1001 Secrets Every Birder Should Know: Tips and Trivia for the Backyard and Beyond

Does anyone know a single bird lover who is not a happy person -- or, if not happy, at least willing to suspend unhappiness long enough to look out the window and watch the birds. That person will be happily captivated by Stiteler's delightful exploration of the habits of birds and spot-on ideas for maximizing backyard experience with them. Replete with color photos, sidebars, and bullet points, this handy guide enlightens the reader on everything from nesting habits through bird "fidelity" to beaks: "Watch the birds at your feeder and their beaks will tell you a lot about what they eat," Stiteler writes. Speaking of feeders, the author lards her advice with ample doses of humor ("Ten Signs You Need to Cut Back (on feeding): #9. Migratory routes have shifted to pass over your yard.") If you're already avian-adept, this book will prove a lively romp; if you, like many others, are still figuring it out, the book will help raise your game and increase your happiness quotient. (May)