• John F Porter Jr → University Alabama Press 2001
This first birdfinding guide to Alabama will be an indispensable reference for the many birdwatchers and natural history enthusiasts living in or visiting the state.
According to the National Audubon Society, more than 54 million Americans name birdwatching as a favored activity, making it one of the country's most popular hobbies. In locating sites productive for the viewing of a diversity of bird species and numbers, birdwatchers rely on location guides such as this one, written by local experts who know firsthand the terrain, seasonal profile, and makeup of bird species in their areas.
Alabama plays host to a great number and variety of birds. The combination of its diverse natural habitats-from the Gulf coastline to Appalachian piedmont to the Tennessee River Valley-and its location in the eastern migratory flyway make it a wonderful place to observe birds in all seasons. Nearly 400 species have been positively identified in state records-almost half the total species recognized by the American Birding Association for the entire continental U.S.
With the publication of A Birder's Guide to Alabama, that amazing diversity has been made more accessible for the casual birder as well as the avid "life-lister." A first of its kind for Alabama, this guide covers the best birding spots throughout the state, dividing them into four distinct geographic sections. Each section is covered by expert birders from that region and includes a general description of the area, access, the "hot spots" for viewing, the species expected to be seen and when, and details on the closest accommodations. The guide includes over 50 maps, as well as line drawings and photographs of different bird species. Spiral-bound for convenience in the field, it also offers helpful bar charts describing the frequency and distribution for all the bird species recognized for Alabama.
This book will appeal to both novices and experienced birders, hikers, outdoorspeople, eco-tourists, and anyone interested in Alabama's rich biodiversity. Whether one hopes to witness the breathtaking "fall-out" of exhausted spring migrants on Dauphin Island following a coastal storm front or to gaze in awe from behind a blind at the massing of winter waterfowl at Joe Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, the user of A Birder's Guide to Alabama will find it a constantly referred-to source of information and a handy, practical field companion.
This book is by far the best resource for birding in Alaska. It is a must have for any Birdwatcher going to Alaska. The location coverage is very thorough and all the hotspots like Nome, Barrow and the Kenai Peninsula are covered in great depth. If you are familiar with the ABA or Lane Birdingwatching Guide Series, this book lives up to the legacy and is as good or better than any book in the series (which says a lot.)
Buy this well in advance of your trip. There is a lot of information to process and the hours on the plane will not do it.
There is some species by species information, but this is mostly a bird finding guide. If you are a birder headed for Alaska, be sure to get this book, but also make sure you have a good Field Guide. Personally, I recommend the Sibley Western Guide.
Only Arkansas birds! Easy-to-use color guide. See a yellow bird and don't know what it is? Go to the yellow section! Fact-filled, containing the information you want to know. Contains range maps showing where in Arkansas to find the birds in summer, winter, all year or during migration. Full-page photos with corresponding full-page descriptions. Stan's notes include naturalist information and interesting gee-whiz facts.
With Birding Illinois you can explore over 110 great birding locations throughout the state. Some of the Midwest's best birding occurs in the Prairie State, thanks to the rich variety of habitat that includes woodlands, wetlands, hills, sandstone canyons, savannas, prairies, cypress swamps, and sand dunes. You will also find good birding on the expansive Lake Michigan shoreline and along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Experience the rushing sound of thousands of American Golden-Plovers coursing across the sky or meet the yellow-eyed stare of an adult Bald Eagle looking over the Illinois River. The book includes detailed site maps and bar graphs showing status and distribution. Author Sheryl De Vore is an expert Illinois birder and serves as the Chief Editor of Meadowlark, the quarterly journal of the Illinois Ornithological Society. She knows the rich bird life in the state and where to observe it. Birding Illinois will prove invaluable when you plan your next birding trip.
This guide shows when, where and how to find and enjoy birds that migrate through Central and Western New York as well as ones that take up year-round residence. There are maps and directions for travel on foot, by canoe or kayak, by bicycle and even a few where you don't have to leave your car. In this guide, you will learn:  Why Central & Western NY is a prime birdwatching area  Where to go to find specific species of birds  When is the best time to look for certain species  Simple keys to bird identification  History of bird development and how it affects where you're likely to find them today  How to have fun outdoors with minimal environmental impact  Recommendations for selecting binoculars  Tips on photographing, video recording, and sound recording birds for added enjoyment  How to keep a personal birding log Birdwatching is a year-round activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. Join the flock with Birding in Central and Western New York.
Birding Maine presents well-known and not-so-well known sites, including many that have never appeared in any other publication. Birding Maine details how and when to bird each site, and gives aside and anecdotal information on nearby places of interest, as well as the nearest stores, restaurants and campsites.
Minnesota is 84,000 square miles of lakes, prairies, and forest-and home to 420 species of birds. Today, birders from all over the country are discovering what Minnesotans have known for years: The Land of Lakes is a year-round gold mine for bird watching. Birding Minnesota leads you to birds in all four of the state's biomes-Northern Boreal, Prairie, Southern Hardwood, and Northern Deciduous-plus a special section on birding the Twin Cities. Perfect for the novice and experienced birder alike, Birding Minnesota not only gets you to the hot spots, it also tells you when to go and how to find birds once you get there. Filled with detailed maps, current information on seasonal occurrences and abundance, eye-catching photos, and beautiful illustrations, Birding Minnesota promises to be the source for Minnesota birders for many years. Award-winning author Jay Michael Strangis is a lifelong birder and outdoorsman with a passionate knowledge of Minnesota and its birds. Strangis spices up the bird finding information with interesting historical and geological facts along with birding tips gained from years in the field.