Common Birds of Atlanta

by Jim Wilson

Common Birds of Atlanta presents birds you are likely to see as a casual bird watcher. Unlike most bird books, this is easy to use, fully illustrated, and arranges birds by SIZE for easy reference. It is tailered to the Atlanta area, but also includes most birds found in George and the entire Southeast. The photographs show birds as you are most likely to see them - in your own trees and grass. Their distinctive markings are pointed out. Besides simply describing the birds to you, this book also introduces other facts, terms, and ideas of general interest to a backyard bird watcher. The authors are well accomplished bird watchers, active with many conservation and orinthology groups.

58 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Jim Wilson could have simply dismissed himself as a competent piano tuner-technician, even an exceptional one. But he was and is so much more, and it took the sudden death of a dear friend and the encouragement of a legendary singer/songwriter to prove it to him.

From a broken home in Amarillo, Texas to a multi-award-winning recording artist, Jim Wilson’s journey is a captivating tale of showbiz glamour, personal tragedy, self-discovery, and dogged determination. And, as is typical of Jim Wilson, he’s turned out to be a pretty good wordsmith.

Tuned-In: Memoirs of a Piano Man is a page-turner and a life-changer. It’s a self-help book in the form of an autobiography. It is entertaining, revealing and full of lessons for musicians, fans, and all readers.

Jim Wilson’s life direction was set when he was given a guitar at age 7, then began composing songs at age 9. Soon after moving from West Texas to LA in his early 20’s, he gained a reputation as a respected piano technician, catering to the highest echelon of the music industry. Jim helped develop the first MIDI-adapter for acoustic piano in the 80’s, which became an instant hit with artists and studios around the world.

It was the shocking, untimely death of his closest friend that forced Jim to question the whole purpose of his life. With the love and support of his musical heroes – most significantly his friend and mentor, Dan Fogelberg -- Jim set out on a solo career, composing, recording and performing his signature style of piano-featured instrumentals.

Four of Jim’s ten recordings have hit the Billboard Top-20, he’s had two PBS specials, and his music has been streamed over 75 million times by fans around the globe. He was recently made a “Lifetime Member” of the Recording Academy. He enjoys scuba diving, skiing, pilot lessons, and mountain biking. Tuned In is Jim’s first book.

Reviews

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well crap, I'll never be able to tell the difference between a house sparrow and a purple finch. But at least this book gives me an idea of what kinds of birds are appearing at my new birdfeeder in Athens.

[Cat Rennolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very slim, limited to a reasonable number by frequency of sightings, a great beginner birding book. They are arranged by size and every bird has at least two large, full color photographs.
Jim Wilson is a professor, Anselm Atkins is a writer.
This was a small local publication in 1998, I have the 1999 third edition (yay thrift) and the pics are a bit blurry. But so are birds moving fast:) I am looking forward to the latest edition from 2011.

My cat really got into this book. I mean literally.

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most noteworthy thing about this book might be its tone, which is warm, conversational, and opinionated, as opposed to the clipped, dry style of most field guides. But it also works well as a guide, with the field marks of common birds clearly listed and easily visible in the photos.

I don't live in Atlanta, but Eastern Maryland isn't all that different of an environment, and we have most of the birds listed in this book. It really does only cover the most common things you're likely to see, but it's great for figuring out what exactly is at your feeder.