Bird Song Defined, Decoded, Described

About this book

Bird Song: Defined, Decoded, Described is a guide to the songs of over 200 birds of eastern North America. The author provides a practical “system” which allows a birder to “access” and identify a mystery song, often right in the field while the bird is singing. This book will be welcomed by the birder and the non-birder alike, by anyone trying to learn and understand more about bird song.

Songs are “defined” according to this system, “decoded” by their elements and structure, and “described” in detail by their overall make-up and quality. The nuances and progress of the notes within each song are clearly explained as well as illustrated. No superficial re-telling of a bird's song, but a thorough, “teaching-oriented” approach to the subject, which provides an abundance of useful information. Bird song is made understandable!

But the author goes further. He also defines songs in relation to specific habitats, as well as according to groupings with similar-sounding deliveries, thus providing a cross-reference or alternative approach to looking at these same songs. Whether uncovering a mystery song, relating a song to a particular habitat, separating similar songs, or simply researching a specific song, Bird Song will prove to be a resource for all occasions.

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Biography

Ernie Jardine lives in Pickering, Ontario. His interest in the birds began as a youngster in the 1950s, scouring his Toronto neighbourhood for birds, along with like-minded friends. Bird sticker books, and bird books from the local library also figured prominently. From that youthful curiosity, his present preoccupation with birds and birding has evolved, passing through many and varied stages.