2 comments about Attracting and Feeding Hummingbirds (T.F.H. Wild Birds Series).

1. This small but information-packed guide is the best I've found for detailed, practical advice about viewing and caring for these little flying jewels. The photographs are breathtaking and the text is well-written and filled with wonderful advice and tips about feeders, habitat, gardens, identification and further resources.
   
   Terrific.



2. Although this gem of a book certainly covers attracting and feeding hummingbirds, including extensive advice on selecting flowers appropriate for each region of the continent, its modest size and simple title don't hint at the true gift within: an ecologist's insight into the natural history of one of our most highly-specialized and most fascinating bird families. The first 14 pages of text and photos are a concise, well-balanced examination of how hummingbirds fit into their environment, written for neither children nor scientists, but for the inquisitive layman. You won't find this content in any other book I've seen.

   The second part is about plants, and again compresses a wealth of useful information into a succinct but rich overview of what flowers hummingbirds like, and why. More than a plant list, this section will help you understand how to plan a garden that works.

   There are also sections on feeders, habitat, and species identification. Each is invested with an equally-impressive amount of insight, although as the author advises you'll want a good field guide for serious ID questions (and Sheri is writing one now). Finally, there's a nice listing of organizations and both printed and online resources for further study.

   I have a collection of hummingbird books, assembled to help me build and maintain hummingbirds.net. This one is one of the three I wouldn't be without.

5 comments about Parrotlet Handbook, The (Barron's Pet Handbooks).

1. A mi parecer contiene informacion muy util para novatos como yo. Sobre todo es que no hay casi informacion sobre los Forpus en la red. Hay una seccion sobre otras especies que no es muy logica a mi parecer en este libro, pero en linea general me ha gustado.
   
   Very good information for nobels like me. What i did not understand, is why the litle information about other parrots. But in general a good book



2. A better title for this book might have been "The Small Parrot Handbook". I thought I was getting an in depth handbook on parrotlet care and breeding, but what I got was a book that deals in generalities of many different birds. Forget buying this book. You will learn much more from surfing the web. A total waste of money. Wait! I have just discovered that if you carefully remove the pages, they will fit perfectly 3 wide by 3 deep in the bottom of my bird cage. Maybe I should give another star...



3. If you are looking for information on the care of pet parrotlets, take a pass on this one. There are few pages devoted to that topic, and lots and lots about the history of the breed, and lots and lots about small parrots that are not parrotlets.



4. Because I keep many birds, I've read many books on the topic by Matthew Vriends. Vriends raises several kinds of tropical birds, visits their natural habitats, is involved in the preservation of wild birds and their habitats, and writes extensively on these topics. He is also a PhD (Dutch born biologist and ornithologist). I bought THE PARROTLET HANDBOOK in spite of the fact one reviewer said there was not much of interest about Parrotlets in this book, mainly because I have read so many of Vriends other books on other birds and found them helpful.
   
   THE PARROTLET BOOK is very interesting, but it is also geared to the breeder of this type of bird. As the owner of two brother Parrotlets, I don't foresee joining the breeder group any time soon, even though Vriends makes a compelling case for becoming a breeder of Parrotlets who are under threat from the deforestation of the Amazon jungle.
   
   In spite of the book's bias - which I truly appreciate, it does include many helpful tips and a good deal of information about the various types of Parrotlets who are companions of people like me. For one thing the book helps one understand the origins the little birds whose ancestors come from South America and who seem be thought of by some as the little brother of the larger Macaw.
   
   My Parrotlet brothers have been hand raised from the egg stage and they are Soooo sweet. However, I am told the Parrotlet can administer a nasty bite should he be "wild" or displeased. My birds perch on my finger (two at a time) and are a lot less messy than my Cockatiels and Love Birds. Maintenance-wise, keeping Parrotlets is a bit like keeping Canaries. However, they are as playful as my Senegal parrot.
   
   I found a really great article on Parrotlets entitled "True Confession-Parrotlet owners bring down the house with tales of pin-sized adventures" in the January 2004 issue of Bird Talk Magazine (if you keep birds or are thinking of doing so, subscribe to this magazine). I recommend both Vriends book and Bird-Talk magazine for the serious bird owner.



5. I bought this book hoping to find out more about parrotlet care, training and behavior. Instead, it reads like a mini0encyclopedia of all small parrots. Most of the parrots listed in this book are not even seen in pet stores. The author should SERIOUSLY think about revising this book OR changing the title.

No comments about The Guide to Owning a Dove (Guide to Owning).

3 comments about Conures (Animal Planet Pet Care Library).

1. This book has a lot of information about conures. I like the fact that its just about conures instead of all parrots as conures are alittle bit different in the way they act. My blue-crown is the second conure I've had. The first one, a white-eyed conure, lived for 24 years. I purchased this book so that I can keep up with illnesses, wing clipping, etc. I would recommend this book to anyone who has or wants a conure.



2. Conures by Carol Frischmann gives a good basic start for the new pet conure owner. This book provides guidance to the individual who is selecting a conure as a pet as well as someone who has just brought home their first conure.
   
