If you’re in the market for a photographic birding guide, check out the new guides from Lillian and Don Stokes.
- The New Stokes Field Guide to Birds: Western Region (on Amazon)
- The New Stokes Field Guide to Birds: Eastern Region (on Amazon)
I have The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America put out a few years ago. I like it a lot, although I was slightly disappointed that those photos aren’t nearly as dramatic as photos you’ll see on the Stokes blog. That may be different in the new guides. Be aware that there is an older version of the Western guide you don’t want — get the 2013 versions. peace, mjh
To see the quality of Lillian Stokes’ photos, start by looking at the photos at the following link:
STOKES BIRDING BLOG: Swallow-tailed Kites have returned!
Then, check out:
Birding Is Fun!: The 10 Most Beautiful Birds
Finally, see the very detailed review of the books at the following link.
I think these field guides will be a valuable asset to many birders’ field kits and libraries, especially if they have not yet invested in a photographic guide. Beginning and intermediate birders will find the abundance of clear, well-printed photographs of male and female birds, juvenile and adult, perched and flying, extremely helpful in the field, and the emphasis on shape a good teaching tool….