Bluebirds in My House: Bonnie and Ben

This is really two books: it's an extremely informative look at bluebirds, and it's also an endearing animal story. Arnette Heidcamp- an extraordinary woman who seems to be a more than competent gardener and at least an amateur ornithologist- uses the engaging and entertaining story of these two baby eastern bluebirds, which she rescued from a nearby nesting facility, as the framework for a concise but comprehensive look at bluebirds in North America. In the first part of the book, Heidcamp examines the three types of bluebirds (eastern, western, and mountain), describing their eating, breeding, and migrating habits, and the challenges they've faced as their population declined at one point to near-extinction. She also details the rescue efforts that have met with considerable success since the 1950s, identifying some of those responsible for this laudable effort. The charming story of Bonnie and Ben follows, and this will provide the main enjoyment for most readers. The two baby birds had been abandoned before their lucky meeting with the devoted and kind-hearted author of "Hummingbird In My House" (another excellent story, well worth your time), and their interlude as guests in the famous sunroom provide us with another valuable reading experience.An appendix offers helpful information to those interested in attracting bluebirds and maintaining bluebird houses.I anxiously await her forthcoming book "Andy Rooney In My House", in which she nurtures the famous televison commentator and returns him to the wild.