   Conures is a visually appealing book that is graphically well-laid out and easy to read. Key information points are set up in table formats that are excellent for a quick reference. A lot of practical information is packed into this publicaton along with suggestions for how to learn more beyond the topics covered within its pages.
   
   It provides a range of basic information for the new pet owner which includes diet, health care, grooming, toys, housing and training. I especially like the tips for how to help children care for and interact with the conure since so many times these birds are chosen as pets for families with children. By giving ideas of specific activities and interactions by age, parents can oversee a level of involvement with the bird that is appropriate for their children.
   
   It is very difficult to have a book that covers all aspects of care for a pet parrot, but this book does cover the basics very nicely. If the new conure owner follows the direction provided, they will be headed the right direction for the enjoyment of owning a healthy, happy pet bird!



3. Conures (Animal Planet Pet Care Library) is a great book. Full of good and helpful information. I sat and read it cover to cover. I am now going back and highlighting the information that really stood out. This book is great for overall information and detailed day-to-day care and interaction. I would recommend this book to anyone who owns or plans to purchase a conure for a pet/companion. Excellent resource.

1 comments about Hamsters For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets)).

1. This is a really great hamster book, one of the best I've ever read. I've been keeping pet hamsters for over a decade, and I found that all of the information presented in this book was both fascinating and accurate. The author did an excellent job in making this book accessible for all ages. While the target audience of this book is adults, children who are ten and up should have no trouble reading it. The book is uses fun, lighthearted language to communicate the information. It is a very enjoyable read, no matter if you're a beginning hamster owner, or one who has been keeping hamsters for years. No matter what, you'll find lots of facts about the little furry rodents that you didn't know before. I highly recommend this book.

1 comments about Cockatiels (Animal Planet Pet Care Library).

1. I loved the layout, it's well written and organized in a fun, helpful, and informative way.

5 comments about Hand-Feeding Backyard Birds: A Step-By-Step Guide.

1. This is a necessary book if you desire to handfeed wild birds.It is extremely hard to find this book,anywhere.Inside is a step by step guide to handfeeding your backyard birds,it is very useful and in a way, somewhat easy to do by following this book.This was one of the books I have looked most forward too in a long time,and I'm glad I now have it.If handfeeding your wild backyard birds is one of your things to do, I highly recommend this book as almost a necessity.



2. I recently ordered this book and was inspired to try it for myself. I enjoyed the photography and the author's anecdotes about his own experiences feeding birds. The book offers practical information and put together with a little patience on my part, I was able to get some chickadees into my hand within 2 1/2 weeks.



3. If you are looking for a book that will teach you how to hand-feed back yard birds and if you would enjoy poignant anecdotes about birds that have come to the author's hand to feed year after year, you will love this book!
   The photographs are gorgeous, the text is clear, organized and interesting, and you can't help love the gentle, friendly, kind man who writes about his love of birds and hand-feeding them.
   Another good point about this book is ...it works! I followed Hugh Wiberg's suggestions and with patience and practise, won the trust of a dear little nuthatch. He comes to my hand every time I go the park.
   The book, Hand-feeding Backyard Birds, started me on this hobby and taught me how to be successful. It is a wonderful book!



4. There are some things that make you just stop and stare in amazement. Seeing someone in the middle of a park calmly hand-feeding chickadees is one of those things. Chickadees aren't tame - they fly away from feeders when you approach! And yet, ANYBODY can learn how to hand-feed these and other birds.

   If you're interested, definitely grab this book. It has gorgeous photos, and simple, step-by-step instructions. It tells you when to try this for best results, how go to about it, which sorts of birds respond best, how they tend to act, what they like to eat, and much, much more.

   Definitely a great gift for any birder, and once your birder (or you!) learns the technique, it'll be a present that lasts them a lifetime!




5. This book is a lot of fun - while also being realistic. The author tells you up front that you need to be patient, because it takes time to build the trust of birds. But once they do its such a joy! Reading through the book was inspiring and then in the winter I just bundled up and got out there. It was calming while at the same time exciting as the birds came closer and closer. Bundle up though - the best time to do this with the birds is winter since they're a bit short on food and it gets chilly out there.

5 comments about The Complete Pet Bird Owner's Handbook.

1. This is one of the most complete bird care books. It really should be in every bird owners home.



2. An excellent book that is easy to use as a reference and has the most current thinking on the correct way to care and feed birds.



3. This book was purchased for historical purposes only to see how far we have come in aviculture.
   
   I caution any new pet bird owner looking for a owner's handbook on birds to buy a CURRENT book--this is very important. Spend the extra dollars for the most updated information. Many things have changed over the years.



4. As the title indicates, this book is "complete". Dr. Gallerstein starts off with a chapter to really make a person think about whether a pet bird would be right for you. If the answer to this is "yes", he then goes on to help you decide which bird you should be looking for - age, size, noise level, how to pick a healthy bird, etc.
   
