National Audubon Society Field Guide to California

Upon moving to a less developed area of CA, I wanted a quick reference to identify wildlife I was starting to observe. This guide is a great way to get started. It is very well organized into groups (reptiles, birds, trees, etc.) and I am able to find what I am looking for quickly and easily. It has great pictures and descriptions that are detailed enough without going overboard. (It is supposed to be a QUICK reference.) The only negative is that sometimes I see something in the wild that is not in the guide. However, due to the large variety of subject matter that is covered, this is totally understandable. If I want more detail on a specific subject, I will need to purchase a book that concentrates on that subject. Overall a great guide to start enjoying the CA wilderness.

If you could only take one nature field guide this book is the one. I surprisingly found almost every plant, bird, insect, animal, ect, that I encountered, on a recent trip, in this book (some weren't even listed in the dedicated guides). The book also has sections on topography, geology, habitats, astronomy, weather and conservation. It is beautifully put together with sharp, clear color photography. I don't know how they managed to get so much in this pocket guide. It's another wonderful book by Knopf and a great gift for nature lovers and hikers (No, I don't know or work for the publisher). I'm only on this site to buy another copy for a friend. Enjoy!

For all of you that are looking for an excellent field guide...this is the one for all of California. As a park ranger I carry this little book in my bag where ever I go. It offers very sharp and detailed photos, scientific names, family or class names, and a breif description of the subject. The best thing about this field guide is that it covers all kinds of animals, plants, trees, and sea life. It even has an overview of climates, seasons, sky charts, history, and areas of California. Even at the end of the book there is lots of information about some of the National and State parks within California. This is a great all-round basic field guide for anyone at any level. Enjoy!

This is a tremendous resource for anyone who enjoys being outside in California. With pictures and descriptions of everything from plants, animals, and insects to fish and fungi, this book will help you identify what you are looking at, whatever it is. The format is excellent, with each section beginning with a primer on the language and common features used to describe the various species. There isn't room for much detail about any species, but this book is about breadth, not depth. Definitely a worthy companion for any walk anywhere in California.

If it can be found living in the wilds (or not so wilds) of California, you can probably identify it with this National Audubon Society Field Guide. Concise information and good quality color photographs of an amazing variety of California's flora and fauna. Aquatic life, both fresh and saltwater species are well represented. Overviews of the Golden State's natural history, geology, weather, habitats, state and national parks and preserves are very informative. All this in a field guide measuring about 4 x 8 inches. If you're looking for an informative, all-in-one field guide, this one belongs in your pack. It may not be ideal for the hard core naturalist, but for the rest of us, it's great!