Book Description
Geography, topography, weather patterns, and unique natural features make Cape May, New Jersey, one of the most important birding sites in North America. Throughout the year thousands of birders travel to Cape May from around the country--and across the ocean--to witness the arrival of tens of thousands of raptors, songbirds, shorebirds, and seabirds. In this guide, Cape May birders can find out exactly when and where in the region to go, what birds they're likely to see, why the birds are there, and what factors could affect the birds' behavior. Filled with the authors' photos, this book offers insider information that will help any birder make the most of a visit. It features a complete Cape May bird list and a description of the region's history complemented by images that show how Cape May has changed over the years, and how it has stayed the same.
Customer Reviews:
a wonderful book!.......2007-02-01
A "must have" for anyone considering birding in the Cape May area!!! Clay and Pat Sutton are wonderful writers making this book not only a wealth of information but also very enjoyable to read!
Book Description
"In these tales about birds, birding, and birders, Dunne has captured many of the feelings that make birding special.... Almost any ornithologist or naturalist would enjoy this book."
—
Auk
"His sketchbook tales . . . are lively and brimming with wit, satire, and sensitivity."
—
New Jersey Audubon
"The observation of birds can be many things—science, an art, an esthetic experience, a game or sport, indeed anything you choose to make it. To Pete Dunne it is all these things.... Although he can match his extremely sharp eyes and trained ears with anyone... he never loses his sense of fun.... Read what he has to say about birds and the birders who pursue them with such passion."
—From the foreword by Roger Tory Peterson
Tales of a Low-Rent Birder is a collection of nineteen essays and sketches written between 1977 and 1985. It was originally published in 1986.
Customer Reviews:
Being a Birder.......2002-03-11
Birders are an odd, if endearing lot, and nowhere is this more apparent (and freely admitted) than in Pete Dunne's Tales of a Low-rent Birder. Since my interest in birding is only casual, the stories that took birding propensities to extremes, such as the hypothetical SVAT team (think SWAT for birds) composed of 4 quirky members who can't agree on anything and spend their lives tracking down bird sightings, and The Legend of Jesse Mew, a play on the guru followed by his adoring disciples thing, were a bit much for me. However, his story of finding, following and eventually pulling on a kit string that wound its way across a bird sanctuary (and thereby causing the entire bird population to take wing when the kite rose into the air) was amusing, as was his story of birding with Roger Tory Peterson. I also enjoyed his attempt to see the world through a peregrine falcon's eyes in "Peregrine Going South for the First Time," and his brief profiles of 4 birders who, though very different people, all share the ability to "see" as told in "A Gift of Vision."
However, none of these stories really hit home for me, meaning I didn't find myself reading eagerly with great interest (as I did with Kingbird Highway by Kenn Kaufman, or The Rites of Autumn by Dano O'Brien), or wishing for more once a story ended. In fact I kept putting the book aside with a feeling of vague dissatisfaction. Avid birders may have another story to tell, but for me this book was a disappointment.
Passionate account by lively birdwatcher!.......2000-06-29
An original writing style and a true love of birds and birdwatching make this one a standout. With sections on eagles, hawks, bluebills and even birdwatchers themselves, this one is a delight for the fellow birdlover.
Book Description
National Geographic Field Guide to Birds provides affordable, portable, reliable region-specific information, perfect for the novice or experienced birder. In each guide, an introduction by an expert birder from the region offers guidance on where to look for key birds. An opening section gives pointers on how to look for key birds and what to focus on when you spot them. Each guide features approximately 150 birds, grouped by family. Two indexes: one alphabetical and one color-coded help readers identify a bird quickly.
Each entry has a vivid photograph showing the bird in its native habitat. On the facing page, there is a list of bulleted points of field identification clues as well as behavioral and habitat information, and the best local places to find the bird. Special field notes give additional i.d. or behavioral information and detailed maps show the range of each bird's habitat. With comprehensive coverage of the region and valuable advice from experts, these user-friendly guides will quickly become favorite companions on the journey to lifelong birding.
North and South Carolina, a favorite among bird watchers, are homes to a wide variety of birds that live in the western mountainous terrain or the eastern shorelines.
Customer Reviews:
a nice, easy-to-use, guide........2006-12-17
This is a nice, simply guide to Carolina birds. A nice feature is the index by bird color (which also has little headshots of the birds) -- this makes it very easy to identify your backyard friends.
