Learning Through Literature about Birds

Birds are warm-blooded vertebrates and their covering of feathers is the one characteristic that distinguishes them from all other animals. Birds have a four-chambered heart; forelimbs modified into wings; a calcareous-shelled egg; and keen vision, the major sense relied upon by birds for information about their environment. My Happy Homeschool recommends learning through literature about birds with the following books –

 

What’s that Bird? by DK Publishing is perfect for beginning birders. It is an indispensable pocket guide that includes full-color photographs and illustrations of more than 150 common birds, and instructs bird watchers how to identify different birds and how to tell them apart.

 

National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Birds of North America by Jonathan Alderfer is essential for the millions of Americans who watch and feed birds in their backyards – whether experienced birders or new birding enthusiasts. No matter where you live, this handy guide will quench your curiosity about the feathered creatures in your midst. It features 150 of the most common and interesting birds likely to be observed at backyard feeders, nesting nearby or just migrating through. An indispensable visual index of all 150 species appears on the inside front and back laminated covers, making identification a snap. Beginning with Backyard Basics, an easy-to-follow, richly illustrated presentation on observing and identifying birds – with tips on attracting and feeding your favorite birds, birdhouses, and bird-friendly landscapes to entice nesting – the book is full of National Geographic’s iconic field guide images and maps.

 

National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Birds of North America by Edward S. Brinkley is the most up-to-date, all-photographic field guide to North American birds. Birders will find it indispensable: this single, portable volume features more than 750 species, along with more than 2,000 stunning images by leading nature photographers showing birds in their natural habitats. Captions highlight important field marks, and comprehensive species accounts describe habitats, behavior, flight, migration, songs, and plumages. Other features include: more than 600 maps showing bird distribution in every season; strategies for watching and identifying birds; a complete species index plus a quick-flip index; a glossary of terms; and a checklist of birds. The guide’s unique waterproof cover makes it especially valuable for use in the field.

Happy Homeschooling!