For the Birds - A Month-by-Month Guide to Attracting Birds to Your Backyard is the first book by three sisters, Anne and Mary Schmauss and Geni Krolick, who also happen to own Wild Birds Unlimited shops in New Mexico. New Mexico is thousands of miles from upstate New York, so I was interested on how their book would play for birdfeeders in the northeast.
Fortunately, the authors hail from northern Illinois and have fed birds in Minnesota and Missouri as well. This broad exposure has helped them write a book that is as useful in New York as it is in New Mexico. Though the book contains some minor discrepancies in timing for us in the northeast, the book will be useful to birdfeeding hobbyists all across the country.
For the Birds starts with a Basics section that reviews the four essential elements to hosting birds and other wildlife in our yards: Food, Water, Nesting, and Habitat. It presents a good overview of the different foods and types of feeders available, how to present water, nesting and nest box basics, and guidelines to provide a suitable habitat.
The book then proceeds with a monthly discussion of:
- What birds to look for
- What food to offer including seeds, suet, mealworms, fruit, and nectar
- Water needs and options
- Nesting activities and needs
- Habitat reminders
- Quick tips
- "Sisters' Tips", fun reminders from each of the 3 authors
- Kids Projects (a great way to get kids interested in the hobby!)
- Notes Section (good for tracking the comings and goings in your yard over the years)
This systematic approach to attracting birds serves as a reminder of the need for food, water, nesting, and suitable habitat every month of the calendar year. The book does an excellent job of addressing not only WHAT to offer, but HOW to offer it, WHEN to do it, WHAT NOT to do, and what to expect.
The advice will help beginners get started, know what to expect, and how to maintain their backyard bird habitat month by month. Experienced birdfeeders will find tips on how to attract non-seed eating birds such as robins (with water), creepers (with suet), and buntings (with millet) as well as how to fine-tune their birdfeeding stations to attract some of the more finicky birds like orioles.
The book concludes with a Troubleshooting section that addresses common problems such as squirrels, messy seed, and rodents, as well as a disclaimer that essentially reminds me of a lesson in zen acceptance: nature happens.
The book is visually pleasing, with a large, square format and flat paper stock that shows off the wonderful photography well.
I'd recommend reading the book from start to finish initially, but to also keep the book handy to re-read each month's section as you attract birds throughout the year.
Follow just one suggestion each month from For the Birds and I think you will be able to continually enhance your enjoyment of this great hobby. For the Birds has something for everyone, especially the birds!
For the Birds - A Month-by-Month Guide to Attracting Birds to Your Backyard
by Anne Schmauss, Mary Schmauss, and Geni Krolick
Published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang 2008
ISBN 978-1-58479-717-3
$19.95
Available at WBU-Saratoga Springs
Recent Comments