Sibley's Birding Basics

<b>From the renowned author of the <i>New York Times</i> best seller <i>The Sibley Guide to Birds </i>a comprehensive beautifully illustrated guide to identifying birds in the field. <i>Sibley's Birding Basics</i> is an essential companion for birders of all skill and experience levels.</b> <p/>With Sibley as your guide learn how to interpret what the feathers the anatomical structure the sounds of a bird tell you. When you know the clues that show you why there's no such thing as for example just a duck birding will be more fun and more meaningful. An essential addition to the Sibley shelf!<i> <p/>The Sibley Guide to Birds</i> and <i>The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior</i> are both universally acclaimed as the new standard source of species information. And now David Sibley America's premier birder and best-known bird artist turns his attention to the general characteristics that influence the appearance of all birds unlocking the clues to their identity. <p/>In 200 beautifully rendered illustrations and 16 essays this scientifically precise volume distills the essence of Sibley's own experience and skills providing a solid introduction to naming the birds. <i>Birding Basics</i> reviews how one can get started as a birder--the equipment necessary where and when to go birding and perhaps most important the essential things to look for when birds appear in the field--as well as the basic concepts of bird identification and the variations that can change the appearance of a bird over time or in different settings. Sibley also provides critical information on the aspects of avian life that differ from species to species: feathers (color arrangement shape molt) behavior and habitat and sounds.