Very helpful book if you have a yard and want to make it into a little part of the natural world. The first section list plants that support birds and other wildlife. Native species and cultivated garden plants are both featured though the author favors using natives as much as possible. The second portion lists bird species and tells which plants each specie usually uses for nesting and food.

I was glad I found this on the shelf of local library. We just moved to a new home and want to make the yard more than just a lawn with ornamental plants. ( )

Despite the pretty awful cover, the insides are just chock-a-block full of wonderful photographs of plants and birds and birds eating specific foods of those plants. Many pictures just to enjoy. Lots of good information too. Well done. ( )

A few years ago I began adding native wildflowers and shrubs to my garden in an effort to attract more birds and at the same time help the environment. It's still a work in process but now I have found a book that will help me finish my project. Gardening for the Birds is a wonderful resource that has everything one needs to know to create a bird friendly environment, all in one volume.

The book is divided into four sections:
• Planning for the food, water, shelter and nesting sites the birds need
• Designing for your region
• A plant directory
• A bird directory

Do as much or as little as you want to create your bird friendly space. Whether you want to create a tiny oasis with only a birdbath and a few plants, attract a few favorite birds, or landscape a large area and create a bird sanctuary, this book is a wealth of information. You don’t need to be a master gardener or have a green thumb to be successful.

In the first two parts we learn about providing food, water, shelter and nesting sites for the birds you hope to attract. There are loads of photos, charts and designs to assist the reader in creating their garden and learning about the habits of the birds who will use it.

Emphasis is placed on choosing native plants as they are the cornerstone of successfully attracting birds. These plants are already adapted to the area and attract local insects which are in turn eaten by the local birds. Since the native birds evolved with the plants, their color is often an effective camouflage and shelter. An American Goldfinch hiding in Tall Yellow Coneflower can barely be seen.

The third part of the book is an extensive plant directory including full-color photos of the plants and the birds that inhabit them. It is arranged alphabetically by botanical name and includes the common name, a general description of the plant and the birds that are attracted to it. Different species are listed along with cultivation tips and hardiness zones.

And finally the last sections is a guide to the birds most likely to visit North American gardens. There is an introduction to each bird plus information on behavior, nesting habits, feeding habits and the types of plants the bird uses for food and shelter. Photos and sketches of each bird are included along with a range map.

Gardening for the Birds is a treasure trove of information and handy reference guide to be referred to again and again. With this book you can’t help but design a bird friendly yard. ( )