Birds Books

The images on the site of the illustrations don't come close to the actual quality of the artwork.

This book gives children something that is not only wonderful to look at, but relates to a real-world event about conserving our natural resources.

Good for bird lovers and young children!

We bought this book at a birding festival recently. It is now my 4 year old daughter's favorite book. The pictures are beautiful and the rhyme is very engaging. Our very favorite part is the last page where my daughter exclaims "But it isn't really extinct any more". What a happy ending for a truly magnificent bird.

This book captures the spirit of the quest for the ivory-billed woodpecker: the hope, the faith, the love of nature. It delighted my daughter with its stunning art depicting the Big Woods of eastern Arkansas, catchy rhythm, beautiful descriptions, and especially its teasing way of letting the reader catch glimpses of this bird, until quite recently considered extinct, while the bird seeker in the story looks the other way. The author is truly the one to write such a book, married as she is to David Luneau, the scientist who finally caught the woodpecker on tape, putting the entire team of skilled ivory bill searchers center stage in the news April 2005. I especially liked the fascinating notes and gorgeous photos in the end pages, and think they could easily be developed into a second book for older children!

This is an excellent Children's book. It is well written and wonderfully illustrated.

This is the only book that I have read about Parker. So I can't compare it to other works. BUT it is a very enjoyable read. As the cover states there are extensive interviews with people who knew him best, including various ex-wives. Various incidents that are in the movie are described here, so I assume Eastwood, or whoever wrote the script, probably consulted this book. But, what is interesting is that the Book states that Chan and 'Bird' were never legally married. Don't think that fact was in the Movie.

This book is less acclaimed than Ross Russell's book, but is far better than the latter. Reisner knew Bird well and he interviewed most of his associates. It's Bird in the words of those who knew him. A great piece of work!

this book was about an epic struggle of a jazz musician in a New York city life.Im 16 and i play a lot of jazz and parker was a geat influence on me and my playin i worship him as a mucican and a jazz ico

This book shows the life of Parker through the eyes of many of his collegues, friends, and family. Robert Riesner should be commmended for his work on this material because it's informitive and gives views of Parker through people that were in his life. This book is a must read for all "true" Bird fans.

Mrs. Maryjo Koch

Subject: Bird Egg Feather Nest

Dear Mrs. Koch:

Congratulations on creating an absolutely beautiful book! Words fail in trying to express my respect for your unique and scholarly approach to this universally appealing subject. Your presentation is at the same time unbelievably detailed, yet still is not pedantic or boring. I especially love your artwork and the imaginative way you have used hand-lettered "swatches" to describe the associated drawings.

I have carefully observed the dozens of kinds of different wild birds in our backyard. I even "talk" to some of them. But without your drawings and explanations, I could never understand or appreciate the amazing details of birds' eyes, eggs, feathers, beaks, talons, etc.

In particular, your revelations on nest-building is a very clear compilation of your outstanding research. But I guess my greatest admiration focuses on your chapters about EGGS, FEATHERS, and SINGING. How did you ever discover all these incredible facts? I will always be thankful that I happened to stumble over your book in our local bookstore. It has given us much joy.

My only regret is that you explain all these amazing facts by using the word `evolution'. In spite of your very scholarly approach to scientific analysis it is incomprehensible that you explain all these marvels by quoting the babbling of an unscientific dreamer like Darwin. He concocted a totally unproven theory to try to explain what he couldn't accept: that God had mandated that all these amazing ideas become a reality.

Nice work on the book, but please don't try to pretend that all these wonderful things that you have discovered happened by accident!

Thanks again for creating your Masterpiece!

Sincerely,

________ Ken Waltz

This book draws the reader and non-reader (18 months to old avid birders) into its pages with beautiful, detailed illustrations of birds, their nests, thier young, the vast diffeences of eggs, etc. The snipets of information range from dietary:

"Birds and humans have similar nutritional requirments ... yet differ vastly in what each finds appetizing"

to nest planning and building.

Readers can pick up the book hundreds of times, start anywhere, middle or end; and immerse themselves in bird lore, migration insight, famous quotations and familiar and exotic detailed illustrations of birds, their nests, their environment, their eggs, EVERYTHING! I recommend this book for children and even experienced birders.

Why would they discontinue this title? It is an excellent reference for artists and needle workers, and full of interesting information (particularly if you have little ones full of questions!).

From the moment I picked up this book I was in awe. Ms. Koch's illustrations are absolutely incredible and should be appreciated by anyone who has ever been in the great out doors.