Book Description
New Jersey Birds, An Introduction to Familiar Species, is a must-have, reference guide for beginners and experts alike. Whether you're on a nature hike or in your own backyard, you'll want to take along a copy of this indispensable guide. The Pocket Naturalist(tm) series is an introduction to common plants and animals and natural phenomena. Each pocket-sized, folding guide highlights up to 150 species and most feature a map highlighting prominent sanctuaries and outstanding natural attractions. Each is laminated for durability.
Book Description
National Geographic Field Guide to Birds provides affordable, portable, reliable region-specific information, perfect for the novice or experienced birder. In each guide, an introduction by an expert birder from the region offers guidance on where to look for key birds. An opening section gives pointers on how to look for key birds and what to focus on when you spot them. Each guide features approximately 150 birds, grouped by family. Two indexes: one alphabetical and one color-coded help readers identify a bird quickly.
Each entry has a vivid photograph showing the bird in its native habitat. On the facing page, there is a list of bulleted points of field identification clues as well as behavioral and habitat information, and the best local places to find the bird. Special field notes give additional i.d. or behavioral information and detailed maps show the range of each bird's habitat. With comprehensive coverage of the region and valuable advice from experts, these user-friendly guides will quickly become favorite companions on the journey to lifelong birding.
In Texas, birders will find the richest possible range of species in this ultimate migration ground that draws birds from around the world.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent resource.......2007-05-14
This book was just what I was looking for. It has great pictures, description of the female and territory map. It has been no end of value and has helped me identify all the birds that have come into my yard so far.
national geographic field guide to birds: texas.......2007-01-19
Left a lot of state birds out, and had those that were there in a strange order.
Well below the "Geo Guide" standard.......2006-04-20
This book is published by the organization which also produces the NA Bird field guide considered "best" by most avid birders, the National Geographic Field Guide (Geo guide for short). However it is absolutely NOTHING like said field guide! It is very small (6 inches by 4 inches) and consists entirely of full page color photographs on the left page, and brief descriptive text with a Texas-only range map on the right page. At the bottom of the text page are even more brief notes, usually about another similar bird, and often accompanied by a tiny painting of that bird (which appears to be taken directly from the Geo Guide).
The photographs are quite good, and really are the only saving grace of the entire book. They appear to be chosen for their artistic value more so than to illustrate field marks, however. The selection of species is extremely superficial - for example, the only species of oriole shown is Bullock's Oriole, despite the fact that in west Texas Scott's Oriole is routinely found, and for birders in the lower Rio Grande valley the target species is likely to be Altamira Oriole (not pictured), or, if coverage was as exceptional as I had hoped an NGS bird publication would be, even Audubon's or Black-vented Oriole - and one also wonders why Orchard Oriole, found throughout the state, is left out!
The book description here on Amazon is "generous" in its pronouncements. The "guidance on where to look for key birds" consists of a one-page, incredibly simplistic commentary on birding in Texas ("The Texas coast is well-known as a place for migrant birds to rest and feed on their way northward." "Other regions of the state include the High Plains where Lesser Prairie-Chickens still strut . . .") Turn the page and the most specific location data provided is a map of the entire state with numerous parks and refuges depicted. But it is left entirely up to you to figure out how to navigate to Anahuac NWR to look for those migrants (where's High Island?), and, since Lesser Prairie-Chicken isn't even included in the main text, how are you supposed to know that Muleshoe NWR might be a place to try to see them?
My greatest hope for this book was that it would give additional insight into the Texas specialities of ABA area birding, but even here it is basically incomplete. Plain Chachalaca, Least Grebe, White-tailed Hawk, Crested Caracara, Common Paraque, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Ringed Kingfisher, Great Kiskadee, Black-capped Vireo, Green Jay, Colima and Golden-cheeked Warbler, and Olive Sparrow are all here, but missing are a few regular species which make Texas birding so unique, such as Groove-billed Ani and White-collared Seedeater. Since only in south Texas can a Muscovy Duck be counted (as opposed to being labelled an escapee from you local park's pond), why not show a wild Muscovy instead of another photo of a wild Mallard? And what about every birder's favorite dump denizen, the Tamaulipas Crow?
Overall this book is not recommended, at any level of birding, for any use other than its collection of photographs. For a beginner in the field (or even in the backyard) it doesn't provide the necessary comparison images to differentiate even the most obvious field marks so as to allow identification. For the intermediate birder trying to locate target species in Texas, the guidance (or essential lack thereof) to places where the birds can be found is woeful. And for advanced birders - well, they really don't need something this small in size or detail.
