The Birds of Ohio

It is IMPOSSIBLE to overstate the value of this book for Ohio/Great Lakes Area birders. Though it has the "look" of a just another dry "Field Guide", Peterjohn's "The Birds of Ohio" - don't be fooled - besides being very informative, it is an interesting and entertaining read from page to page to page. Though it's title would lead one to think of it as a "local" work, the reader should realize the Ohio area is one of huge REGIONAL impact, that region encompassing much of east-central Canada and the east-central U.S. All Thumbs Up for this one !!!

Peterjohn's "The Birds of Ohio" is the definitive scholarly work on Ohio Birds. Unlike other books of the same name this book is entirely original and based upon the authors own research. Other books have a more a cookie cutter approach. The publishers have created similar works for other states using much of the same information. While none of these works is intended as a field guide. Peterjohn provides the most complete and useful information for anyone interested in Ohio birds. Peterjohn's, work is exhaustively researched and very well written, making it an invaluable reference. The species accounts tell the story of each species in Ohio and provide references. For common birds, habitat, migration, and nesting information is provided in a useful way. For rarities, a good history of sightings is provided. Also included are the maps developed during the first Ohio breeding bird atlas. These provide a good reference on the distribution of these species. This is the 2nd edition of the book and includes up to date information through 1999. Only a few species have been added to the Ohio list in the following years. This book is highly recommended.

This small field guide has excellent photos, more than one per species is several cases; a migration map; notes on size; male, female and juvenile plumage; nest, eggs and incubation period;fledgling; migration; food; species comparison; and a great section entitled "Stan's Notes", full of interesting tidbits. Excellent picture guide for beginning birders.