Birder’s Conservation Handbook

100 North American Birds at Risk

National Wildlife Federation

Field Guide to Birds of North America

By Edward S. Brinkley

Princeton Field Guides - Albatrosses, Petrels & Shearwaters of the World

Shorebirds of North America

Shorebirds are amazing animals - some species are capable of the longest migrations of the world's vertebrates. The wetlands and mudflats of North America host many species of shorebirds that stop to refuel on their long migratory flights to and from their breeding and wintering grounds. Shorebirds of North America – The Photographic Guide by Dennis Paulson and published by Princeton University Press is a superlative guide to these wonderful creatures. Packed with beautiful and vivid color photographs of each species, Paulson's book is an irresistible guide for anyone interested in these animals. The photographs are carefully selected to be helpful in aiding accurate identification of birds which are often very similar in appearance. His book offers detailed descriptions of size, plumage details, flight patterns, voice, behaviour, habitat and range. These descriptions are very useful but what makes this book stand out is the over 500 photos – with about 10 photos per species covering adult and juveniles and different plumages. Shorebirds of North America – The Photographic Guide by Dennis Paulson and published by Princeton University Press is the best reference on shorebirds on the market today and a 'must have' addition to any birders library.

One of the challenges for birdwatchers, expert and novice alike, is the accurate identification of gulls throughout their stages of maturity. These wonderful birds display a regal beauty that is often taken for granted.  ‘Gulls of North America, Europe and Asia by Klaus Malling Olsen and Hans Larsson and published by Princeton University Press is an amazing book on these creatures. Every so often a book will come along that fills a niche so brilliantly that it becomes an unparalleled asset to own. The different gull species descriptions are perfectly complete and accurately thorough. This incredible reference offers many side by side comparison plates as well as individual accounts of 43 species of gull. Each account offers 2 different color plates, beautifully illustrated by Larsson, one standing of each plumage variation as well as one in flight.  The species accounts include measurements of wing, bill and tarsus and 3 full pages of color photos. This book is a tremendous effort. Few species guides come remotely close to achieving the effort of Gulls of North America, Europe and Asia by Klaus Malling Olsen and Hans Larsson; it sets an incredibly high standard of quality and will make a proud inclusion to any natural history library.

Bird Field Guides

Compact Guide to

British Columbia Birds

Published by Lone Pine Publishing

Birdwatching is the most popular outdoor activity in the world. It offers the thrill of the hunt, stalking your quarry among many neighborhood fields, parks and forests. One of the most challenging tasks to novice birdwatchers is correct identification of the local species found on such outings and so access to clear and concise field guides are a necessity. The Compact Guide to British Columbia Birds published by Lone Pine Publishing is an excellent resource for those new to birding. Featuring 83 species common to B.C., British Columbia Birds is a handy guide that slips easily into ones jacket or backpack. Each of the species is featured on 2 pages with brilliantly accurate color illustrations and range maps, habitat and voice descriptions, nesting and egg information as well as comparisons to similar birds. British Columbia Birds also features interesting notes on each species as well as distinctive things to look for when trying field identification. The Compact Guide to British Columbia Birds makes an excellent first guide for children and the only draw back with this guide is that it only describes 83 of the almost 500 bird species found in British Columbia. The fantastic layout, graphics and information provided for each species leaves the avid birder wanting more. The Compact Guide to British Columbia Birds published by Lone Pine Publishing is an excellent guide for children and novice birders and a handy addition to any natural history library.

Hawks From Every Angle – How to Identify Raptors in Flight

By Jerry Liguori

Published by Princeton University Press

The  sight of a raptor circling overhead, riding the thermals high above you is an impressive sight and instant thrill for any nature lover and bird watcher. Identifying these raptors from below can be incredibly difficult and sometimes impossible to do. Hawks From Every Angle – How to Identify Raptors in Flight by Jerry Liguori and published by Princeton University Press is an excellent asset in identifying birds of prey from any distance.  The uniqueness of this book is that it looks at identifying North American raptors in flight from every angle. This is accomplished by providing vivid color photos of each bird in flight, from the front, back, side, above and below. These photos are accompanied by pages of descriptive text with details on plumage, flight patterns, migration. Hawks From Every Angle – How to Identify Raptors in Flight by Jerry Liguori and published by Princeton University Press is an brilliantly researched guide and a must have addition to any bird watchers library.

Nests, Eggs and Nestlings of North American Birds

by Paul J.Baicich and Colin J.O. Harrison

 Published by Princeton University Press

Birdwatchers are intent and curious animals. They have their binoculars and scopes peeled for any movement, swung in the direction of any call as the climb, hike and travel across all lands. Most are quick experts on the species they watch being able to discern the subtle differences among gulls, shorebirds and raptors. However, one are that is often of difficulty is nests, eggs and nestlings when no adult is present. The many subtle differences can be quite puzzling and confusing. Nests, Eggs and Nestlings of North American Birds by Paul J.Baicich and Colin J.O. Harrison and published by Princeton University Press is a great asset in trying to identify such creatures. With many exquisitely detailed illustrations and descriptions of 670 species of North American birds this volume is an impressive effort. The only fault I could find is that each bird is not completely covered, there are many nestling illustrations but not all the species are illustrated. A minor nit, one caused by the brilliance of how the species are featured. However this is an exceptional volume of work. Nests, Eggs and Nestlings of North American Birds by Paul J.Baicich and Colin J.O. Harrison and published by Princeton University Press is a must have for the serious birdwatcher.

Birds of Southeast Asia

by Craig Robson

Published by Princeton University Press

Avid birders are keen to search out new and exciting species wherever they may travel and a handy bird guide featuring local species is a necessity for them. Birds of Southeast Asia by Craig Robson and published by Princeton University Press is an excellent guide for trips to the far east. This guide offers complete coverage of the birds of Thailand, Malaysia, Singpore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. With over 100 fantastically illustrated color plates covering 1270 species, Robson’s book is an irresistible guide that slips easily into a travelers backpack. The images are accompanied by detailed descriptions of size, plumage details for each sex and juvenile, voice,, habitat and range. These descriptions are very useful – short and concise. Birds of Southeast Asia by Craig Robson and published by Princeton University Press is a handy reference to Southeast Asian birds and a 'must have' addition to any birdwatchers traveling library.

A guide to common freshwater invertebrates of North America By J. Reese Voshell, Jr. and illustrated by Amy Bartlett Wright.