North Carolina Birding Guide Published

RALEIGH, N.C. (Aug. 15) — North Carolina’s bird-watchers now have a state-specific guidebook.
Birding North Carolina was coedited by Mark Johns, a biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, and Marshall Brooks, a professor at N.C. Wesleyan College. The 209-page guide describes birding opportunities across North Carolina through detailed profiles of 44 sites chosen by birding enthusiasts.
“It is not intended to be a picture guide,” said Johns, coordinator of the state’s Partners in Flight program. “It is a guide about where to go in North Carolina, how to get there and what birds you can expect to find.”
Each of the 44 site chapters was written by a volunteer from the Carolina Bird Club. Maps and travel tips — including restrooms, food and lodging — accompany the birding-specific information, such as habitats present at each site, which key birds are present at what times of year and best times to bird the site.
The book is suitable for all skill levels. Beginners will appreciate introductory material on the how-to’s of birding, as well as field hazards, ethics and items needed for a successful trip. Descriptions of the state’s varied habitats and what birds use them will help beginners as well as out-of-state birders. Experienced birders will enjoy the specialty bird list and the index matching species to sites and times of year.
Three years in the making, Birding North Carolina is available in bookstores at a list price of $12.95. Proceeds from sales will go toward bird conservation projects throughout the state.