Wild Birds of California

Note that this book is not a "guide" of any sort. No range maps, guides to the voice or plumage. No index or table of contents and the birds don't appear to be in any order. BUT, there are some really nice photos, a few that are truly marvelous, and the "gee-whiz" information with each photo adds a lot to the experience. It's hard to put down once you pick it up.

The photography in this book is superlative and the main reason to purchase it is to admire the lush color photos of California's birds. However, I also enjoy the book because it allows me, as a novice birder, to learn to correctly identify various species. This book is much superior to an Audubon guide or a National Geographic Filed Guild to birds because each photo is huge and shows the birds to their best advantage. The photo of the elusive great gray owl is simply outstanding!I recommend this book for anyone who has an appreciation of birds and wants to vicariously see them through this medium. It will definitely prompt every armchair birder to take to the field and spy these wondrous creatures in their natural habitat. There are several birds I saw in this book which captured my fancy immediately: the black oystercatcher and the Lazula Bunting, for instance. By seeing these photos, it prompted me to go out and beat the trails and shorelines to see each of these birds up close and "in person." A great book!

An outstanding book for two reasons: 1) The photographs by the 26 contributing photographers. Each one is a work of art; excelling in composition and use of color. Kudos on the photography in this book. 2) The text by David Lukas is not only informative and educational but thoroughly enjoyable reading. The text accompanying the photgraphs adds an interesting dimension to the image of the bird. Not the typical statement you would expect to read (and if you know birds, already know.) A great book to own or to give.