Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Western North America, Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
$9.63
Pros
- Peterson field marks are especially useful for beginners
- excellent art work
- thumbnail maps by each species, extensive maps in back of book
- useful information in front of book for beginning birders
Cons
- less portable than earlier versions
- extensive maps in back add to bulk
- text simplified to be easily understood by novice birders
- weaker presentation of gulls and hawks than other leading guide
“Overview:
This is the latest addition of the Peterson field guide classic for birds of the Western US & Canada. The Peterson method of identification uses highlighted ID marks to quickly identify birds in the field. This method is especially useful for beginners to learn key field marks that help distinguish between species.
Illustrations:
The high quality artwork is in the classic Peterson-style.
Layout:
Several species are shown per page to the right of the fold; text descriptions and thumbnail maps of winter and summer ranges to the left . The Peterson field guides include larger, more detailed maps in the back of the book and comprise about 25% of the field guide’s pages. Many birder’s prefer the layout of other guides such as Sibley’s for the greater details available when just one or two birds are displayed per page.
Descriptive text for each bird includes common and scientific names, abundance, length (but not wingspan or weight), field marks, voice, similar species, and habitat information.”
Review of thePeterson Field Guide to Birds of Western North America
March 3, 2016
FGR Team (FieldGuideReview.com)
Publisher’s Description:
Guide to birds of eastern and central north america guides a unique identification system, which has been called the greatest invention since binoculars. This guide is illustrated with drawings and photographs in color and black and white and all provide up to date range information and the most useful descriptions, pinpoints key field marks for quick recognition and easy comparison of species. Measures 4-1/2-inch length by 7-1/4-inch width.