RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD

Rating:
Summary: Like hummingbirds? This book is a MUST!
Review: If you're interested in ruby-throated hummingbirds, this book is definitely a must for your collection. Loads of information that is easy to understand and absorb. The photos are superb! To me, it's my "ruby-throated bible". Answers multitude of questions one may have regarding migration, feeding, courtship, etc. What a nice addition to my library! You'll enjoy it too!

Rating:
Summary: Great photos, wonderful content--a must-have
Review: The ruby-throated hummingbird and I have quite the adversarial relationship. My stories of hummingbird encounters are becoming almost mythic in proportion, as I wage my battle to capture *the* perfect hummer photo. I have learned that unlike their Hollywood image as little gems from heaven, they are really rather nasty at times, especially to those of us wanting to photograph them! Mr. Sargent knows this, as is evident in his well-written text describing the behaviors of this bird. He uses words such as "mean spirited," "hot tempered" and "little bullies." I have seen all of these descriptions in action. This is part of what makes this book so enjoyable, because along with providing a wealth of detailed information about all aspects of the bird's life cycle, he does it with an endearing and humorous slant, showing at once his admiration for and understanding of the hummingbird's nature.

The photos that accompany the text are the ones I wish I could take, showing the ruby-throat in fighting trim as well as bedraggled from migration. I can only guess how many frames were taken to get the many included in this comprehensive book. In my dogged attempts to get even ONE photo this good, I've read every book I could find on hummingbirds, particularly the ruby-throats. This is by far the best one I have found. Not only does it inform, it always entertains, a rare combination in a birding guide.