National Geographic Birding Basics: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Great Bird-watching by Noah Strycker

National Geographic Birding Basics: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Great Bird-watching Reviews

• 
  Sandy

  This is a good basic book. It provides a good starting point to bird watching as it doesn’t give you too much information but gives a lot of different information to get someone started. There was a lot of different topics, some topics that I haven’t even thought about or cared about but I read through them and I can see why they were included in here. This book is very thorough which is too be expected from National Geographic.
  
  As I have said before, there are a lot of topics covered in this book. Every two-page spread covers a topic and with 239 pages, you have many subjects to read about. On these two-page spreads, you might find some Fun Facts, ID Tips (how to identity tricky birds), or some Try This ideas (ideas for you to try to actually put that two-page spreads topic into reality). There is also an Introduction, Glossary, an Index, some acknowledgements and some information about the author in the back. Throughout the book, you’ll find some two-page spreads scattered about that are titled “In the Field with Noah.” These pages feature Noah’s own pictures with captions of actual footage he has captured out in the field.
  
  I did find some interesting topics while reading this book and I did find myself frustrated, as I wanted more information on a topic but the book was just the basics. I realize I will have to research those topics further, hopefully in another National Geographic book to find more information. I do think this would be a good starting point for someone who thinks they like birds. There is a lot of think about and look at when thinking about birds.
  
  The book talks about 15 terms that they recommend you learn to identify birds, I thought that was interesting. They mention the website BirdCast which uses radar to show the migration forecasts of birds and I think that this would be cool to check out. I know that squirrels hate chili pepper so you can put that in your bird feeder to keep squirrels out but now I know that it’s the capsaicin in the chili powder that the birds can’t taste. I liked the Pronouncing Bird Names pages. The book also mentioned the Merlin Bird ID app that you can download for free to help identify birds, I need to check into that one. I think my grandkids will also like to use that one. There are a few sections devoted to eBird, a free website that helps you track your own bird sightings. The book also lists other websites that might be helpful. See, I told you there was a lot of fun interesting information in this book. One more little piece of information: “ when you see an unfamiliar bird, keep it in view as long as possible and make conscious observations of its characteristics.” Then, before looking it up in a book, write down what you saw. Well, I don’t do that. I grab the book and start looking up the bird as I’m watching it. I’m going to have to change that. As I find myself confused and just like the book says, “it’s easy to see an illustration and suddenly “remember” something you never really noticed.”
  
  The illustrations/pictures are beautiful. Most of the pictures are photos but there are some drawings and models of birds with the different parts of the bird labeled. The realistic photos provide great detail and I think they definitely add to the book.
  This is another excellent resource book from National Geographic but just remember, it’s just the basics. It’ll get you started and, on your way, to bird watching. 5 stars.
  
  15 terms to identify birds: Crown, nape, supercilium, lore, auricular, malar, eye ring, wing bar, primaries, secondaries, tertials, rump, undertail coverts, rectrices, and flanks
  
• 
  Stephanie

  National Geographic Birding Basics offers an inclusive primer for any budding bird enthusiast or anyone looking to improve their birding knowledge and practice. Birding Basics strives to give you the toolkit needed to get out and appreciate the birds that surround you everyday. This book is a series of easy to read, one-page descriptions beginning at what a birder is and why you should bird, moving to choosing equipment, bird basics, recording your observations, apps to use and birding hotspots. Some sections that I felt were particularly helpful were how to use field guides, popular apps, birding ethics and observation techniques. With a focus of accessibility, fun and finding wonder where we are, Birding Basics welcomes everyone to participate in birding.
  
  This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
• 
  Patty

  I love to watch and feed the birds. Having guidebooks on hand to help me identify the visitors is vital to my learning what birds are joining the fray and can sometimes show when ranges are extending; like when a blue jay showed up at my feeders in Montana!
  
  This is a basic guidebook and perfect for the beginning birder in your life. It offers a breakdown of the various backyard birds and how to identify them as they drop into your yard or the trees in the neighborhood.
  
  Since it’s from National Geographic you will find a lot of bright, beautiful photographs of the birds being featured so as to make identifying them easier. I loved living in Montana as it did afford me the opportunity to see a lot of magnificent birds, like this bald eagle the would regularly sit in the tree on our lot watching the river for a fishing opportunity.
  
  Now that I live in a city my birdwatching is more of the sparrow and cardinal variety but I am not complaining. I love hearing their happy chirps as they visit my feeder and with my guidebook I can easily identify and birds that are new to me. I keep it handy so I can learn as I watch. It would make a great gift for the new birder in your life.
• 
  Melissa

  As with all books published under the National Geographic imprint, Birding Basics is a beautiful book with full-color photographs throughout. It could easily be a coffee table book, but it's soft cover makes it a book that can more easily be used in the field. It is not a field guide, but a primer on birdwatching - where to start, what gear is essential or non-essential but nifty to have, and when the best birding is for various regions.
  
  What I really appreciated was that this book included some useful tips on how to use actual field guides, and even recommended birding apps.
  
  The language is accessible enough for readers of most ages, and I could easily see this book being at the center of family outings.
  
  Goes well with: bottled water and trail mix.
• 
  Leona

  This is a wonderful book full of information and beautiful pictures. A great book to give as a gift to a young family so the children can begin a lifelong learning of nature. Good for all ages. Keep it on the coffee table or on a book shelf where it can be read easily.
  National Geographic always publishes great reads. The author, Noah Strycker, has written a special book about birds.
  Chapter One- Getting Started
  Chapter Two- Diversity of Birds
  Chapterb Three- How to Identify Birds
  Chapter Four- Understanding Birds
  Chapter Five- Field Craft
  Chapter Six- Birding At Home
  Chapter Seven- Go Farther
  A 5 star rating.
• 
  H

  Very good book about birding and how-to. Has asides with fun tips and facts - including that the American Robin, that bird that seems to be everywhere is a type of thrush! What will it reveal when it knocks three times?