Hummingbird lovers will find a treasure trove of practical advice and fascinating facts in the book Attracting and Feeding Hummingbirds by Sheri Williamson, Director/Naturalist of the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory. America's two most popular outdoor activities are gardening and birding, and hummingbirds inspire equal devotion in both groups of enthusiasts. Their beauty and personality have earned them a place among the most beloved of all native birds and the most welcome of all garden visitors. The author is both an avid admirer of these living jewels and a biologist with more than a decade of experience in hummingbird research.

The 64-page guide, released March 2000 as part of the new Wild Birds Series from T.F.H. Publications, Inc., is packed with information to help the reader understand the complex lives of these well-loved birds and the basic elements that can transform almost any yard or garden into a hummingbird haven. Chapters include "How Hummingbirds Live," "Putting Out the Welcome Mat," "Feeding Hummingbirds," "Providing a Safe Haven," and "Sharing the Gift of Hummingbirds." The guide is illustrated with 80 color photos, many by the author, depicting hummingbirds, their flowers, gardens, feeders, natural (and unnatural) enemies, and more. An appendix directs readers to a variety of additional resources on hummingbird natural history, identification, conservation, and gardening.

Attracting and Feeding Hummingbirds is available from SABO, with proceeds benefiting the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory's conservation and education programs. To order, contact SABO.

Hummingbird enthusiasts now have another valuable resource to draw upon. A Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America, the latest addition to the prestigious Peterson Field Guide Series published by Houghton Mifflin, was officially released on January 10, 2002. The guide provides in-depth information on 31 species of hummingbirds, from the familiar Ruby-throated, Black-chinned, and Anna's to potential strays from Mexico such as Azure-crowned, Amethyst-throated, and Rufous-tailed. Over 250 photos, many taken by the author and her husband and colleague Tom Wood, illustrate a variety of plumages, with special attention to those confusing females and immature males. Even hawk moths, often mistaken for hummingbirds by birders and non-birders alike, are included in the plates. Detailed maps showing breeding, wintering, and resident range, extralimital records, and migration routes and timing will help readers understand hummingbird distribution. Sections on natural history, attracting and feeding, and North American hotspots take this guide one more step beyond the average field guide. The guide is available in both field-worthy "flexi" softcover and library-quality hardcover editions.

A Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America is available from SABO, with proceeds benefiting the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory's conservation and education programs. To order, contact SABO.

Available Now! The latest volume in John Vanderpoel's Advanced Birding Video Series, Hummingbirds of North America, is now available as a 3-hour VHS tape and will be released as a 2-disc DVD set in October 2004. Scripted by SABO Director/Naturalist Sheri Williamson and narrated by well-known birder and author Jon Dunn, the 3-hour video uses normal speed and slow-motion video clips, still photos, sound, and graphics to capture all those details no book can fully illustrate. The video covers 30 species of hummingbirds, including potential strays from Mexico and the Caribbean. Many hummingbird hotspots in the United States are featured, including top locations in southeastern Arizona, and rare and elusive vagrants such as Plain-capped Starthroat, Green Violet-ear, Bahama Woodstar, and Bumblebee, have been captured in action on their home turf. Detailed coverage of songs and calls is included for many species to help you make those difficult identifications. Recommended retail price is $34.95 for the 3-hour VHS tape, $39.95 for the 2-disc DVD set. Peregrine Video Productions will donate a percentage of its profits on sales of this video to the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory. Advanced Birding Video Series: Hummingbirds of North America will be available from SABO, other non-profit organizations, and birding retailers.

To order your copy from SABO, click one of the links below.