Backyard Birding for Kids: An Introduction to Ornithology

(Paperback)

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Description

With bird facts, an identification guide, and how-to instructions, this is a perfect childrens introduction to bird-watching.

Youve seen birds in your backyard or at the local park. Now become a young ornithologist. Learn all about the scientific study of birds. Author, birder, and outdoors researcher Erika Zambello presents a kids introduction to birding. The childrens book, ideal for early and middle-grade readers, conveys fascinating information for beginners. Kids gain an understanding of such topics as bird anatomy, life cycle, and habitat.

From there, readers are introduced to 60 different species of important birds to know. With chickadees, hummingbirds, owls, woodpeckers, and more, the field guide section serves as an identification aid and offers information about when to look, where to look, and what to look for.

A how-to section provides advice to help children get started birdingwith practical tips on attracting birds to their yards. There are also fun activities for the entire family to enjoy, a wonderful way to turn birding into a shared hobby. The activities range from simple, like leaving out nesting materials, to advanced, such as planting a bird- and pollinator-friendly garden.

Inside Youll Find

• how-to section, including details on getting started
• The basics of ornithology
• Identification guide to common and important birds to know
• Bird-related activities that the entire family can enjoy

Reviews

Highly Recommended
This compact introduction to ornithology for young birders provides a quality overview of North American birds. Stunning photographs and informative diagrams accompany small segments of information that provide a quality overview of the birds, their life cycles, habitats, conservation status, migration routes, and other useful facts. A quick glance at the frequent headings makes the organization of information easy to follow and allows readers to find answers to their questions easily. The bulk of the text is comprised of color-coded bird categories with thoughtful and succinct descriptions that include when youll see them, where youll see them, what to look for, and whether or not theyll come to a feeder. The final section will draw in any reader, no matter their age, with projects and activities that are not only fun, but which can help birds to thrive. A nice addition is a four-page spread which names and provides an image of each of the 50 state birds. Rounding out the text is a recommended reading list, a glossary, a birding journal, and information about the author. This book will appeal to anyone who picks it up because of its beautiful photos, thoughtful and concise descriptions, and ease of use.
Susan Anderson, Librarian, School Library Connection

Author Bio

From her home base in North Florida, Erika Zambello has explored hundreds of ecological research sites, estuarine research reserves, national parks, state parks, and national wildlife refuges across the Southeast and around the country. She is a National Geographic Young Explorer and serves on the board of the National Parks Traveler. She holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Management from the Duke Nicholas School of the Environment (where she specialized in Ecosystem Science and Conservation) and a Masters Degree in Strategic Communication from the University of West Florida. As a writer, her work has been featured in National Geographic Adventure, National Geographic Voices, Backpacker, Florida Sportsman, and more.