Hi Jim -

In my bird classes I have been recommending Kenn Kaufmann's book, Birds of North
America, for beginning birders. It is well done, current and is focused on
basics and beginners. I usually also provide a list of other bird books they
might consider, particularly if they get really interested. National Geographic
is one of those. I usually only recommend Sibley if they are ready to move on to
something really detailed and complete.

Brian Bell
Woodinville WA
bellasoc at isomedia.com

Jim McCoy wrote:

> I'm occasionally in the position of offering advice to a fledgling birder,
> but I never
> really know what to suggest for a field guide. Since I started as a kid
> with the
> Zim Junior Golden Guide, and only gradually worked my way through just about
> every field guide available, I don't know what to advise an adult starting
> out.
>
> Are NGS and Sibley's overkill for a beginner? Or does the depiction of
> several plumages clarify more than it confuses?
>
> I'm quite biased toward comprehensive guides, but does anyone find that
> regional
> guides really do simplify things for beginners? If so, is there a
> particular one you'd
> recommend?
>
> Is there any consensus? Are there any relative newbies out there who've had
> better success with one than another? Any vets who've asked and been
> answered?
>
> Thanks,
> JMc
>
> Jim McCoy
> jfmccoy at earthlink.net
> Redmond, WA