   He gives a brief description of several types of birds, indicating where they live in the wild, their size, noise level, age at maturity, activity level, playfulness, destructiveness, cuddliness, talking potential, biting potential and whether they are good for first-time bird owners. He also gives the potential life span for these birds.
   
   Dr. Gallerstein then talks about bringing your new bird home. He gives some excellent examples of the "do's and the don'ts" to help a bird owner introduce a new bird into the household. He talks about what causes stress & how to reduce stress as well as the daily care and the weekly care required for this bird and a few time saving tips to help you out.
   
   The chapter on proper caging & furnishings provides plenty of information to help you make a decision about what is required for birds ranging from finches, canaries & budgies to the macaws. There is even a shopping list provided so that you don't forget anything when you go to the pet supply store to pick out your bird's accessories.
   
   The nutrition chapter covers information for new bird owners as well as experienced bird owners. Dr. Gallerstein explains what should be fed to your bird as well as why so you will have a good reason to start making changes in your bird's diet, if you haven't been following this advice. This chapter ends with some wonderful recipes.
   
   At some point, you are going to have to hold your bird and the chapter on bird restraint explains how to do this for the various sized birds. Dr. Gallerstein then moves nicely into the chapter on grooming with detailed pictures to help with his descriptions.
   
   Safety for your bird is important & information is provided regarding young children, other pets (including other birds) and household dangers. Everyone wants a well-behaved parrot and Dr. Gallerstein leads both new & experienced parrot owners through some very informative suggestions and ideas.
   
   The chapter titled Avian Anatomy and Physiology has extremely interesting information including colour photographs of normal and not so normal parrot droppings.
   
   Home Physicals and Veterinary Care are both chapters that provide information for experienced pet bird owners as well as the new bird owner and should really be read more than once to help you remember all the important information in it.
   
   Another valuable chapter is titled Medical Emergencies and it starts off with a list indicating which emergencies are life threatening, which require veterinary attention within the day & which can wait until the next day for treatment. Each of the emergencies is then discussed in more detail throughout the chapter.
   
   This is an excellent book for both new and experienced bird owners that I highly recommend.



5. We give this book to all our adoptive candidates, and we test them on their knowledge before they take home a bird from The Gabriel Foundation. We order cases of this book! It is the most comprehensive bird book out there. There are more in depth books on behavior, species, medicine, etc, but if you are only getting one book **which you shouldn't do- there are many great parrot books and the more you know*** this is a fine choice. The list of safe woods is invaluable.

2 comments about Extraordinary Pheasants.

1. I am a fly tyer and fly fisherman and I picked up this book to learn more about pheasants. This book has many fine photos which helps in my fly tying activities.



2. Extraordinary Pheasants by professional photographer Stephen Green-Armytage is a splendid photographic study of pheasants from peacocks to game hens, as well as an incredible variety of other species. The superbly presented, closely detailed, impressive, full-color images of these majestic birds are the highlight of the book. All enhanced with an informative introduction, short, "reader friendly", descriptive comments concerning each pheasant species helping to round out this vibrant avian celebration. Extraordinary Pheasants is very highly recommended for bird fanciers and a welcome addition to personal, school, and community library "Pets & Wildlife" reference collections.

5 comments about The Parrot in Health and Illness: An Owner's Guide.

1. Although a useful book on parrot illnesses, it was a great shame and disappointment that the book was all in black and white. there were no colour pictures or photographs. once again a real disappointment!



2. Everyone with a parrot should have this book.

   Someday I want to get a hardcore book on avian medicine.
   Until then, this book is great, and at an accessible price.
   A really good job. My only criticism might be the figures
   which seem to be in a world unto themselves, and not in close
   synch with the text in the books. Not that they aren't
   interesting or informative, they just aren't integrated
   with the rest of the book.

   My real objection is the leadin from Amazon.com saying that

   birds are popular because they need so little care. What
   nonsense, and pity the birds kept by people who believe it!




3. There have been so many advances in avian medicine over the years that it's hard to keep up. This book is a valuable guide for all parrot lovers, and owners, who want to know the latest in avian medicine. In these eight chapters Doane covers in great detail everything you need to know to better take care of your companion parrot. There are chapters on picking an Avian Veterinarian, knowing the signs of a Well Bird and a Sick Bird, using proper first aid in the event of accidents, disease problems, avian surgery and there's even a chapter on dealing with the loss when a bird dies.

   This is the first in a series of books authored by Bonnie Doane, and it is excellent. It is a must that you have this in your personal library. There is also an excellent glossary included, and appendix on medications. Be sure to check out her other books, "My Parrot, My Friend", and "The Pleasure of Their Company." Highly Recommended!!!




4. When my scarlet macaw needed surgery, this book helped alleviate the concerns I had about the process. The communication between owner and avian vet is enhanced by the information presented by Ms. Doane. This is one of my favorite books in my bird-related library.



5. An excellent book. Gives you an insight to what a vet would look for. An excellent companion to "My parrot, my friend".