The latest entry into the world of field guides is Don and Lillian Stokes’s The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America. This comprehensive volume may not be one all birders want to carry into the field, as it is just shy of 800 pages. However, many of us didn’t flinch when David Sibley published his massive volume. While it may remain at home for some, others will probably find it useful enough to keep it handy in their cars.
lots of photos in a field guide is helpful when identifying gullsThe guide contains superb photos showing various plumages for each species. Most the photos give additional information such as where it was taken and at what time of year. This is helpful in determining whether feathers are fresh or worn, or if regional variations occur.
Content includes the most up-to-date regional maps, the American Birding Association’s (ABA) rarity rating for each species, and information on wild hybrids. It also includes the most recent additions, deletions, splits and lumps, and changes to common and scientific names. For example, according to Lillian Stokes, the book was updated to include the recent split of Winter Wren (into Pacific Wren and Winter Wren) just before it went to press.
A bonus of the new field guide is a downloadable CD of 600 calls and songs of 150 common birds, as well as photos.
With the size of the book and all the color photos and the CD, I was surprised that it sells for around $24.99 (less at some online retailers). With the holidays around the corner, this might be something to give to a favorite birder in your life or put on your own wish list. Studying the great photos will be a great way to spend the winter.