Birding Illinois Review

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(More customer reviews)Every state should have a bird-finding guide this good! The author has done a superb job in presenting not only some of the more well-known Illinois birding locations, but also provides many areas that even most of Illinois' more experienced birdwatchers will find new and well worth exploring. Birders from outside of Illinois will probably be very surprised to learn of the variety of habitats and birds that this state has to offer once one leaves the seemingly birdless "corn and soybean desert" that many see from the interstates that crisscross the state. For instance,the chances of seeing a Mississippi Kite in southern Illinois are "good", as are such diverse species as Snowy Owl, Ross's Goose, and Connecticut Warbler! Illinois may be one of the best locations to see the elusive Smith's Longspur in the lower 48 states, and this guide will tell you when, where and how to see one!This long overdue site finding guide to Illinois' best birding locations is the first to cover the entire state in 25 years! And it is much more than a site guide! Only somewhat larger than many field guides, it is none-the-less easily manageable in the field (or in your car), and one should not be without this book while birding the states highways and byways.The author provides maps as well as written descriptions on how to bird the areas, but one of the best features of this book is the list of "key birds" to be found at each location at the beginning of each site account. In addition, the "Seasonal Distribution Charts" at the back of the book are the first of their kind for books on Illinois' birds, which attempt to cover the whole state, and make this an invaluable addition to this admirable reference work! The contributions from many of the state's most experienced birdwatchers and ornithologists from all corners of the state, guarantees the accuracy and thoroughness of the areas covered. Birders will find the sections on "Authors Favorite Sites", "Illinois' Specialty Birds", and the "Birding Calender" particularly helpful additions compared to the more normal bird-finding guides, and should make it a much more easy task in planning their birding trip, including exactly where and when to go to add that particular bird species that is still missing from their list! The well chosen photographs and exemplary line drawings not only make an aesthetically nice addition to the book, but give examples not only of some of the more typical birds to be found in Illinois but also show the diversity of avian life to be seen throughout the state.Not only is this book factually correct, but the well-written prose of this obviously talented journalist is very descriptive of the birds and birding destinations, and almost transports one to each birding hotspot. Aside from the usual typos and a few small errors in a few of the maps, this book is an excellent "read", and a MUST for EVERY birdwatcher traveling to or residing in the state of Illinois!

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With Birding Illinois you can explore over 110 greatbirding locations throughout the state. Some of the Midwest's bestbirding occurs in the Prairie State, thanks to the rich variety ofhabitat that includes woodlands, wetlands, hills, sandstone canyons,savannas, prairies, cypress swamps, and sand dunes. You will also findgood birding on the expansive Lake Michigan shoreline and along theMississippi and Illinois rivers. Experience the rushing sound ofthousands of American Golden-Plovers coursing across the sky or meetthe yellow-eyed stare of an adult Bald Eagle looking over the IllinoisRiver. The book includes detailed site maps and bar graphs showingstatus and distribution.Author Sheryl De Vore is an expert Illinoisbirder and serves as the Chief Editor of Meadowlark, the quarterlyjournal of the Illinois Ornithological Society. She knows the richbird life in the state and where to observe it. Birding Illinois willprove invaluable when you plan your next birding trip.

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