This is a decent book on birds for beginners. The authors discuss similar species together, avoiding technical descriptions and emphasizing those field marks that are most helpful in distinguishing closely-related species. This is not a comprehensive field guide, as it includes only the most common species of the region (although a complete checklist is included in the back of the book). The illustrations are large and clear, and the species descriptions are interesting and easy to read. Not all species described in the text are illustrated though, so as you gain more experience it would probably be helpful to supplement this book with a more complete field guide. However, even then, I can still see this as being the first book to turn to in most situations. ( )

Pretty pictures, immaculately organizes, doublebound, waterproof, fits in your pocket, produced by a couple of fit hots who make you feel good about birdwatching. The allpurpose lifestyle aid. And pitched at just the right level--if I wanna leave the coast,I can get another bird book, thank you v. much.

Only thing is, it doesn't play birdsong mp3s. Oh, Baron and Acorn and Kroodsma, I love you both. ( )