Backyard Birds: An Introduction

by Ian K. Bateman Robert; Coutts

World-renowned wildlife artist Robert Bateman introduces Canadian birds to young nature lovers. Robert Bateman uses his unique talent as an artist, naturalist and storyteller to create the ideal first birding book for young readers. From chickadees to sparrows, Backyard Birds introduces children to Canadian birds in a way no ordinary field guide can, and teaches them an intimate appreciation of some of the planet's most beautiful and fascinating creatures. Best of all, Bateman points out that a birding adventure is as close as any child's backyard. Key facts about the different species are conveyed in a field-guide style through special "sketchbook" sidebars. Features on identifying, and finding birds make this a wonderful first book for any young naturalist. From the introduction of Backyard "I hope this book of some of my favorite birds will launch you on your own adventure. Of all wild creatures, birds are the most colorful and the easiest to see.You don't need to travel to distant jungles or faraway islands. They live in our own backyards. If you just spend time
watching and listening, you will discover them.You'll see their beautiful feathers and hear their amazing songs. You'll watch them feed in winter and build nests in spring. Birds are our neighbors.We should get to know them." Backyard Birds Great Blue Herons
- Belted Kingfishers
- Red-Tailed Hawks
- Great Horned Owls
- Mourning Doves
- Wild Turkeys
- Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds
- Barn Swallows
- Chimney Swifts
- Downy Woodpeckers
- Dark-Eyed Juncos
- Blue Jays
- Crows
- Red-Winged Blackbirds
- Northern Cardinals
- Cedar Waxwings
- Baltimore Orioles
- Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks
- House Sparrows
- Lark Sparrows
- Song Sparrows
- Swamp Sparrows
- White-Throated Sparrows

Genres: Nonfiction, Birds, Picture Books, Childrens, Nature

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful introductory bird book loaded with pictures by the artist, Robert Bateman. It is quite basic, but seems to be directed towards children in the elementary school grades. It doesn't matter, because I still learned a few things that I didn't know before by reading it! A lovely, lovely, book!!

[foom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great starter book for identifying birds. It's filled with lovely illustrations that I really enjoyed. Light on details, but it's intended for the younger crowd. There's a tiny fact sheet about each featured bird and paragraph or two describing them. A few more pages describe bird behaviour in general, with topics like migration.

[Yoursexylibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illustrations are excellent. This is a lovely introductory book to birding.

[Ammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Bateman. My kids were less than engaged, but I enjoyed it.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

We think we have figured out that the new bird in our backyard is a finch thanks to this user-friendly, colorful, and descriptive book.