IT’S THE GIFT BUYING SEASON (12/06/02)

It’s that season again when gift buying is on most people’s minds. As I state each year, if a friend or family member for whom you want to get a present has an interest in birds, you’re in luck. It’s what I call a “no-brainer,” for all you have to do is wander through one of the local shops that specialize in items for birders. The most difficult chore will be selecting your gifts from the many that are available.

In fact, it’s a case of so many exciting possibilities, so hard to choose! Where to start? The better you know the person, of course, the easier it will be. You might start by thinking about feeders. Birders love a variety of types or one with a new feature. Ask about those that prevent squirrels from accessing the contents, such as the Squirrel Buster, which reputedly has been doing well. Supplies for filling feeders can never be a wrong choice. Feeder watchers always appreciate safflower and thistle seeds, as well as suet cakes. This year look for a selection of bird-edible holiday seed wreaths, garlands, and ornaments at various prices.

Books, CDs, videos and tapes are always sure bets, too, especially if your choices are from the latest offerings. Any of David Sibley’s books are definite winners. If you’re choosing for someone who is fairly new to birdwatching, “Sibley’s Birding Basics” is an absolute must. If your recipient is an experienced birder, either of Sibley’s other tomes are sure to please.

Recent books I have recommended are the Cornell Bird Laboratory’s FeederWatcher’s Guide to Bird Feeding, which is chock full of vital information for anyone who feeds birds; Everything you Never Learned about Birds (lore and legends, science and nature, hands-on projects), also fact-filled as well as entertaining; The Backyard Birdhouse Book by naturalists René and Christyna Laubach and the Birdhouse Book by Donald and Lillian Stokes, both of which provide comprehensive information on bird houses for many of our area’s species along with information on how to attract birds to nest boxes.

Both Donald and Lillian Stokes’s Hummingbird Book and Oriole Book are complete guides to attracting, identifying and enjoying these specific species. I feel rather strongly that books with a definite focus of instruction are much better choices than the often large, coffee-table type books that, while beautiful, seldom promote any learning.

CDs are gaining in both availability and popularity. It never ceases to amaze me just how much information is on one CD! One of the new ones is Birds of Massachusetts from Thayer Birding Software, containing the 282 species regularly seen in the state. This CD-ROM includes color photos, songs for all species, range maps, abundance maps and help so that you can identify birds, even if you do not know their names, just by entering colors, size, habitat and location. This CD also includes over 300 quizzes and lets you compare similar species side-by-side.

Another new product is "The Ultimate Birder" 4 CD package of the best birding software around. It includes Peterson, National Audubon Society, North American Bird Reference Book, and a CD called "Eagles Forever” by Silliker.

The product that really caught my attention and interest, however, is the Identiflyer. This gadget combines a visual picture with birdsong recordings from interchangeable SongCards to help you learn to identify birds by their songs. Over 100 birds and their songs are organized on 12 interchangeable song cards, including one for frogs, although the basic product comes with only two cards. Slide in a SongCard to hear the species you want, slip that one out and insert another to change bird species. This same company has also come out with a new birdsong alarm clock.

There is an abundance of audio tapes that also teach listeners different bird songs and videos that show bird behavior and provide visual learning.

Enjoy your shopping! You might notice that I steered clear of mentioning the plethora of clothing and other bird-theme items. I think birdwatchers would prefer practical items rather than something that is cute and shows birds, or ... maybe I’m just speaking for myself!