David Sibley illustrated and provided descriptions for 810 species of birds found in North America in this gorgeous handbook. With 6,600 original paintings (!) and full-color detailed range maps, it belongs on the shelf of every North American birder. Unlike its lesser brethren, each species is given at least a half page, which includes range map, voice, key field marks -- and several paintings with juvenile, adult and seasonal plumage. Each gloriously painted bird is shown both in flight and at rest.  (FG48, $35.00)

For the Birds