STOKES FIELD GUIDE TO BIRD SONGS: WESTERN REGION

Birders know that recognizing a particular song is often the best way to distinguish a bird in the shadows or perched in the uppermost branches. This song guide can be a companion to a field guide, preparation for a birding trip, or the key to identifying the early-riser heard every morning outside the bedroom window. The format is simple but comprehensive: Famous birding couple Donald and Lillian Stokes name a bird, and its characteristic calls follow. An accompanying pamphlet describes what each call signifies, and where the bird song was recorded. Praise should go to the intrepid recorders, who no doubt faced many challenges capturing their prey on tape. The result is a lovely collection, best savored in small portions. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 01]