WASHINGTON (March 15, 2013)—National Geographic, a leading authority on birding, is publishing a handy, easy-to-use pocket guide to 160 of the most common and iconic North American bird species this spring.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC POCKET GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA (National Geographic Books; ISBN 978-1-4262-1044-0; on-sale date: April 2, 2013; $12.95 paperback), by best-selling birding authors Jonathan Alderfer and Laura Erickson, is geared toward beginners as well as more experienced bird watchers.
The book is a sampler of the rich array of North American birds. From the tiny tufted titmouse and house wren to the majestic great blue heron and bald eagle, the book covers the top species from coast to coast. For easy identification, each bird is presented in a full-color-page spread, with photographs, illustrations and a description of the bird, its typical behavior and its range. Also included for every bird are its voice, habitat and food. A fun readable snapshot of what makes the bird so interesting completes each portrait. A convenient color Visual Index located inside the front cover helps guide users to the right page.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC POCKET GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA also provides tips on the best binoculars to buy, the basics of bird identification, and opportunities to broaden one’s bird watching experiences and expertise.
Youngsters can also get in on the birding action this spring with NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS BIRD GUIDE OF NORTH AMERICA (National Geographic Children’s Books; ISBN 978-1-4263-1094-2; on-sale date: March 12, 2013; $15.95 paperback). Written by Jonathan Alderfer, it speaks directly to children about the captivating winged world beyond their windows. A perfect gift for children and grandchildren of birders, this kid-friendly guide provides engaging photography, fun facts that kids love, habitat snapshots and interactive birding activities and crafts.
Affordable and lightweight enough to carry on any outing, these two newest additions to National Geographic’s comprehensive library of birding books and field guides are a perfect way for the whole family to discover the joys of bird-watching and explore the continent’s amazing bird life.
About the Authors
Jonathan Alderfer is National Geographic’s resident bird expert. He has written or edited numerous bird books for National Geographic, most recently “Backyard Guide to the Birds of North America” and “Bird-watcher’s Bible.” Also an artist, he has contributed paintings to “National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America” and co-authored its sixth edition in 2011.
Laura Erickson has authored six books about birds — including “Sharing the Wonder of Birds with Kids, winner of the National Outdoor Book Award — writes for birding magazines and blogs for the American Birding Association. Her long-running radio program, “For the Birds,” airs on public and community radio stations.