Attracting Birds To Your Backyard-A Review

I found this book in the mountain of donations at our book sale. I'm sure it would have sold quickly but I was there first. Fortunately we had a money jar for just such a situation. Such are the perks, and perils, of book sorting.

Attracting Birds To Your Backyard by Sally Roth. Illustrations by Randy Hamblin and Maureen Logan.

This book is packed with information.

A sample of what you get:

A to Z format

Clear, practical instructions

Beautiful illustrations

Common North American birds and

Trees, flowers, shrubs and grasses that attract them

and how to grow them

Habitat

Behaviour

Nesting preferences

Food

Songs and calls

Cats

Mud

Worms

Identification

Quirks: I was expecting the information to be organised by type of bird but it is strictly alphabetical, for example under B you will find headings for Banding, Bee Balm, Behaviour, Binoculars, Birdseed Gardens,  Blackbirds, Bluebirds, Brambles...as you can see a wide scope. Fortunately there is a good index and it allows for several ways of using the book based on your interests.

Talking of the index, the one thing I would have liked, was an listing for the Lists. There are several in the book, such as Best Berry Plants and Shrubs For Birds which are a quick and comprehensive guide-quick, that is, once you find them. Almost, but not all, of the birds have their range in their description. I suggest having a bird book handy for the exceptions.

Sally Roth is a naturalist, gardener and best selling author. Her style is conversational, lively and down to earth. The book is informative and entertaining. I am finding it very useful for planning.

This review is for Holley's final garden book meme. I'm sad it is coming to an end. I've found some wonderful books and bloggers through it.

A cautionary tale

I almost went out in a literal blaze of glory for Holley's last book review. Since the weather turned cold I have been trying to provide Finnegan, our inherited outside cat, with a warm spot. Not much success so far. Today I put an old towel in the oven to warm up, I planned to put it by the back door where Finny sometimes curls up. I got writing and forgot all about it. Hubby found it, on the verge of ignition. Someone is being holier than though. I guess it's the 'home" for me.