Posted by Jim DeWitt on October 5, 2008 at 12:11 AM
For those of you who bird in Alaska - or are interested in birding here - the American Birding Association has published the new Second Edition. Lots of new stuff. Recommended. It's available through American Birding Association if it's not in your bookstore.
Posted by David Taylor on October 8, 2008 at 10:48 PM
This is great news, the first edition was fantastic and indispensable.
How does this book compare to "Guide to the Birds of Alaska" by Robert H. Armstrong?
I have that one but would be interested another...
Posted by David Taylor on October 20, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Genny-
I'm sorry that I can't comment on the other book you mentioned, I don't have any experience with that one (I'll have to check it out:). The first edition of "A Birder's Guide to Alaska" was very much like a MIlepost, but for birders and naturalists. Very comprehensive, but not designed as an I.D. type book. I usually carry a comprehensive I.D. book with this one when I travel. It more or less discusses all known hotspots (and a lot of lesser known spots) and what species you might find there at different times of the year. It really is a great book, I'll be picking up the new edition soon. My first edition copy is highlighted and full of personal notes - a great resource. I imagine the new edition will only be that much more comprehensive. Hope this helps.
Posted by Jim DeWitt on October 22, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Genny -
"Birder's Guide" tells you where to find them, and what's where, for dozens of areas around Alaska. Armstrong's book (the second edition is out) tells you how to identify them when you find them. For example, there's a detailed chapter on the Denali Highway from Paxson to Cantwell, telling you, mile-by-mile, what's likely to be there.
Thanks for the info guys.
I use the Armstrong book all the time. I saw several birds this summer that I didn't recognize, and I tried to get pictures of them, but they weren't good enough for ID. It's tough to get a picture unless you already have a camera in your hand, with a big lens on it.....
Posted by David Taylor on January 3, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Just got my copy of the 2nd Edition this past week (Merry Christmas!). Looks great, noticeable thicker and with new info all around. The original was spiral bound, the 2nd edition has an actual binding. The nice thing about the original spiral binding was that you could easily leave it open for quick reference. Not a big deal, and the new info more than makes up for this.
Discussion
6 repliesHow does this book compare to "Guide to the Birds of Alaska" by Robert H. Armstrong?
I have that one but would be interested another...
I'm sorry that I can't comment on the other book you mentioned, I don't have any experience with that one (I'll have to check it out:). The first edition of "A Birder's Guide to Alaska" was very much like a MIlepost, but for birders and naturalists. Very comprehensive, but not designed as an I.D. type book. I usually carry a comprehensive I.D. book with this one when I travel. It more or less discusses all known hotspots (and a lot of lesser known spots) and what species you might find there at different times of the year. It really is a great book, I'll be picking up the new edition soon. My first edition copy is highlighted and full of personal notes - a great resource. I imagine the new edition will only be that much more comprehensive. Hope this helps.
"Birder's Guide" tells you where to find them, and what's where, for dozens of areas around Alaska. Armstrong's book (the second edition is out) tells you how to identify them when you find them. For example, there's a detailed chapter on the Denali Highway from Paxson to Cantwell, telling you, mile-by-mile, what's likely to be there.
I use the Armstrong book all the time. I saw several birds this summer that I didn't recognize, and I tried to get pictures of them, but they weren't good enough for ID. It's tough to get a picture unless you already have a camera in your hand, with a big lens on it.....