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Message: <blockquote data-quote="lulubelle" data-source="post: 1377644" data-attributes="member: 58499">I own all of the above + others, but usually carry Kaufman in the field. Sizewise, it is the most portable. I find that I prefer photos to paintings, but none of the photographic guides never seem to show All of the plumage changes a bird can go through. I have the new Smithsonian and while I do like it, I find it odd that they include multiple shots of a bird that don't necessarily reflect plumage changes, yet on other birds they leave out photos of plumage changes that would be extremely helpful (fall warblers, juvenal plumage, female plumage, etc.). Their CD was a bit of a disappointment because they included birds like the House sparrow that were quite unnecessary. I would rather have had more bird species and a few less songs (would have liked more call notes that you hear in non-breeding seasons) per bird on the CD. The Nat'l Wildlife Federation guide is another favorite, but a little heavy for carrying. The new Peterson's is nice in that it has a section on fall warblers. Sibley's is good for lots of things, but even he has admitted that his coloration doesn't always reflect the reality of the bird. For shore bird ID, my absolute favorite is "The Shorebird Guide" by O'Brien, Crossley & Karlson - can't beat it. Have "Hawks From Every Angle" by Ligouri, but I am always on the lookout for a better raptor ID book. I have noticed that I seem to "need" all the guides! Even if I know that I have enough, I am always on the lookout for another!!</blockquote>

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