The Coastal Birder's Journal

David Allinson is the president of the Rocky Point Bird Observatory in Victoria, B.C.

No doubt most of us have spent some time at our kitchen window watching
the birds visiting our feeders and birdbaths. Publications on
birdwatching, the fastest-growing leisure activity in North America, are
hence catering to those who feed and watch birds regularly. Those of us
who live in western Canada are often dismayed by the fact that birding
publications have an eastern bias, so any new book with a title like The
Coastal Birder’s Journal is most welcome.

The journal’s spiral-bound format makes it an important tool for both
the serious birder and the casual backyard-birdwatcher. Not only are the
captions and anecdotes enlightening, but the book acts as a medium for
its user to put to paper personal observations and experiences. Each
month’s section is prefaced by appropriate information on upcoming
events, what migrants are likely to be observed, and suggested locales
to visit.

Some criticism is warranted, however, particularly of the juxtaposing
of illustrations with inappropriate captions. Only once (perhaps by
chance?) does a caption match an illustration. For example, a wood duck
is shown with a caption referring to the courtship song of the house
wren. In addition, both captions and the species checklist in the back
of the journal include abbreviated common names or ones not in the
accepted norm (e.g., pygmy owl instead of the more accurate northern
pygmy owl, and marsh hawk instead of northern harrier). One may also
note that many of the species included in the list are not likely to be
seen by many observers, or even again in British Columbia.

These objections aside, Obee provides a lot of interesting information
in a format most readers will enjoy. Penhale’s illustrations are
wonderful, capturing movement and character in each of his subjects. The
drawings alone are a good reason for purchasing this book. As a gift to
B.C. birdwatchers this journal will serve as an incentive for them to
record and document their sightings over a birding year.