Reviews and discussions of birding literature and field guides — from prairie-focused titles to broader natural-history reads that inspire time outdoors.
There is a special kind of quiet that settles over the prairie in the early morning, just before the sun breaks the horizon. It is in these moments that the birders among us find their truest reward: the first song of a meadowlark rising from a fence post, or the silhouette of a hawk cutting across a pale sky. On our farm, every season brings a shift in the cast of characters that visit the yard, the shelterbelt, and the slough. From the hardy winter residents that brave the snow to the flood of migrants arriving in spring, each day offers something new to observe, identify, and appreciate.
Building a life list is a deeply personal journey, one that grows with every field trip, every unexpected sighting, and every patient hour spent watching through binoculars. For birders who call the prairies home, the landscape itself becomes a guide. The vast open skies, the scattered wetlands, and the rolling farmlands each host distinct communities of birds. Keeping a blog about these encounters helps to document not just the species seen, but the stories behind them. It is a way to share the thrill of spotting a rare warbler or the simple comfort of watching chickadees at the feeder on a cold winter morning.
Good field guides are like trusted companions on any birding adventure. They fit into a pack or a vest pocket, ready to help sort out the subtle differences between a sparrow and a finch or to confirm the wing pattern of a passing shorebird. But beyond the practical identification tools, the best bird books also capture the wonder of the natural world. They tell stories of migration, of habitat, and of the people who have dedicated their lives to studying and protecting birds. Whether focused on the prairies or covering a broader scope, these volumes enrich the time spent outdoors.
Birding is not a solitary pursuit, even when you are standing alone in a field. It connects you to a wider community of observers, from the neighbours who mention a strange bird at their feeder to the online networks where sightings are shared across the continent. Participating in seasonal counts and citizen science projects adds purpose to each outing, turning a morning walk into a contribution to something larger. The prairie landscape is a living classroom, and every birder, whether a beginner or a seasoned expert, has something to learn and something to share with others who love the skies above the grasslands.
A guide to top birding destinations across the Canadian prairies, published by Greystone Books. Authors John Acorn and Nicola Koper highlight accessible sites for birders of all levels.
In April 2018, a giveaway copy was won by Mary W.
View at Greystone Books
A practical resource covering feeder types, seed choices, and seasonal strategies for attracting birds to your yard — especially relevant during prairie winters.
A companion volume exploring birding hotspots across BC, from coastal estuaries to mountain forests.
Naturalist, lecturer at the University of Alberta, and co-author of the prairie birding guide. Known for making natural history accessible and engaging.
Conservation biologist and co-author, featured in a Winnipeg Free Press article about tall-grass prairie companions.