The Redwood Region Audubon Society (RRAS) is proud to announce the publication of A Birding Guide to Humboldt
County. This invaluable guidebook was written by local ornithologist
and birding guide, Kenneth Burton, and designed by Arcata-based graphic designer
and photographer, Leslie Scopes Anderson. It links well-known and obscure
birding sites, some of them only recently opened to the public, into 25 routes
spanning the entire county. The book features gorgeous photographs by
Anderson, Burton, and others as well as detailed maps and
directions and aids for navigating by
GPS.
Nearly 500 species of birds have been found in Humboldt County;
this number exceeds that recorded in many entire
states. The county is home to a large,
vibrant, and accomplished birding community, but until now there has been no
comprehensive birding guide to the
area. This book fills that gap and is aimed
at local and visiting birders alike. It
should appeal to non-birders as well since the routes it describes offer superb
sightseeing and walking and mention little-known public-access
opportunities.
The book is based heavily on data derived from eBird, a website
hosted by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology that has revolutionized birding
over the last decade. It covers the vast majority of eBird "hotspots" in
the county. The route
descriptions include suggestions for
finding the county's less-common bird species and when they may be expected along each route. The
book also features a table showing the route(s) on which
each species is likely to be found and graphs illustrating overall
species diversity by month for each route. You can preview the sightings for each route here!
Burton and Anderson have collaborated on two previous
books: Common Birds of the Arcata Marsh
& Wildlife Sanctuary (published by Friends of the
Arcata Marsh) and Common Birds of Northwest
California (published by
RRAS). Burton is also the author
of Hiking Humboldt, volume
1 (published by Backcountry
Press).
Look for it at bookstores and visitor centers throughout the
county. Proceeds from sales of the
book will benefit RRAS’ conservation and education
program
If you would like a book (or books!) mailed to you, contact Ralph Bucher at
thebook@reninet.com. Books are $15 plus shipping.