All the Backyard Birds: East

This book is a nice resource for beginner bird watchers because it is small and limited in its scope (only the birds you're likely to see in the eastern U.S.). This allows you to look up a bird very quickly. The illustrations are excellent, showing both the male and female of each species.

This book allows the novice bird watcher to identify thecommon species of birds that inhabit the U.S. east of the RockyMountains. An easy-to-follow classification system allows the reader to quickly identify a bird before it flies away. All birds are represented in full color with male, female and juvenile colorings represented. A short description of the bird is available that also lists common traits and vocalizations. In addition, maps show summer and winter ranges for each bird species. The introductory chapter contains interesting and useful information on what to feed birds, the types of feeders that are available and offers guidelines for placing nest boxes and platforms in your yard to attract different bird species.