I've been birding for some years and always try to read new books on the subject. I would describe this one as good, but not great. The book is exactly what it claims to be, a beginners guide. It is well written and beautifully illustrated with photos. But it struck me as mainly motivational. If you've toyed with the idea of going birding, but weren't sure where to start, it might be perfect. It covers the subject as an overview and lists a lot of organizations that are busy in the bird conservation field. That is just the problem. Once you pass the motivational step, your most urgent need is information. But if you are looking for nuts and bolts information about birds, you would probably be better off with Sibley's Birding Basics or one of Pete Dunne's books. Sibley is very strong on the physiology of birds and Dunne on birding field craft. Both men are lively and entertaining writers as well as experts in their field.