On Friday Sonya wrote:

>I'm new to the Tweeters list, and new to birding in general. I just bought
>my very own Audobon field guide to N. American birds (western region),
>which is wonderful, but has a very wide scope.

>Since my birding is limited for now to my backyard, I was wondering whether
>there is available a list of birds found in the Seattle city area.

To which Donna Ferrill replied:

>There's an inexpensive book out titled, "Birds of Seattle and Puget Sound"
by
>Chris C. Fisher you might check out.

First of all, Sonya, welcome to bird watching and tweeters. Also welcome to
a world where you will find as many opinions as you will find people....

Case in point: I beg to differ with Donna. I bought a copy of Chris Fisher's
book out of curiosity. If you found the Audubon guide too wide in scope then
I'm sure she will find Fisher's guide too narrow and possibly confusing. For
example, Fisher leaves out such species as Eared Grebe, Brandt's Cormorant
and American Bittern, species which you are likely to encounter in Seattle's
watery environs (though probably not in your backyard in the UW district).
The Common Loon is depicted in its drab winter plumage. Yesterday's bird in
full breeding plumage on Lake Washington would remain a mystery that way. On
the other hand it lists Blue Grouse, for which you definitely need to go
east into the mountains.

This is a very cursory and quick look, far from complete.

My advise: go to the Seattle Audubon Store (located at 8050 35th Ave NE; not
far north of the UW area) and take a look at some of the literature offered
there or go to Flora and Fauna Bookstore (121 First Avenue S, near Pioneer
Square).

If you do want to spend more money on guides, make an investment in a guide
that shows distribution maps next to the text (does the Audubon guide offer
that? I don't have a copy of that particular guide). With a bit of practice
you will learn to glance at this map and weed out the most unlikely species.
A guide in wide use around this area is the National Geographic Birds of
North America. Is it any good? Consider this: if you enroll five new members
in the Seattle Audubon Society, you will receive a copy of the NG guide as a
thank you.

Alternatively, spend $ 2 on a copy of the Washington Ornithological
Society's Field Card of Washington Birds. Go through your field guide and
mark the species found on this official state list. You will not regret the
time spent on this. It makes you go through the local list and your field
guide, a great way to practice. It will pay off handsomely once you're in
the field or looking at your feeder and wondering about a bird that has you
stumped.

For a list of species and which time of year to expect them here, Gene
Hunn's Birding in Seattle and King County is still indispensable even though
published in 1982. No illustrations, but great advise on where to look for
what and when.

Beyond this I strongly suggest becoming a member of the Seattle Audubon
Society and join them on some of their field trips. Some trips are
especially for novice birders, but you will find that on any trip leaders
and more experienced participants alike are a great resource and very
willing to help. Don't be afraid to ask questions. As someone who leads
field trips I can assure you it is much easier to help someone who asks
questions (there are no stupid questions!) than someone who is quiet and
gives no clue as to how much he or she knows.

Also, look for bird walks offered at parks like Discovery Park (some 235
species have been seen there); call them at (206) 386-4236 for information
on their Saturday morning walks.

Okay, I'll leave it at that. If you have more questions, Sonya, please don't
hesitate to email me privately (or through tweeters if you wish; but keep in
mind I'm on digest mode and don't receive messages posted on tweeters until
the next day).

Martin Muller, Seattle
MartinMuller at email.msn.com