Cover image for The Joy of Bird Feeding: The Essential Guide to Attracting and Feeding Our Backyard Birds by Jim Carpenter

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Anderson, Communications

Genre: Non-fiction, Wildlife

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: This book provides bird feeding tips, information about 180 different birds that visit feeders, and solutions for common dilemmas, such as squirrels and starlings. Learn about different types of bird feeders, favored foods, and more in this handy and comprehensive reference guide.

My Review: Carpenter provides a solid foundation for getting started with feeding backyard birds. A person who has never set up a bird feeder before will be able to create a feeding station that maximizes enjoyment and minimizes the mess and frustration after reading this book. It’s packed with beautiful photos and interesting facts about birds. I found myself pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of species that live in or pass through Illinois at different times of the year. Following the tips and guidelines in this book has helped me to set up a fantastic bird feeding station that provides hours upon hours of enjoyment. I think my avian friends would agree that this book is a worthwhile read for the beginner birding hobbyist.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Informative, Practical, Straightforward

Give This a Try if You Like… For the Birds by Anne & Mary Schmauss, field guides

Rating: 5/5

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About FDL Reads

FDL ReadsWelcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.  Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available.  If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently.  We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!