National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Fifth Edition

Beautifully illustrated, nicely organized and a good start information-wise with an impressive range covered of birds of North America.

This is a great book - it was sent immediately and received as a gift by the person I designated and he was thrilled.

A high quality update and an excellent compliment to National Audubon Society's The Sibley Guide to Birds (of North America) by David Allen Sibley.

As long as I can remember, I've had a bird guide in my home. There seems to be opportunities all year to spot birds on the feeders in the back yard and look them up to learn more about them. My kids just love looking them up and recognizing them by name. My guide was so well used and getting out of date, I search for a replacement. I'm well satisfied with this guide, especially the color. This guide is also easy to use and locate birds we see all the time.

I have purchased this book several times. I keep leaving it outside, then give it away when it's been wet. I would love to have a bigger, hard bound copy, but I would probably leave that out too. I have another guide, but for the life of me can't figure out how the map works. This map is clearly explained right away. The illustrations are beautiful. My recommendation is to buy 2 copies so you won't get too upset when you leave one outside overnight.