Backyard Birds

“It started with a black-capped Chickadee.” So begins renowned wildlife artist and naturalist Robert Bateman’s introduction as he describes the moment when he first became intrigued with birds at the age of eight. His interest in birds and birdwatching has become a lifelong passion. Now Bateman is eager to share his knowledge about birds with young readers and beginners at birdwatching.

Robert Bateman, together with coauthor Ian Coutts, shares observations about the variety of birds found in Canada. Each double-page spread features a full-page painting of a bird in its familiar habitat as well as facts about size, range, habitat, food, voice, characteristics and identification tips. Also included are sections on the cycle of family life, migration, and attracting birds to one’s backyard. In the epilogue, readers are cautioned about factors which harm birds and are urged to be pro-active in protecting them and their natural environments.

Bateman’s and Coutts’s respect for birds and the natural world and, in turn, their readers, is evident by their well-written and informative text. This book would be a useful reference in elementary school libraries. Although an index and contents pages have been omitted, there is a useful glossary, recommended reading list and website included.

Bateman’s detailed sketches and colourful, realistic paintings make this book a pleasure to explore. His lifelike illustrations of familiar birds makes us look closely in wonder at their beauty. That which we assume as “commonplace” is enhanced by his artistry so that we can appreciate anew our avian friends’ marvelous complexity.

Robert Bateman writes, “Of all wild creatures, birds are the most colourful and easiest to see. You don’t need to travel to distant jungles or faraway islands. They live in our own backyards... Birds are our neighbours, We should get to know them.” Backyard Birds: An Introduction will certainly help readers to do just that!