flower types, small projects, pictures, everything! A must have!!! Birds will be flocking to your back yard after reading this book! The neighbors will watch with amazement! I was amazed at the number of tips and easy to-do projects that were included. Makes a great gift!!!

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth every penny. November 29, 2003

By Dennis Phillips VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Back in the glory days of The Tonight Show, Johnny would read from a list or a book and then Ed would say, "Everything you could ever want to know about....... is in that book." Of course Ed would always get shot down for there was still more to know and while I am sure there are things about bird feeding that are not in this book, I doubt there is much that can not be found here. Sally Roth has done an outstanding job of putting together what could indeed be considered the Bible of backyard bird feeders.

Everything is alphabetized so after you pick up the book to check on what kinds of birds eat earthworms (robins and other thrushes) you will also glance down and find that many birds like crushed eggshells for grit. Pretty soon you are reading about falcons and feeder maintenance. Basically, this is a hard book to put down and every time you pick it up you will learn something. Roth tells her readers what kinds of birds like what food, what kind of plants birds like, how to alter your feeding in different seasons and how to handle problems that you may encounter. There is a basic biography of each North American bird and the author tells us where each bird can be found and when.

For anyone who has decided to establish a bird feeding station, buy this book and read it before you buy the first feeder or grain of food. Doing so will be well worth your time and monetary investment for not only will Roth give you an excellent idea of what kinds of feeders and foods you need to get started, she also provides tips on how to feed the birds without breaking the bank. I have fed birds (and squirrels) for years and I have several books on the subject but this is hands down the best bird-feeding book in my library. In other words, a novice needs this book and an old pro can learn a lot within its pages. Sally Roth knows her stuff and luckily for all of us she writes in a clear, interesting, and easy to grasp style that makes learning what she knows a joy.

I am very glad I bought a copy of this book and I know my birds are too. Not only has my enjoyment of this hobby increased but also the birds are eating better than ever. I expect to see my finches building a little statue of Sally Roth any day now.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST guidebook for feeding, projects and gardening ideas January 21, 2002

By Sarah Pawlowski

Format:Hardcover

This is the best bird feeding book I have found. Great for new home owners, great for the family. This is the only book you need to begin or learn new tips on feeding. I was thrilled with the gardening tips, and the creative projects. From making feeders, making seed mixes on a budget, and using leftovers, Sally Roth covers all aspects of feeding and what you can attract to your yard. What sold me on this book, and the reason why I am buying five more for my friends, is how the author integrates gardening with birding. With gardening and bird watching being the number one and number two hobbies in America, it is easy to understand why this booked is loved and appreciated.