Written by Jeffery L Schatzer with the assistance of Mark Bush and Don Rutt, The Bird In Santa's Beard: How A Christmas Legend Was Forever Changed is superbly and imaginatively illustrated by Ty Smith combinations of art and photography. This is the story of how a bird was given Santa's permission to nest in his beard in order to keep warm in the winter. Santa is having trouble making his rounds across the world. But with the help of the bird, he comes upon a solution that worked so well it is still the one used to this very day! Lively, colorful, original, and fun, The Bird In Santa's Beard is a wonderful contribution to the every growing library of Santa Claus lore and legend!

this is a terrific story for mom's and dad's who need to explain why there
are so many "Santas" around at Christmas. My Grandkids love this book.
I read it before I gave it to them and am pleased with the story, the
illustrations, and the theme. Also, it's a nice hard cover book that will
become a treasured keepsake for your child.

I highly recommend this book to all the children who believe in the
wonder of Santa.

Written by Jeffery L Schatzer with the assistance of Mark Bush and Don Rutt, The Bird In Santa's Beard: How A Christmas Legend Was Forever Changed is superbly and imaginatively illustrated by Ty Smith combinations of art and photography. This is the story of how a bird was given Santa's permission to nest in his beard in order to keep warm in the winter. Santa is having trouble making his rounds across the world. But with the help of the bird, he comes upon a solution that worked so well it is still the one used to this very day! Lively, colorful, original, and fun, The Bird In Santa's Beard is a wonderful contribution to the every growing library of Santa Claus lore and legend!

Winter can be a cold, lonely and dangerous time for a bird that didn't fly south. But in The Bird in Santa's Beard, help comes from Santa Claus himself. Santa invites the cold and hungry bird to nest in the warm safety of his beard. During the long winter Santa and the bird develop a deep friendship. They solve problems and share the secret of Santa's helpers. And when Christmas morning arrives, Santa receives a grand gift just for him.

The Bird in Santa's Beard is the story of an unlikely friendship between Santa and a bird and how a simple kindness makes a difference.

I so enjoyed learning how Santa came to have all of his helpers. Children will enjoy this book with a subtle and important message. The photographs are wonderful and a nice change of pace from other illustrated books. The cover is exactly the way I have always pictured jolly old Santa.

Armchair Interviews says: This is a splendid addition to a child's Christmas library.

If you can read this book without crying, you have no heart. It is a powerful, easy to read story of a town trying to survive one of the most horrendous events in the past 100 years. A good job of drawing you in and keeping you in until the last page.

If you are concerned about the bird flu, don't read this book. It will scare you to death. And a real tear-jerker. Good easy read, but powerful.

It has a lot of heart and historical significance. Your heart goes out to those unfortunate enough to have endured this tragedy. It also showed me how quickly this disease traveled the globe. Very scary and touching read.

While reading this book, I was amazed at the force in which the influenza of 1918 took effect. You hardly had time to grieve the loss of one loved one, when the next one would fall victim. In the age of "SARS" it's a must read!

I gave this as a gift for my mother and we bought a copy for ourselves. We use the Animal Medicine Cards each morning and find these a nice adjunct to the Animal Cards.

BIRD SIGNS: GUIDANCE & WISDOM FROM OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS offers a 52-card deck and book written by G.G. Carbone and illustrated by Mary Ruzicka to explore birds and their connections to divinity. These divination cards can be used individually or in spreads - and each profiles a specific bird or aspect of bird life, with an accompanying book providing a focus on bird relations to human characteristics. It's an excellent pick for any new age collection or card reader.

"Birds appear in our lives for a reason. Sometimes these winged creatures are here for a brief time and sometimes for an extended stay. We may not always know why a bird appears to us at a particular moment, but with this book and card deck, you will become more aware of the guidance and wisdom that our feathered friends convey to us every day." - From the Bird Signs companion book

As one who has received many oracular insights from feathered friends over the years, I was thrilled to see a new deck dedicated solely to birds. From cardinal to penguin, lark to owl, Bird Signs covers 52 different birds (and thus has 52 cards). Attractively packaged in a colorful, sturdy box that seals with a magnetic flap, the Bird Signs kit also includes a lovely 133-page glossy companion book featuring full-color illustrations.

When I received Bird Signs, published by New World Library, I was truly impressed with the quality of the packaging/storage box, the guidebook, and the cards themselves. In my mind, no one rivals baba studio/Magic Realist Press (Victorian Flower Oracle, Fairytale Tarot, The Tarot of Prague Kit, etc.) when it comes to deck and book sets. However, I have to say that Bird Signs rivals the quality of those kits!

With her favorite mediums being pen and ink with colored pencils, illustrator Mary Ruzicka infuses each bird with gentle lines, flowing curves, and realistic hues. From the peaceful dove to the beautiful swan, the happy bluebird to the adventurous roadrunner, Ms. Ruzicka delightfully captures the unique character of each bird--inviting humans to study them, learn from them, and contemplate their messages.

