Common Backyard Birds

K-Gr 2—Backyard birds may be common, but they are lovely, and Dumrauf beautifully showcases them in this book. The author shares her love of birds by writing in the first person (as if the birds were describing their own habitat and food preferences) and by featuring them in full-color photographs. The bright red breast of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak pops off the green page as does the sunny yellow Gold Finch. The soft gray of the Tufted Titmouse is reflected in the water as it drinks. Because recognizing avian species involves more than their appearance, this introduction mentions such different calls and sounds as the shriek of the Blue Jay and the mew of the Gray Catbird. She highlights certain particular behaviors as the speedy Chickadee, flock-loving Cedar Waxwings, and such preferred habitats as leaf litter for the Eastern Towhee and mature woods for the White-breasted Nuthatch. Tips on how to attract birds at home are included at the end of this recommended slender volume.