Birdwatching for Young Canadians

Ingrid conHausen was a librarian in New Hamburg, Ontario.

Birdwatcher Rodgers has written a weekly column for the Vancouver Sun (on birds, of course) since 1966. This brief and concise little book is aimed at introducing youngsters to birdwatching. He explains: “I will tell you about some of Canada’s birds, where to look for them, and how to recognize them …. what to look for, where to look, when to look. You will discover why birds sing, why they need sharp eyesight and keen ears, and how their nests differ” (p. 11).

The many chapters introduce the birds in groups — e.g. “Honkers and Buglers”; “Up Tails All!” (ducks); “The Biggest Family” (sparrows); “Crafty and Clever” (crows and ravens); “Birds with Odd Habits”; and many more. Each chapter contains careful black-and-white drawings by Ted Staunton. The birds discussed are given in heavy type. Combined with a standard field guide, this is a very useful volume for birdwatchers or would-be birdwatchers of all ages. The book may also be read straight through, and school children will be able to use it for projects. Never ponderous, the book whets the appetite for more. Its format (good-sized print and straightforward prose, but not at all juvenile in design) makes it very suitable for young or old alike.