Bird watching for dummies

Foreword

Introduction

Part 1: Watching birds

a natural habit. Birds and the people who love them

Tools that take you up close and personal

Identifying birds ("If it walks like a duck . . .")

Taxonomy and nomenclature

Watching bird behavior

Bird sounds : news and entertainment

Part 2: Backyard bird watching. Making a bird-friendly yard

Bird feeding : the start of it all

Gardening for the bird

Part 3: Bird sighting 101: using your tools. Binoculars and how to use them

Choosing and using field guides

Writing it down

Part 4: Beyond the backyard. Migration : when birds and birders get moving

Taking a field trip

Birding by habitat

Birding hotspots

Birding tours : on site with a pro

Festivals and other events

Part 5: Once you're hooked. Birding that makes a difference

Bird photography

Advanced bird ID

Part 6: The part of tens. Ten ways to help save birds

Ten frequently asked questions about birds.