The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America

Sibley is masterful, who knew so much could be crammed into tiny beautifully crafted water colors. These East and West editions are an improvement on his wonderful earlier work. Highly recommended as the go-to guide for bird ID.

I grew up relying on the Peterson Guide to Western Books but there are limitations. When I came back to birding last year, I heard this book recommended and wow. It's wonderful! There are definitely birds I am better able to identify with this book than with the Peterson. I like that the maps are on the same page as the information. There are more views of each bird. It's fantastic!

The Sibley guides are my current favorite for North American birds; I've been using this guide in the field.

I use this beautiful and accurate book along with the guide to eastern birds in the Midwest for a complete reference.