Bird watcher

Gr 3-6-This title presents great bird-watching activities, an assortment of clear color photos, and fundamental facts about birds and their behavior. Children will be able to study species like the experts as they follow the instructions to build a blind and perform studies from bird pellets. The instructions are easy to follow and appealing, and are paired with delightful photos. Bird table, nest box, feeders, baths, and caller are some of the craft projects. Other undertakings are included to test bird intelligence and examine feeding preferences and nesting habits. These are especially designed to encourage observational skills. Not to be mistaken as a complete work on birds, the science served is just enough to understand some basic facts that will enhance the activities. For example, the shape of beaks is tied to type of food consumed, such as the hummingbird's slim curved beak suited to sip nectar, and feeding signs are explored, such as shrikes that spike small lizards in place until they are ready to consume them. Feather collecting is suggested, with the functionality of types enumerated. Warnings are included both for legalities of collecting endangered specimens and safety in the case of projects requiring care. This title is bound to generate interest and understanding; it's a must-buy for libraries to support budding ornithologists.-Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.