The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible: The A-to-Z Guide To Feeders, Seed Mixes, Projects, And Treats (Rodale Organic Gardening Book)

The author is a little fanatical in her pursuit of attracting birds to her yard. Maybe delete the "little." A fanatic, plain and simple. But she's an excellent writer and somehow draws me in to every single entry, whether "Juncos" or "Icicles;" "Gourds" or "Flowers for Birds." Not the kind of book you can sit down and read all at once, but great fun to have handy and peruse. I'm guessing, especially in an era when people turn instinctively to their computers, this is about as comprehensive a guide on the subject as anyone will ever again try to write. No reader in his or her right mind will go out and emulate Sally Roth on every point, but I have to say I'm inspired to try something new every time I dip in.

Here's my experience so you can discover if you are on my level or SUPERIOR to me when it comes to knowledge about bird feeding. This year we put up a super duper, no attractions spared, bird feeding center. Did we ever get a show! We had finches, wrens, cardinals and all sorts of birds appear. We had thistle feeders and those for birds who preferred sunflower seeds. However, we also discovered that the birds inhaled food, simply seemed to suck it in like some industrial strength vacuum cleaner, small in size and...well, I wish I had a vacuum cleaner that quick and efficient! Another sign that nature trumps technology much of the time. But....we were going into hock trying to keep those birds fed. So I bought this book partly because of the section on how to keep them fed and still afford to retire someday. It was very helpful and now we're happy and the birds are happy. For those of you who feel just fine spending money on bird seed and not finding less costly methods of feeding the adorable little gluttons, you'll find a huge array of info in this one about how to choose feeders, which mixes work best and even how to deal with cicadas. You can get an idea of the book's topics by using the "Search Inside the Book" feature. Of course, some things can't be taught by a book, as I learned when a bird alit on my shoulder while filling a feeder, a small gift. But if you want info about how to attract birds, create the ideal feeders and find the mix seed mixes as well as projects you can make yourself, this IS the book to get. You can read more about it and other items on my profile page on Amazon.

"The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible" by Sally Roth Trainloads of books, pamphlets and magazine articles have been written about backyard birding, bird housing and bird feeding. Unfortunately, a lot of them are not worth much and a great many contain a large dose of pure silliness, misinformation, and harebrained altruism. That is the reason why "The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible" by Sally Roth is such a wonderful find. Roth's book is easily the most accurate, the most practical, the most useful, the most sensible, the most well-written and the most usable work on bird feeding out of scores that I have read over the passed half-century. Any birder at any level of interest will find this work interesting, entertaining, very useful and refreshingly down-to-Earth. I will, however, make two cautionary comments. First, Roth suggests seeking local information and answers from local chapters of the Audubon Society, the Sierra Club or The Nature Conservancy. My experience is that the accuracy and reliability of information from these three groups is highly variable. I have been very impressed with them in Michigan, favorably impressed with them in Arkansas, Kansas and south Texas, satisfied with them in Ohio and Pennsylvania and thoroughly disgusted with them in Florida. Just a "heads up". Secondly, as you read "The Backyard Bird Feeder's Bible", you will be rapidly overwhelmed with the urge to run out to the local equipment stores and buy all manner of feeders, building materials, tools, feed & seed, and potted plants, shrubs and trees. This can present problems, especially for apartment dwellers.

I was lent this book from a relative and I ended up buying one for myself and one for a neighbor. It has great pictures and makes it easy to identify your backyard birds. It’s colorful and loaded with suggestions on everything from making your own feeders to the best seed to use. It is a sturdy hard-cover book. Very relaxing book with good information on your backyard visitors.

We purchased this book which was classified as being in "used-very good" condition but I would classify it as "nearly new". The only way one would even know it was used was there was a dedication written on the front page from someone who gave it to their father as a gift, which we thought was nice and did not mind it at all. The book arrived on time and in great shape. It was full of great information for anyone interested in feeding, housing and creating special, attractive habitats in their backyard for birds to enjoy and thrive. It was well worth money and will be used as a reference for many years to come.

