Book Review - National Geographic Field Guide to Birds: Texas by Jonathan Alderfer

If you read my last review, you'll know I've gotten into Birding. I've taken my birding "checklist" with me to several travel spots and spotted a few birds. Not too time-consuming and it doesn't cost any money except whatever is spent on the trip already (like park entrance fees or parking fees or gas).

Well since I started birding outside of my home area, I needed a more robust book than simple backyard birds. I wanted to learn about birds that I see migrating to some southerly locations and those unusual birds and ducks that visit lakes and ponds. So I picked up this National Geographic field guide. It's the perfect size to fit in your travel bag or you can easily rip out the colored list on pages 262-265 (which I did) and just checked birds off as I saw them.

This book isn't about attracting birds to your yard, but rather observing them in their natural habitat. The maps are color-coded for seasonality. There is a great identification guide in the beginning explaining the various parts and colorings. Information on behaviours and habitats as well as any useful field notes. Great little guide for those interested in trying out birding or who are seeking additional checklists.

You can also find other states in this series if you plan to travel outside Texas.

Title: National Geographic Field Guide to Birds: Texas
Author: Jonathan Alderfer
ISBN: 9780792241874
Pages: 272

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Book Review - Backyard Birds of Texas: How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds by Bill Fenimore

I installed a bird feeder in front of my home office window and have been watching the birds (and squirrels) which ignited my interest in having a checklist to track which birds have visited my home. So I got this book from the local library. What I like about it is that it's full-color and has maps of when the bird species will visit my area (like year-round or winter). The colorful photographs makes it so easy to identify the birds.

Then I took my interest in bird watching a step further and bought the book to take with me on my jaunts throughout Texas. Well, I actually just ripped out pages 92-95 to take with me. Many of the birds I can see in my hometown, but some I only found when I traveled further south (like San Antonio) or to an area with lake or river. I was able to cross almost all the birds off. And it was pretty fun.

I tried to find checklists online but many of them were not as colorful or easy to identify. This book was helpful in that manner.

Also, for my own viewing pleasure, this book also offers advice on how to attract birds to your window with the type of foods certain species enjoy and the types of homes they will utilize. On page 68 there is a handy pull-out chart which lists the bird species and the types of foods they will eat. I'm still working on that and hopefully will have pictures to share soon!

Title: Backyard Birds of Texas: How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds
Author: Bill and Estrella Fenimore
ISBN: 9781423603511
Pages: 95

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Event - #Travel #Texas - Calliham - Birding Festival at Choke Canyon State Park - March 8, 2025

Calliham, Texas - Birding Festival at Choke Canyon State Park
March 8, 2025
Choke Canyon State Park
Tucked away about half-way between San Antonio and Corpus Christi is Choke Canyon State Park which promises outdoor family fun. The birding festival features a Live Bird Show plus lots of wildlife viewing walks. There will also be guest speakers, kid friendly activities, and native plant for sale.
Address: 358 Recreation Rd. 8, Calliham, TX 78007
Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Fees: $5 entry fee for ages 13 and up
For more information: https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/choke-canyon/birding-festival

Special Offers - Even MORE Amazon Discounts on Selected Travel Books and Maps

I went down a bunch of rabbit holes last night looking at more travel related goodies Amazon has marked down. I purchased a bunch for next year's trips that I wanted to share with you. As always, check your local library to see if they offer these books and maps for FREE. I like to have hardcopies of maps so I can circle and make notes on them.

Fun Guides:

50 Places to Travel with Your Dog before you die - https://amzn.to/3ZDXK57

Texas:

National Geographic Texas Guide Map - https://amzn.to/46BddVO

National Geographic Adventure Map of Texas and Oklahoma - https://amzn.to/46rRHmi

Field Guides to Wildlife, Birds, Trees and Wildflowers of Texas - https://amzn.to/3PKcL0q

Moon Travel Guide - 52 Things to Do in Austin and San Antonio (this is a great weekend guide) - https://amzn.to/3F3UQNt

Yosemite National Park:

National Geographic Topographic Map to Yosemite National Park Day Hikes - https://amzn.to/45ebWml

A Field Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks - https://amzn.to/3F16k4g

Regional Hiking Series - Hiking Yellowstone National Park - (I'm really excited to get this guide) - https://amzn.to/3PL6Atj

Frommers Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park - https://amzn.to/3ZHbonQ

Bird Watching Books:

Bird watching is a great way to observe nature in your location or while you travel. I used to bring binoculars but now our cell phones have such great zooms that I just use that instead. I usually bring my guide so I can check off the birds I see as I go.
The Bird Watching Answer Book - https://amzn.to/46bmB2u

American Birding Assoc State Field - Birds of Texas - https://amzn.to/46bmB2u

Hiking Guides:

The Falcon Guide - Hiking with Kids New England - https://amzn.to/3toU3UA

AMC's Best Day Hikes near Boston - https://amzn.to/3MaFZoz

AMC's Best Day Hikes in Vermont - https://amzn.to/3RKBnsM

National Parks:

Our National Parks by John Muir - https://amzn.to/46hJuBh

Moon USA National Parks Guide - (This is an excellent guide) - https://amzn.to/3LKuKTe

Joshua Tree: The Complete Guide to Joshua Tree National Park by James Kaiser - (this place is definitely on my must-visit list) - https://amzn.to/3F3CcoQ

National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map to Arches National Park - https://amzn.to/3RISmeU

National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map to Bryce Canyon National Park - https://amzn.to/46y1rve

National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map to Canyonlands National Park - https://amzn.to/45gLgBE

Other Guides:

Explorer's Complete Guide to North Carolina's Outer Banks - https://amzn.to/3RKxzYg

Moon Travel Guide to Floriday Keys with Miami and the Everglades - (this is an excellent guide) - https://amzn.to/3tcKBnc

111 Places in San Franciso That You Must Not Miss - https://amzn.to/3PIe1RZ

The Everything Travel Guided to Ireland: From Dublin to Galway and Cork to Donegal - (definitely on my bucket list!) - https://amzn.to/3PL6phx

Wild Philly: Explore the Amazing Nature in and around Philadelphia - https://amzn.to/3rBUWZw

This post contains some affiliate links whereby if you make a purchase this channel will make a small commission. It won't change your price or contain any hidden fees. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases which go right back into maintaining this channel. Win-Win.