Christmas Gifts for Birders, 2004

Time once again for the gift-giving season, and this year’s choices are better than ever. Here are some gifts for the birder and those who love them, with suggestions by SAAS members.

First, of course, a membership in the San Antonio Audubon Society or another worthy conservation organization would be a great gift, and don’t forget that ordering Bird Watcher’s Digest or Backyard Bird Newsletter subscriptions from our web site (or using the paper form) earns money for our club!

“ The American Bird Conservancy Guide to the 500 Most Important Bird Areas in the United States: Key Sites for Birds and Birding in All 50 States” by Chipley, Fenwick, Parr, Pashley, ABC, et al.; organizes the U.S. into 36 ornithologically distinct bird regions, then identifies and describes 500 sites within these regions, with ornithological highlights, ownership info, a description of habitats and land use, a guide to species one can expect to find, conservation issues, etc. Full-color maps and illustrations throughout, along with a thorough index, make this book as useful as it is unique, an essential addition to the bird lover’s library.
Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2003; ISDN 0812970365; $25.95

“ Americas Most Important Bird Areas Map”; American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and the National Geographic Society have produced the first ever map of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in the United States. 576 sites that have concentrations of either endangered or declining birds, significant populations of birds with very small ranges, or large concentrations of migratory birds, along with Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) which are larger landscapes designated for their unique bird populations and habitats. Full color, 22” x 37”.
ABA Sales, 800-634-7736; $6.50

Anyone with a window can enjoy birdwatching up close with a window feeder, and Droll Yankees makes an excellent one called The Winner (Model W-1). It includes a roof for rain protection, is clear for a full view, has three suction cups for a strong hold, and has drainage holes.
Droll Yankees, 800-352-9164 or local retailer; $29.99 (or smaller version, the Observer Window Feeder, OWF, for $14.99)

Helen Rejzek tells about her experience with the Adopt-A-Raptor program: “I released a Cooper’s Hawk back into the wild from Last Chance Forever. It was quite an experience! You can give a gift of a sponsorship of a small raptor for $50. Small raptors included a Kestrel, Merlin, Screech Owl, Burrowing Owl, or Sharp-shinned Hawk. Or there is sponsorship for larger birds.”
Last Chance Forever: The Bird of Prey Conservancy, San Antonio, 210-499-4080

The Great North American Bird Watching Trivia Game; This beautifully packaged game features over 2,000 questions falling to three levels of difficulty – beginner, intermediate, and expert – making the game suitable for birders of all skills levels. Topics covered in the game include habitat, mannerisms, field marks, diet, nomenclature, and more.
Outset Media, 877-592-7374; about $30

Solutions for window collisions abound, and a search provided several interesting ideas and products, from feathers on strings to faux spider webs. The most aesthetically-pleasing, in my opinion, are the Whispering Windows Bird Anti-Collision window decals. They are white, static clings that stick right to the inside glass, are removable and reusable, and come in designs including butterflies, chickadees, hummingbirds and garden angels.
Whispering Pines, 208-882-8344; $5.99 for a package of 6 or 8 decals in a gift envelope

“ Shorebirds: A Guide to Shorebirds of Eastern North America” is a revised and updated DVD edition of the 70-minute video by Richard K. Walton and Greg Dodge, who traveled to hotspots all over the U.S. and present 36 species to help you learn the basics of shorebird identification. Menu-driven for specific navigation, and includes a new slide-show quiz.
Brownbag Productions, 800-343-5540; $24.95.

 

 

 

Previous years' Christmas Gift articles: 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000