Hey bird lovers! Just wanted to say thanks for saying such nice things about this book. Wish I could have you all over for breakfast with the birds (say, around 10 a.m.? late sleeper zzz). On second thought, wish I could've had you all over a few weeks ago, when we had a freak ice storm and frigid temps, and the Anna's hummingbirds that were still around (torpor, I kept telling them; it's time for torpor.... would they listen? of course not) needed to have their feeders thawed and replaced EVERY 15 MINUTES!!! (Worse than a new baby) Anyway, hope your feeders are just overflowing with bluebirds, grosbeaks, varied thrushes, pine siskins, red-breasted nuthatches, and soon, soon, indigo buntings, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and let's not forget my favorite starlings (really, though I realize I'm the only person in the world that feels this way; it all started when I raised a batch of orphaned babies and they were just so homely, I fell in love) (but don't worry, this book'll tell you how to discourage 'em in case you'd rather send them all to my place). And for all of us stuck in the depths of winter for far too long this year, SPRING IS COMING! Go break off some forsythia branches and pussywillows and stick 'em in water in the house, they'll bloom fast. And don't forget to stock up on zinnia seeds at those 10-packs-for-$1 sales, the flowers are great for butterflies and hummingbirds (and bouquets) and goldfinches and native sparrows love the seeds---and they're about the easiest flowers in the world to grow. All right, I'll get a grip now (bad case of spring fever, sorry), just want to say Thanks again. And, hey, Dennis from TN, how's that statue coming along? (just kidding, just kidding) (But hello to TN. I'm not in southern IN anymore---WA state now---and I sure am gonna miss those spring wildflowers, man, what a well-kept secret---everybody hears about New England wildflowers but those ACRES of Virginia bluebells, wild sweet william, tricorner delphiniums, mayapple, trilliums, and a zillion others in TN, OH, IN, KY are just incredible. Not to mention the dogwoods and redbuds. And the sugar maples in fall. And the morels, mmm.) All right, have no idea if they'll let me post this or not, but here goes.... Thanks again, everybody.

I barely got to look at the thing! I made the mistake of allowing my young nephew to glance through it a few days ago. The next thing I know he takes it home with him and won't bring it back to me. (Well, he 'would' because he's that kind of guy... but I think I am going to allow him to keep it.) Apparently this book had the remarkable effect of sparking in him a sudden interest in the hobby of attracting and feeding birds. Actually, all summer long we have been visited at our little place in the country by birds of all sorts and we have been feeding them everyday so they wouldn't get bored and go away, but my nephew didn't have any interest in them... that is, not until I let him look at this book. As I said, I did not really get to look at this book, but let's base my 5 star review on the enthusiasm it sparked in him. He says it is a great book because the information within is very interesting and very in-depth. He also loves the plentiful beautiful pictures which helps keep him attracted all the more to the subject matter. I am very pleased that a child growing up in today's sterile electronics-obsessed society can still find something very natural and positive to invest his time and interest in. Aren't you?

ok, love this book so far. it gives you good tips for attracting birds. talks about the type of foods out there, types of shrub and bushes best suited, landscape. Many things like that. Also gives you DIY foods and landscape ideas. This is definitely a great book for beginner bird feeders, the people type. I supplement this with other bird description books to know exact information on nesting and feeding.

This book is a wealth of information for anyone who enjoys birds. It offers suggestions and tips on types of seeds, fruits, and flowers to plant to attract birds. Clever ideas to make your own birdbaths, feeders and recipes for feeds and suets. You learn how to gather 'found' treats and use leftovers from the fridge - ideas that don't break the bank! Great insight on bird behaviours. This is a book you will refer to time and time again. Get this book, you won't be sorry and the birds will thank you.

The book is like new ....I bought used but good Very impressed with my purchase. Also the gentleman that delivered my order to my door As I am a senior and have trouble with my legs.. Thank you again young man much appreciated.

I was curious as to what Sally Roth could write on Bird Feeding to fill a book! I am just getting into bird feeding and watching as a hobby, and thought I could learn a few things. I was pleasantly surprised at how much information is packed into this book. I read it daily until I got through it. I recommend this to anyone interested in knowing more about bird feeding! In fact, I have since purchased her more recent book, and am enjoying it as well!

Book has lots of great information, finding it really helpful with purchasing plants for my backyard and also has some nice recipies that I will be trying.

Very good information book, it is quite complete, lots of pictures, well written, a must for the beginner!