Be aware that there are several other titles in this series, for other states, and I suspect that this review's basic criticisms hold for all of them. As for me, I'll hold on until November when the Fifth Edition of the REAL Geo Guide comes out!
Book Description
Mythical beasts or real creatures? You decide!
Big Foot, Moth Man, the Sea Serpent of Gloucester. These are just a few of the mythical beasts uncovered in this intriguing collection of extraordinary creatures. Firsthand accounts and the opinions of scientists weave together a fascinating web of fact and legend. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, you’ll find much to ponder in the lore surrounding these monsters.
Customer Reviews:
Be sure to get the newest edition.......2003-06-17
There are now two editions of Boyle, the older version with an orange cover and the Barred Owl, and a newer version with a photo of a Hooded Warbler on the front. You'll want to make sure you get the latter, since many things have changed over the years.
The New Boyle.......2002-09-13
It is one of the milder species of blasphemy, I suppose, to call any book one's "bible"; but since its appearance 17 years ago (!), Bill Boyle's NJBFG has served thousands of the birding faithful as ritual object and authoritative companion alike. My own copy of the first printing, with its ugly laminated binding in shreds and the bookblock bulging from tipped-in notes, photocopies, and clippings, is probably the single most used volume in my birding library: field guides come and go, but for nearly two decades now, Boyle has come and gone wherever I have.
Just how intensive my use of the book has been came clear to me with the arrival--"long-awaited," in the reviewer's cliche--of the second edition. As I read through the new treatments of areas long familiar to me, I discovered that (like many NJ birders) I'd actually memorized verbatim great chunks of the first edition, and that I noticed every new word and every new turn of phrase in the revised accounts. If it is true that every obsession is at its base religious, then this book truly is the birder's bible.
The birder's bible: divine in inspiration, certainly, but here and there the mortal nature of its human author peeks through. As anyone who has ever written anything knows, it is even more difficult to revise than to write, and this revised edition has some flaws that were not apparent in the first. There are far more copy-editing errors this time around, and the index--more important than ever, given the new book's rather breathless layout--is not an infallible help (just try to find the main entry for Merrill Creek!). Compared to the enjoyably expansive style of the first edition, the new entries strike me as occasionally a bit too concise, a problem that might have been eased by simply eliminating even more of the old sections treating sites that, like the Institute Woods, now offer (in Boyle's words) "the mere shadow" of their former glory; valuable space is also sacrificed to a number of new full-page illustrations.
These things having been said, the book is still an outstanding example of the bird-finding guide. The maps seem to be largely up to date and accurate (Sussex County birders: are Rockport and Blackdirt marshes really the same place?), the annotated species list is even more useful than in the first edition, and the binding isn't likely to crackle and peel. It will take only weeks, I am sure, for New Jersey birders to start quoting this new Boyle, chapter and verse.
Great for all skill levels.......2002-04-29
This book is just as useful for seasoned birders as it is for the beginner, or the person new to New Jersey. Beginners will appreciate its review of New Jersey's best birding destinations; seasoned pros will enjoy the depth of the information and the amount of detail on nesting species and accounts of rarities.
For us locals, "Bird Finding" is great for those days when you want to hop in the car and travel to somewhere a little different, or if you want to explore a familiar destination a little more closely. The book offers detailed directions (although some of the exit numbers and streets have changed since its publication date), including which trail to follow, which tree to investigate, etc. Its accuracy is remarkable. It's clear Bill Boyle knows each location intimately and visits them often.
This is a must-have for any birder living in the state (and there are lots), and any vacationer planning to spend more than a weekend in New Jersey.
Absolutely indispensable for birding in New Jersey.......2001-01-26
Despite its small size and large population, New Jersey is one of the prime locations in North America for spotting birds. First, it holds a strategic position along the Atlantic flyway, which insures that a wide variety of migrating species pass through in both the spring and fall. Second, it has a wide variety of habitats within rather short distances of each other: seacoast, salt marshes, coastal plain, pine barrens, lakes, mountains, forests, etc.
By nearly any measure of interest to birders, such as typical number of species seen in an average year (over 330) and maximum found in a given day (over 250), New Jersey is surpassed only by California and Texas. A birder with average skill and energy can find over 100 species in a day during peak migration in May; the best teams of elite birders can find 200-230 on a day in May, and Bill Boyle has been a member of some of them.
