Birding expert James Currie presents components of birding: - essentials of bird anatomy and taxonomy, and how this knowledge helps the student critically in the field; - how to identify birds, plus related topics such as birding by ear, birding at night, bird behavior, avian migration; - optical equipment for birding, highlighting binoculars and spotting scopes, and how to use them; - the exciting activity of locating, approaching, and observing birds in the field: stealth techniques for tracking and approaching birds; ways to attract birds by mimicking bird calls and predators; and how to bring birds into your own yard or surroundings.