This stunningly illustrated book from acclaimed birder and photographer Richard Crossley revolutionizes field guide design by providing the firs... read full description
reviews
Dec 22, 2011
Diane
rated it: 
I'm not a bird watcher, but I know people who do enjoy the hobby a great deal. The Crossley ID Guide to Eastern Birds by Richard Crossley bills itself as a "book for beginners, experts, and everyone in between."
His stated goal is to "use unique photographs and page layouts to show birds as we really see them in the wild." I think this book will appeal more to the expert, as the information with the photos is very detailed, and probably more detailed than newbie bird More...
His stated goal is to "use unique photographs and page layouts to show birds as we really see them in the wild." I think this book will appeal more to the expert, as the information with the photos is very detailed, and probably more detailed than newbie bird More...
Mar 08, 2011
Dorothy
rated it: 
American birders are used to birding field guides that can be easily carried into the field where they can refer to them when they see an unusual bird. Richard Crossley comes from another tradition. He grew up in England where the tradition was to take a notebook and pencil with you when birding to make notes about or draw what you saw. Then you returned to base and compared your notes or drawings to what was shown in your birding guide books. That tradition has informed his recently release
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Feb 28, 2011
John
rated it:
The Crossley ID Guide is not a traditional field guide: it is too large to carry in the field, and it does not provide the quick reference for field marks that other guides, like The Sibley Guide to Birds, provide. However, all birders will want this book for study and reference. Its large and detailed plates come closer than those of any bird guide to replicating the experience of seeing birds in the field. It should be especially useful for intermediate birders who want to move beyond puzzling
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May 10, 2011
Michael
rated it:
This Bird ID Guide is different from any other one I've seen in a couple significant ways. First, it takes many photos of each species and crams them all into one plate, rather than showing one or two photos of each species on a faded background. Second, birds are shown up close, so you can see the details of plumage, but also at various distances, so you get the feeling of what they would like like in the field. You see scoters flying over the ocean at 200 yards most often--not so close you can
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Jul 05, 2011
Djrmel
rated it:
Not a field guide you'd take into the field, but possibly the best book for visual reference I've ever seen. Truly gorgeous illustrations that leave no doubt about narrowing down not only what bird and gender you've just seen, but also helps with 1st years that sometimes look only a little like their parents.
Dec 17, 2011
Natashya
rated it:
Finally a birding book that shows you all aspects of the bird.
Age, sex, season and assorted positions.
Not exactly portable, but beautifully compiled photos and great ID tips for birders of all experience levels.
Age, sex, season and assorted positions.
Not exactly portable, but beautifully compiled photos and great ID tips for birders of all experience levels.
Jun 13, 2011
David R.
rated it:
Not notable for its use of text, but this new "field guide" (or should I say, birder reference) is gorgeous, employing multiple photographs of each species against a representative habitat backdrop for use in identification. Crossley also adds a delightful British birder's touch, emphasizing a return to the pencil-and-notepad method.
Jul 06, 2011
Chelsea
rated it:
At a glance, this definitely gets 4 stars. When I find more time to spend with this massive tome, the rating could change.
This is not your mother's Field Guide. If you are a birder, do give it a look.
This is not your mother's Field Guide. If you are a birder, do give it a look.
Jul 22, 2011
Garva
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This book is extraordinary. The art is exquisite; the information is changing the way I watch birds, changing the way I sit in my backyard, even.
Jun 07, 2011
Hapzydeco
rated it:
Crossley uses his photographic talents to produce a book that should be on a birder's bookshelf.
May 28, 2011
Steve
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This book is outstanding! Couldn't put it down from where it arrived until I was through it.
Apr 01, 2011
Kristen
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this book is AWESOME! Beautiful and functional at the same time. I love the size and cover too.
Feb 01, 2012
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