Calling Florida Birders

TonyCooper

My son-in-law, who lives in Jax Beach, has become interested in photographing birds. I'd like to buy him a bird identification guide with specific emphasis on birds found in Florida. Amazon lists several titles. I have the Smithsonian Handbook for Birds of Florida, but I'm wondering if there's a better choice.

Recommendations?

SavingFlorida

I recommend these two books:

Sibley's Guide to Eastern Birds of the US.
Florida has a lot of transient species that are overlooked in the Florida specific books

Florida's Birds: A Field Guide And Reference by David S. Maehr, Herbert W., II Kale, and Karl Karalus (Paperback - Nov 15, 2005)

I really like this one, but the pictures are drawn and sometimes a little misleading.

I personally use (and need) a variety of books for ID. There are just so many different plumages and species...

Jamie

TonyCooper

Thanks for the reply, but I'm just back from the bookstore and picking up Ted Floyd's _Stmithsonian Field Guide to the Birds_. I looked through several books, and felt that this book - with photographs instead of drawings - was the best choice. It's far better organized than my _Birds of Florida_ guide.

I did see and like the Sibley guides. They are also well organized.

I had to make a decision because my daughter's heading back to Jax Beach later today.