Bird Brainteasers: Puzzles, Games & Avian Trivia

Birdwatching (or birding) is one of the most popular hobbies in the world for several reasons: the equipment needed is minimal (a field guide-book and a pair of binoculars); birds are easily found almost anywhere on the planet; and, most importantly, birds are the most obvious and interesting forms of wildlife that exists, affording even the casual backyard viewer a glimpse into the natural world. Very often those who embrace this hobby become more and more interested in (and concerned for) the health of the planet in general, as well as the well-being of it's many inhabitants, winged and otherwise. This is why it is essential that young people are exposed to these fascinating creatures at an early age. This little book is cleverly designed to do just that. Instead of writing a "Beginner's Guide to Ornithology" (which many children would avoid like the plague) the author (Patrick Merrell) has interspersed word games, poems, cartoons, puzzles and quizzes (all avian themed) with not only interesting trivia (such as "an Ostrich's eye is the size of a tennis ball) but also facts that I believe are carefully designed to stimulate a child's interest in (and then hopefully caring for) the fascinating world of these beautiful and complicated creatures. Without preaching or causing panic the reader is exposed to birds that have become extinct due largely to man's interference (dodos, passenger pigeons, the great auk, etc.) Slipped in-between amusing stories and antidotes are mentions of on-going efforts to preserve birds and their habitats (such as with Australia's cassowary). Don't be deceived, this little book is not only fun and playful but is also a clever way to share the joys (and duties) of birdwatching. I am buying at least ten to give to the children in my life for Christmas gifts. I am trusting that this book will do more than entertain. Very well done Mr. Merrell!

I had my eye on this one before it was offered and I really love it--being a bird person myself. Trivia, quotes and useful bird info as well as fun puzzles and teasers are presented in an attractive format, unlike many other puzzle books that seem dull and cheap. This book has photos of birds and other reproductions. The book is small, the puzzles very quick and fun, and this would make a great little book for travel. I highly recommend it.

Years ago I took a bird-watching course, and found the instructor so boring that I didn't learn a thing. But, being a puzzle-lover, I thought I would give this book a try. It is a fun combination of puzzles and games and bird-related trivia, ideal for passing idle moments here and there. Even if you have no interest in learning about birds, there's such a variety of puzzles and games that you will nevertheless have fun. Until I read the blurb, I didn't realize why Patrick Merrell's name is familiar: he is a crossword constructor whose work appears in the New York Times and elsewhere.

Packed with many great historical and cultural images and some little known bird facts drawn from everything from music and literature to popular culture. I loved the puzzles and crosswords. My kind of activity book. My daughter loves suduko so she it getting to do the first-ever Birdoku challenges included. My whole family has found something in the book they like, so lookes like I will have to buy everyone their on book for Chirstmas. My boys are going to love to use this for their next boyscout birding adventure.

This is a cute book, measuring just 4x6 inches and maybe 3/4" thick. The interior pages are printed in shades of green-blue (more like gray-scale than color). The book has a lot of different kind of puzzles: Birdoku (like Sudoku), crosswords, word scrambles, word searches, etc. None of them are particularly tough, if you like puzzles. If you like variety, you'll find it here. As far as I can tell, all of the answers are included, so you shouldn't have any problem if you get stumped on one of the puzzles. Even more than the puzzles, I enjoyed the trivia, pictures, and stories. They are all very quick, and most were things I did not know. I think this would make a great gift to a special someone who likes birds and/or puzzles--neighbor, grandparent, teacher, etc. I could see it being a fun book for taking on a road trip--easy to pass around, with plenty of tidbits to share aloud.