Rob Hume

A Field Guide to Backyard Birds of North America by Rob Hume is a wonderful resource for those who aren't dedicated birdwatchers (yet) and simply want to identify and track the birds that visit their yard.

The background information on birds in general is a great overview and includes basic biology, behaviors and life cycle information, as well as how to create a more inviting backyard for them. This is followed by descriptions and drawings of the most common backyard birds in North America. Then there are blank log sheets for you to keep track of what you see and when. While this information certainly applies outside the confines of someone's yard, this isn't really made for those who go out and seek the less common species. The hope, no doubt, is that at least some readers will take up birdwatching as a hobby, but if one just wants to know who their visitors are, this is the book for you.

Highly recommended for those who just want to be able to identify the birds they commonly see and perhaps attract more birds to their yard. Also, those who are thinking about it as a hobby but want to start with where they are now, this can be a nice introduction, though more in piquing your interest rather than preparing you to go traipsing through the woods and fields.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (more)