Written by G.G. Carbone, the Bird Signs companion book explains the framework of the deck, which constitutes 45 bird cards and 7 feathered friends cards. Bedecked with rainbow-colored ribbons and relevant motifs, the special feathered friend cards represent a specific intention, chakra, chakra color, and physical area of the body. They can be used alone for inspiration or with the rest of the deck for additional illumination. For example, the yellow Egg - Birth card addresses new births of all kinds and the Solar Plexus Chakra. The blue Song - Voice card deals with communication and the Throat Chakra.

Upright meanings for all cards are provided, as well as reversed meanings. Ms. Carbone gives a brief bio of each bird, as well as Bird Wisdom (interpretation), Broken Wing (reversed meaning), Bird Vision (how you can "see" from a bird's particular perspective) , and a piece of bird lore (not necessarily about the bird). Keywords, healing colors, and a message is also provided.

Printed on a smooth matte finish, the Bird Signs cards measure approximately 5 ¼ x 3 ½ inches. Flexible and easy to shuffle, the card backings depict a simple, yet attractive, double feather motif with greens, blues, and purples that are fully reversible.

Some of the birds and their wisdom found in Bird Signs include:

* Waxwing - Curiosity
* Hummingbird - Energy
* Robin - Joy
* Flamingo - Balance
* Woodpecker - Hope
* Jay - Communication
* Duck - Decision
* Hawk - Observation
* Roadrunner - Adventure
* Gull - Laughter
* Raven - Illusion
* Parrot - Creativity
* Oriole - Compassion
* Stork - Reliability
* Pheasant - Opportunity
* Heron - Patience
* Eagle - Freedom
* Penguin - Purpose
* Chickadee - Playfulness

Despite the utter gorgeousness of the box, cards, and companion book, I admit that I'm a bit disappointed in this oracle. I did a few one-card readings the last few days, and each time, the message was totally off base. For example, I drew the Rooster yesterday, which is about 180 from how I am, where I am, and what I know to be at this time in my life. For example, if I'm in sync with this card, I'm an early riser, need courage to face the day, and have difficulty getting out of bed.

Nothing could be further from the truth! I'm a night owl (it's wired in my DNA), get out of bed easily, and joyfully look forward to each day that is filled with promise and abundant blessings. (No, not being a Pollyanna here--it's really how I am!) I did another one-card reading, with equally irrelevant results. However, I DID do a 3-card Past/Present/Future spread (called the Wingspan Spread in the Bird Signs companion book), and drew three of the special feathered friends cards. This reading was highly accurate. Go figure!

As I read through the Bird Signs book, I felt that some of the interpretations were too simplistic and, well, *practical* (e.g. "Go on a picnic" and "try saltwater fishing"). Perhaps I'm just used to, or prefer, more psychologically oriented interpretations. Granted, Ms. Carbone provides quite a bit of information--but it seems a bit superficial at times. Maybe I was expecting interpretations and facts along the lines of Ted Andrews' Animal Speak. (If you're used to that book, you may be a bit disappointed with this deck if you're expecting more depth.)

However, I think Bird Signs could certainly be used in accordance with a book like Animal Speak, which provides depth and breadth to animal divination. Also, the bird cards would be great meditation tools for those with avian affinity, as well as a starting point for looking up birds who fly into your life.

(To see 10 images from this deck, visit the Reviews--Decks section at JanetBoyer.com)

Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)

I highly recommend this book and card set. G.G. Carbone did an excellent job of describing each one of these different birds. The representation of them was phenomenal. I am very metaphysical, and I feel these were fabulous. I also thought they gave good insight about each bird species from a Wild standpoint too( Out in Nature). I was very pleased with this Set of cards. I have worked with animals very closely all of my life, and I share my life with a Macaw parrot.( Her Card hit right on with the Parrot.) She described what each bird pretty much has shown me in my lifetime. I am so happy that I have these in my collection. Thanks G.G. I will cherish this Deck forever.

The artwork is also Esquisite. Well worth the purchase for the artwork also. I especially love the Peacock. Great CARDS!

I give these cards a great recommendation. I Love them!

I have to say this is the second best book I have ever read (next to the Bible of course) You can feel the Mavis' emotions, and practically experience all of the things she goes through. I usually don't like reading sad stories, but I could not put this book down! When you read this book you just want to go and do the same thing her mother, Miss Spear, and all of the other abusers that hurt Mavis. Hope Summerfield is a very very very great writer, and I give her 2 thumbs WAY up! Anyone who is a teenager, or older should read this book (I am 13). If you haven't read this book than order it now, because it will be a timeless tresure for your book collection.

During the past two years I have read over 100 books including best sellers such as Cold Mountain. None of those books come close to capturing the human spirit that is evidenced in this book by Hope Summerfield. It is a remarkable story that is exceptionally well written. While other books are easy to pick-up and put down, this book will make you want to give up sleep in order to finish reading it!

