Tamara Enz’s "Birds of Washington and Oregon, The East Side" is far more than just another field guide; it is an invaluable book for anyone exploring the diverse bird life found in the east side of Washington and Oregon. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the unique ecosystem of the inland Pacific Northwest, Enz has created a guide that is both comprehensive and a joy to read. This book stands out for its educational information, clear visuals, and practical, on-the-ground advice that truly enhances the birding experience.

This practical, pocket-sized guide excels at providing all the essential details for identifying and appreciating local bird species. Featuring beautiful photography by Greg Smith, the book provides information on how birds look, sound, and where to find them. The notes on bird calls and noises are a highlight, offering quirky and specific details that go beyond a standard description, making identification both easier and more fun. Some are amusing, like sounds like a squeaky toy, or more traditional, like quacks, but the book also goes in-depth to spell out bird call syllables, like the high, sharp, kikikiki of the Cooper's Hawk. The guide also provides crucial context on where to spot birds, including specific parks or what time of year to visit, as well as their nesting and eating habits. This easy-to-use book will help you identify more than 100 commonly occurring birds across the varied landscape, from high desert to tiny mountain streams.

What truly sets this book apart, however, is its strong focus on conservation. It's an educational and informative resource that shares context on conservation issues and empowers us as humans to help address these concerns. The book includes a helpful list of recommended resources to get started with natural conservation opportunities and a short, simple list of actionable ways to help birds. From picking up trash while hiking to respecting nesting areas and volunteering for restoration projects, Enz provides a clear path for readers to make a positive impact. This emphasis on best practices and habitat sustainability helps ensure that inland birding will be possible for years to come.

"Birds of Washington and Oregon, The East Side" is an essential addition to any birder's library. It would work well for a classroom with a wildlife education focus, or even a gift idea for a family home library. It's perfect for budding and experienced birders alike and serves as a positive resource for anyone who loves birds or is simply curious. Tamara Enz has successfully combined the utility of a top-tier field guide with a genuine call to action, making it a well-loved and well-used guide for birders in the stunning landscapes of eastern Washington and Oregon.

A special thank you to Timber Press, Workman Publishing, Hachette Book Group, NetGalley, and the author, Tamara Enz, for an advanced reader copy of this book.

#BirdsofWashingtonandOregonTheEastSide #TamaraEnz #TimberPress #NetGalley

Another solod Timber Press release on local birding, in this case the eastern portions of the Pacific Northwest. Author Tamara Enz has written a solid regional handbook of birds in a small, less well-known location. Pictures are descriptive and clear, which isn't always the case with a photo-based guide; Enz does a nice job showing alternate plumages and male/female/juvenal distinctions. Local color - where to look for species - is nicely additive, as it is often quite specific, especiallly for local specialties like Lewis' and White Headed woodpeckers. The general description of different environments.is strong.

I would have liked to see a few more birds, rather than strictly verbal descriptions of similar species. Cackling Goose is an example of a bird that could have benefited from its own pictures and description to highlight the subtle differences to Canada Goose. I also find it hard to believe that so few owl species inhabit the region!

Some readers may find the commentary on bird name changes and the moral underpinning for the changes to be unnecessary. I suppose the same could be said for remarks on conservation. Neither were issues for me but buyer beware.

All told, this is a good book for local birders and visitors to Eastern Oregon and Washington.