Bird Watching for Dummies (Paperback)

by Bill Thompson III (Author) "Do you ever look up, see a bird in flight, and find yourself wondering what kind of bird it is?..." (more)
Key Phrases: better bird watcher, other bird watchers, most bird watchers, North America, Big Day, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
The talented staff of the popular magazine Bird Watcher's Digest wrote, edited, and illustrated this latest entry in the ubiquitous "Dummies" series, whose mock-deprecating titles attract a wide readership. Fortunately, this book, as with others of the series, is not as simplistic as its title, offering nearly 400 pages of often humorous, witty, and anecdotal but nevertheless excellent advice on a wide variety of topics: bird feeders, nest boxes, optics, field guides, birding hot spots, identification, web sites, birding festivals, plantings, et al. At times a too conceptual approach is frustrating. For example, there is plenty of information on optics and nest boxes but no details on specific models' dimensions in these respective areas. However, quality illustrations enhance a useful text. Despite minor flaws, this is highly recommended.?Henry T. Armistead, Free Lib. of Philadelphia
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Bird watching is one of life's great joys even if you don't know a sparrow from a spotted owl. But the more you know about bird species, habitats, migration, and behaviors, the more you can enjoy bird watching.

Bird Watching For Dummies is the fun, easy-to-understand bird watching reference you'll turn to again and again. In it, bird watchers' bird watcher" Bill Thompson III, along with his editorial colleagues at Bird Watcher's Digest magazine, cover such essential topics as

• Selecting binoculars, field guides, and other tools to help you observe birds effectively and unobtrusively
• Understanding bird behaviors and songs
• Setting up a bird feeder to make it easy to watch birds in your own backyard
• Creating a bird-friendly garden full of plants that attract the species you're most interested in
• Keeping a good record of your sightings -- with sketches of all your favorites
• Visiting prime bird habitats, on your own or with a tour group
• Finding great bird watching sites on the World Wide Web

Plus, Bird Watching For Dummies features a full-color, 32-page insert showing birds up close, along with detailed illustrations of bird habitats, so that you always know just where to point your binoculars.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (September 22, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764550403
• ISBN-13: 978-0764550409
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #434,767 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The dummy speaks, November 25, 1998

By A Customer

I have thoroughly enjoyed Bill Thompson's book. It's rare when you can find a book that is so informational and completely entertaining as well. I love the sensitivity of the drawings throughout. I intend to use this book quite often; in fact I am currently building a bluebird nesting box. Birdwathchers most likely have the stigma of being eggheads, but this book certainly wouldn't lend credence to that (comparing a bluebird's love of worms to Homer Simpson's doughnut cravings is pure delight). Anyone at all interested in our feathered friends would enjoy reading this book.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best introductory book for bird-watchers so far!, November 24, 1998

By	Dr. David M. Bird [e-mail] (Canada) - See all my reviews

When I accompany Rodger Titman, my ornithological sidekick, on leading a field trip of bird-watchers of all ages and experience, we usually find it prudent to split the group between us. After all, how many self-respecting birds are going to hang about with the harangue and hubbub of a humongous herd of humans?! Not just because Rodger is a much more experienced birder than me, I generally volunteer to lead the group of total neophytes. While we might not spot those rare, exciting species, I simply find it satisfying to turn people onto birding and to teach them the basic ingredients of such a pleasurable hobby. No question asked of me is ever judged in my mind to be "dumb"! Moreover, I have never referred to anyone in any of my groups as a "dummy". So don't be insulted if I insist that you rush out to your favourite nature or better book store and buy a brand-new book called Bird Watching for Dummies. Written by Bill Thompson III, editor of a classy popular magazine called Bird Watcher's Digest (BWD), Bird Watching for Dummies is probably the best book you're ever gonna read on this subject! Gosh, I wish I'd written it! Part of the award-winning ...For Dummies(R) series (remember Computers for Dummies?) published by IDG Books World-wide, Inc., this so-easy-to-read-that-it's-funny volume contains information on just about every aspect of bird-watching you can think of. Want some examples? How to design and maintain a bird-friendly yard with feeders, baths, gardens and houses. Where to obtain all your birding needs. How to identify both eastern and western birds from hummers to herons and even recognize birds by their songs. How to go beyond just bird-watching locally by participating in bird counts, tours and festivals. There's much more. What's really neat about Bird Watching for Dummies is that the text is broken up into nicely digestible, humorous tidbits so that you don't have to read it all. It's so understandable that you'd have to be a dummy not to learn something from it! If you're going to buy one bird-watching book in your lifetime, besides your favourite field guide, of course, this is the one to get. It's a bargain at $26.99 (ISBN 0-7645-5040-3). Trust me on this!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, fun to read, every birder needs it!, May 28, 2001

By	"ckellerman" (Arlington, TX USA) - See all my reviews

I have never spent my money on a better book! This book got me into birdwatching and nature. In "Bird Watching for Dummies," Bill Thompson, III introduces you to his passion of observing birds. The book is filled with information and tips on which optics, field guides, bird seed, and books to buy, and very useful tips on how to observe bird behavior, identification, and attracting birds to your yard with food, water, shelter, and plants. If you are thinking about becoming a bird watcher, you must buy this book- if I could give it sixty stars, I would.