My Granddaughter is just as enthusiastic as I am about birding. During our most recent week long stay in La Jolla, she invited me to go birding with her. I try to identify birds first by sight, then if they do not fly away, with binoculars to jot down details in my field notebook and afterwards, by going online to ascertain the bird species.
In contrast, my granddaughter carried a copy of the compact, but rather heavy Sibley Birds West: Field Guide to Birds of Western North America. She has more or less memorized common birds seen around her neighborhood.
Without hesitation, her slender fingers quickly flipped to the correct pages for sparrows, flycatchers or hummingbirds. As she intently studies the pages, she excitedly called out, “That is a House Sparrow” “Anna’s hummingbird!" Birding truly is a wonderful way to appreciate nature, learn to discern minute details but most of all to enjoy outdoor activities with my granddaughter.
David Allen Sibley is an American Ornithologist, author and outstanding illustrator. His books are recommended by serious birders as they are easy to use even for beginners. Sibley Bird West field guide features 715 bird species, plus regional populations, found west of the Rocky Mountains. 5,046 illustrations in all with descriptive captions pointing out the most important field marks.
Here is a Wikipedia link to the author David Allen Sibley and his works. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/
Aloha -- Cathi
