Secret Lives Of Common Birds: Enjoying Bird Behavior Through the Seasons

by Marie Read

All around us birds are going about their lives, offering fascinating insights into how they survive and interact with one another, defending territories, courting mates, nesting, raising young, displaying, preening, feeding, and more. The difference between noticing and missing these secret lives is a little time, a relaxed mind, and some curiosity. An introduction to the world of bird behavior, Secret Lives of Common Birds explores many of the most important tasks in the lives of the familiar birds that enrich our lives. Wildlife photographer Marie Read has a knack for capturing the most intimate, often dramatic moments in the activities of birds. In this book, her beautiful photographs of birds in action are paired with engaging and informative descriptions of behaviors that anyone might observe in the backyard or at a local park, pond, or woodland. Her lighthearted writing style is a delight as the reader travels through the seasons of the year and discovers the secret lives of common birds.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Birds, Animals, Reference

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and informative beginning birding book. Information and photos a bit dated.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful photos and great information about birds. I learned many bird facts reading this.

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great little book. Every page spread contains a big, gorgeous photograph of a common bird(to our neck of the Northeastern US, anyway) and an easily digestible nugget of bird behavior or physiology. I learned so much that I could immediately observe for myself--swallows being constantly on the move, blackbirds staking out their territory, a parent chipping sparrow feeding its fledgling from our birdfeeder! Highly recommended primer for birdwatchers!

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining reading for anyone who has an appreciation of the feathered creatures that share our world. The author, Marie Read, has a keen eye for observing and interpreting bird activity. She gathers information in an entertaining and informative way. Even seasoned birders can spend a few enjoyable evenings of reading and viewing photos as they review and learn more about the common species around them.

[Janet C-B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, 96 page non fiction book , written by Marie Read, a bird photographer and author. I found this book fascinating. While I have developed skills in identifying a range of different bird species, I am often puzzled by bird behavior. This book was very helpul in describing bird behaviors as commonly seen in each of the four seasons. The large photographs are superb. I would recommend this book for adults or older children interested in learning more about bird behavior.

[Abcdarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty pictures, a few interesting factoids, but kind of disappointing.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book but the pictures make it extraordinary, if you're fascinated by birds (as I am).

[Marianna Monaco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photos of birds, and interesting comments on bird behavior.
I liked the organization by season.

[David Corleto-Bales · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exceedingly charming look at the "secret" lives of common birds, from mating to feeding, migration and winter survival. Charming.

[David R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little too cute. Some of the information struck me as suspect, as well.

[Amy Derwae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous photos & some fun facts, as well ~ this was a quick but very pleasant read!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I lost the book - I can't find it anywhere - before I was able to finish it. However, what I read was fun and interesting.