Recently, a tweet circulated about how, as you get older, becoming a birdwatcher takes over you. I felt that so much. As a young child growing up in the woods of Maine, there were birds everywhere. And even though I was aware of it and could identify several of them, I didn’t really pay attention to them. But everything changed when the pandemic started. I got really invested in creating a great space for the birds in our garden, complete with feeders, plants and a birdbath. And it paid off! I was rewarded with nearly two dozen different bird species to watch. And I also learned that I was not alone – many people started birdwatching during the pandemic. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best birding books!
Bird watching is an amazing activity for many reasons. You can see beautiful creatures, and sometimes even solve a mystery, when you don’t know what kind of bird is at your feeder. (One of my Internet searches: “Maine Chickadee with a yellow ass.” It was a yellow-rumped warbler.) And sitting and observing nature is great for your mind and body. As someone who can’t sit still for mediation or yoga, I was surprised how long I could sit in one spot without moving for bird watching. It has always lowered my resting heart rate. So if you want to start birding, are looking for inspiration, or even just love looking at cute pictures of birds, these great birding books will do the trick.
Before we dive in, it’s worth pointing out that birdwatching lacks diversity and has a habit of naming things after slavers, supremacists, and the like. You can read these excellent articles Racism in birdwatching, The Black Birders speak out against racismand The racist legacy that many birds carry to learn more. See also Birdwatching for All: Encouraging People of Color to Become Birdwatchers by John C.Robinson.
This is a book for those who love birds by Danielle Belleny, Stephanie Singleton (Illustrator)
Bellany is a wildlife biologist and birdwatcher, and co-organizer of Black Birders Week. (And his Twitter name is LeVar Birdin!!) This book gives you the basics on what you need to start watching our feathered friends, and also offers tips that even seasoned birders can use.
Bird, new edition (definitive visual guides) by DK
I had to include this book because DK books are always the most visually stunning, and this one is no exception. It is filled with beautiful, brilliant images of over 1,400 colorful birds from around the world. And he weighs as much as a great horned owl. (Almost six books.) This is one of the most incredible books in my collection. Yes, you can search the internet for any bird now, but there’s something magical about holding that big tome in your hands.
Field Notes from a Bird Watcher: A Memoir by Julia Zarankin
Part birding book, part memoir, it’s a wonderful look at someone who became a birdwatcher as he was heading into middle age. At 35, Zarankin had just divorced and was stressed out about her job. So she decided she needed a hobby. His decision to take up birdwatching changed his life. Not only was it a satisfying way to pass time, but she realized she had a lot more in common with birds than she thought.
Life List: One Woman’s Quest for the World’s Most Amazing Birds by Olivia Gentile
This is an inspiring and moving biography of an avid birdwatcher. Phoebe Snetsinger was almost 50 when the doctor told her she had less than a year to live. As a bird lover, she decided to spend this time checking out birds from around the world on her bird bucket list. Snetsinger’s doctors were wrong and she lived another 18 years, during which time she saw more different species of birds than anyone in history.
The Feather Thing: The Surprising Lives of Birds and What They Reveal About Humans by Noah Strycker
You’ve probably heard of the intelligence of crows and seen a parrot talking like a human at some point. But you might be amazed at how smart most birds really are. Many are capable of imitation and have great curiosity and intelligence for the world around them. Strycker discusses what humans and birds have in common, and also how our intelligences are very different.
Birding in North America for Beginners: Field Notes on 150 Species to Start Your Birding Adventures by Sharon Stiteler
You can find great bird guides specific to your country, region of the country, or even a specific state. But for people who are new to birdwatching, it’s a great starting point, either for yourself or as a gift. It features many birds common to most of North America. It’s a wonderful starting point for people who want to start spending more time watching our winged friends.
Feed the Birds: Attract and Identify 196 Common North American Birds by Chris Earley
This spring, I found out that my neighbors had Baltimore orioles (the birds, not the sports team) in their yard, and I didn’t. What was it about my feeders that kept the orioles from traveling another 50 feet to my yard??! It turns out that orioles, like many other bird species, have very specific types of things that they like to eat. Once I learned that, I pulled out a glass full of grape jelly and halved oranges, and the orioles became a daily visitor to my yard the rest of their season. This guide will help you find the specific items you need to attract the birds you are looking for!
If you are eager to learn more about bird watching, I also want to point out an excellent book of chapters, mountain cup by Meera Lee Sethi. It’s no longer available in print, but if you ever find a copy, it’s a great read. And for more bird book fun, here’s 10 Great Bird Books.