The book is organized geographically, with each chapter devoted to a prime birding spot, and the chapters arranged by region. Most chapters have an excellent map, plus detailed text on how the birding differs by season, and on the relative scarcity or abundance of the various species found there. Driving directions are precise and easy to follow.
The only problem, and a growing one, is this: indispensable as this book is, it is now 15 years old, and showing its age. Roads have changed. Some birding areas have been lost to development. Others are simply no longer accessible. And birds change their habits: some old hot spots aren't so hot anymore, and new ones have arisen. This book cried out for a revised edition at least 5 years ago, but one does not seem to be in the works. No other book as comprehensive and as well-presented is available, so this is still the bible for NJ birders. Just be ready (a) to do some more homework before visiting any given site mentioned in this book or (b) risk some disappointment. All in all, I'd say that this book is still about 75% accurate.
great for finding out what's likely to be where.......1999-11-06
This book covers the vast majority (something like 80) of the popular bird watching sites in New jersey. It tells you what birds you are likely to see there and where the best places (and best times) are. It has lots of detail on rare birds. There is also a great section in the back that goes species by species and tells you where you are most likely to see them and how common they are in New Jersey. You still need a good field guide, but this is a great book for actually finding the birds in the area.
Product Description
Learn about and identify birds using Stan Tekiela's state-by-state field guides. The full-page, color photos are incomparable and include insets of winter plumage, color morphs and more. Plus, with the easy-to-use format, you don't need to know a bird's name or classification in order to easily find it in the book. Using this field guide is a real pleasure. It's a great way for anyone to learn about the birds in your state.
Customer Reviews:
Great, lots of info.......2007-08-23
Its a great little book, many of the birds featured in it i've seen in my yard. There's good info about each species.
Best little bird book.......2007-07-16
This book single handedly got me started bird watching, first learning about the birds at my feeders. Then at the beach, the park, even local shopping center parking lots. Great for everyone from beginners to experts. Plus I think Mr. Tekiela has put a book out on each state, I also bought his Birds of Wisconsin book because I have family there and frequently visit.
Must have For Bird Lovers.......2006-06-16
This book is great! I bought it for my children and I'm glad I did. I don't even have to find the birds for them. They can watch the feeders and flip to the color coded pages that matches the birds color. You can't get any easier than that!
Great layout for searching.......2003-01-06
I love how this book is laid out. My 3 year old can even flip through the color edges and search for a bird we have spotted outside. The females are represented if they differ from the males, as are the juveniles with their own pages and descriptions. The feeding, nesting and migrating habits are listed and detailed to how they fit in New Jersey. A great field guide for any birdlover - whether novice or expert!
Book Description
This attractive guide identifies the birds most likely to be seen in the backyards, streets and parks of New York. The book introduces the fascinating and popular pastime of birdwatching and include advice on building feeders and birdhouses. Color illustrations help you identify birds quickly while the text provides interesting information about each bird. These books are easy-to-use references for the urban birdwatcher.
Books:
- Birds and Light
- Birds of Cape Cod and the Islands
- Birds of Michigan Field Guide, Second Edition
- Birds of Michigan Field Guide, Second Edition
- Birds of Washington State
- Black Lamb and Grey Falcon (Penguin Classics)
- Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
- Bridge of Birds: A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was
- Bring Back the Buffalo!: A Sustainable Future for America's Great Plains
- Chickens Aren't the Only Ones (World of Nature Series)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Fear and Trembling
- A Pig in Provence: Good Food and Simple Pleasures in the South of France
- Where Trouble Sleeps
- Who's Who in Age of Alexander the Great: Prosopography of Alexander's Empire
- What Would Wally Do
- An Introduction to Systems Biology: Design Principles of Biological Circuits
- A Primer on Nonmarket Valuation
- Movers and Shakers: The 100 Most Influential Figures in Modern Business
- The Paradox of Progress: Can Americans Regain Their Confidence in a Prosperous Future
- Heroes of the Sas
New Jersey
| States
| United States
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Season at the Point: The Birds and Birders of Cape May
The Art of Pishing: How to Attract Birds by Mimicking Their Calls (Book & Audio CD)
The Shorebird Guide
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Fifth Edition (National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America)
A Guide to Bird Finding in New Jersey
