Wait, they MIGRATE too?! This is impossible.

December 20, 2012 12:27 PM

Mefi birdwatchers, i need help! I'm looking for the most authoritative and comprehensive book(s) on the indigenous birds of Arkansas. Bonus points if it's fancy and the kind of thing you could put on your lap while sitting on the porch and bird watching.

Christmas gift time! Specific to Arkansas, please, rather than the Audubon guide to North America, etc. I've also seen the Audubon Regional Guide to the Southeastern States but I'm not familiar enough with the materials available to know if a more specifically targeted book is available (or even practical; I'm led to believe that these "birds" move around a bit - geez!).

posted by radiosilents to Science & Nature (6 answers total)

Is there a bookstore in the area? Call them; they'll know of local bird books. I'll bet there's a nifty ipad or android app, too.
posted by theora55 at 12:44 PM on December 20, 2012

Here's a web page of birdwatching resources from Audobon Arkansas that may help.
posted by Slap*Happy at 12:49 PM on December 20, 2012

Call these guys. They'll definitely know.
posted by Thorzdad at 2:42 PM on December 20, 2012

I can't speak to your region, but I have to say it doesn't hurt to have more than one guide to consult. Illustrations, photos and descriptions can differ from one book to another. One might also describe some interesting behaviors that another leaves out. I often consult all three of my bird guides (Sibley's, Stokes and Golden). Sibley's is particularly beautiful and usually has the most interesting information.
posted by purple_bird at 3:39 PM on December 20, 2012

Best answer: I asked an informed enthusiast who happens to be from Arkansas for a rec, and he kindly considered the query and had this to say:

"Had you asked for Fishes of Arkansas, there is the most delightful volume from the U of A Press. On birds, I think that the best choice is probably this guide."
posted by batmonkey at 6:44 PM on December 20, 2012

Response by poster: thanks, all! the person i was shopping for already has the book mentioned in batmonkey's answer, so we'll figure something else out instead.
posted by radiosilents at 12:22 PM on December 23, 2012