National Audubon Society Birder's Handbook - hardcover

A thorough and detailed guide to the art and science of birding for the novice and veteran alike. This invaluable guide includes over 280 photographs and 130 illustrations to explain the techniques and equipment of birding. Complete descriptions and invaluable tips on how to identify birds, locate and get close to them, record your observations, and organize and lead birding trips. Detailed information on essential tools for birding, including binoculars and scopes. This section is packed with tips on selecting, using, and caring for binoculars. Over 40 bird behaviors fully described and illustrated with color photos. This catalog will expand your knowledge of birds, helping you understand how they care for themselves and interact with their environment. All the details needed to select the right camera and recording equipment. A review of the most important technical aspects makes bird photography and bird song recording both enjoyable and worthwhile. A compendium of bird families to help identify birds and learn about the wide variety of North American species. Examples are taken from each of the bird families in North America -- over 80 in all. Each family is described in detail and includes a photo and silhouetted drawings. Full--color maps highlight some of the best places in North America for birding, including Audubon Centers, National Wildlife Refuges, and National Parks. Appendices give resources for birders, including Internet sites, books, periodicals, organizations, supply sources, and education programs., Geared to beginning birders, the Handbook includes useful advice about selecting binoculars, looking for identification markings, even sketching birds. The presentation follows the usual Dorling Kindersley format: lots of annotated color photographs and illustrations; straightforward text penned by a recognized expert; and helpful appendices on related topics like birdwatching ethics, building a reference library, birding organizations, and taxonomy. A chapter on "Birding Hot Spots" provides maps and locations of particularly rich birding regions throughout North America, while those with a burgeoning interest will appreciate an overview on photographing and recording birds. This is not an ID guide (try National Geographic's Field Guide to the Birds of North America for that), and it's not meant to be carried in the field, but for a would-be birder looking to get started it's a fine primer.