One of the most revealing and emotional books ever. It lets us all know what it is like to be a child and alone in this world. The author is brilliant in her descriptions. She must have lived this life or someone close to her did for no one could describe the emotions without encountering them. It would be a worthwhile book for anyone trying to look into the mind of a child alone in this big wide world.

This book is for anyone interested in the insights of an abused child during World War 2. The book examines the many ways in which the child (Mavis) copes with the strange world around her.

I am currently on a somewhat similar journey of self-discovery as DeeAnn Brandon describes in her book, The Bird With a Broken Wing. In this book, DeeAnn describes the process of searching for and uncovering hidden experiences that echoed through and shadowed her entire life. In her journey, she experiences immense tragedy and pain from both past and present, yet is cradled and supported throughout by her faith.

It is the combination of immense pain and immense faith that made this book so meaningful to me. I have faced emotional pain so intense I would much rather die, yet God's loving support has kept me going one day at a time. DeeAnn documents a similar experience that resonated with me. I know I am only partway down my journey and don't know what future discoveries I will find. But, I am inspired and encouraged by DeeAnn's victory and stand in awe of her courage and her faith.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who looking for inspiration and encouragement in their own journey or that of a loved one.

DeeAnn Brandon's book, The Bird with a Broken Wing, is a well-written and crafted memoir. She weaves her life story with a thoughtful look at societal ills, the family farm crisis, faith, sexual and spiritual abuse, and finally recovery.

Jeff Benson

After reading this book, I felt very close to the Author, Dee Ann Brandon. I think that she is a gifted and powerful writer. As she walked down the nature path and remembered, I felt as though I was walking with her. I highly recommend this book and am eager to read the one she is currently writing, Riding wild Horses, No Hands.

From the first page I was caught in the spell of DeeAnn Brandon's incredibly moving story. I started after lunch, read through dinner and sat up till just after midnight with burning eyes that were only soothed by tears of emotions she plumbed from the very depths of my soul. Here is the unvarnished life of a woman who has faced the trauma of her childhood, desertion by her first husband and the death of her beloved daughter. Brandon takes the reader with her step by step as she searches for and confronts the horrors trapped in her mind and heart. With wisdom and anguish she makes the journey toward her healing and you find yourself struggling along beside her buoyed by her awesome tenacity and belief in God. I was utterly blown away. When I closed the book and laid it down I spent days thinking of it, able to concentrate on little else. I highly recommend this book, especially to any woman who has suffered a tragedy in her life. DeeAnn Brandon is truly a modern day heroine!

A must if you are going to bird southwest Arizona.

Taylor's updated version is an essential tool for anyone who is not familiar with s.e. arizona, and extremely helpful for those who are. It contains detailed descriptions of birding areas, maps, species to expect at different times of the year, and more. Rick takes you right to the hard-to-find Arizona specialties, as well as all the rest, and does it in an enjoyable manner. This book is fun to read even after leaving Arizona. You will not be disappointed with this one!

This is a great resource for planning and executing a birding expedition to southeast Arizona. Excellent maps, detailed species accounts, and helpful directions and resource listings. This book tells you what specialties to look for at specific locations and when they are most likely to be found there. A great guide for birding southeast Arizona, from roadside birding to backcountry hiking. I especially appreciate the tear out maps of trails and inside cover maps of locations and ecoregions.

A new 2005 edition is due soon and may already be out.

Why buy the 1995 version?

This guy should be doing nothing but writing bird guides! First, the writing itself is not only clear, but also entertaining. He writes about the birds, the geography, the accomodations as if this is his hometown and these are his friends. The tips are valuable... the book's organization can not be improved... even if you don't plan a birding trip to Trinidad and Tobago, it's worth having this book, because it's fun to read. I wish he would write guides for American areas!

This book is a great find for anyone planning a trip to Trinidad and Tobago! The author gives you great information on the best birding locations, how to get to them and which birds you will see. The bird list and seasonal distribution list are very useful. Besides the birding info his book is an invaluable guide to where to stay and how to get around.

Just to update, Bill now lives in Indianapolis. I love reading Bill's guides and wish he had one for the Los Angeles CA area. His books are filled with details of the area, things apart from just the birds, that make the reader keep reading until they realize that they've read an entire birding book.

I grew up with Bill and have been intrigued with his knowledge since I followed him around as his little sister. Our current trips are still filled with interesting information and I am looking forward to the next book he releases. No one does a better job.

IMC

Murphy's "A Birder's Guide to Trinidad and Tobago" is newly released with new maps and updated commentary. These two islands have as many species of birds as the continental US. Finding even a couple hundred species during a self-guided trip requires this book. If you, a friend, or a loved one is going to the islands, don't leave home without it!