As a bird nerd I cannot pass up the opportunity to read / review a field guide for birds of any sort. Being in Minnesota is just a bonus for "Birds of the Great Lakes" because many of these birds are in my backyard!
I love the design of this book and how it features the photos PLUS a bit of additional information about each type of bird - like where you might find it, what they typically eat, and some fun facts!
The photography is excellent, though I wish the author didn't skip the images of the female birds on some of the species. Even if it's a subtle difference the females do look a bit different. Also only a handful of species showed juvenile birds.
So it's not a comprehensive field guide, (it doesn't claim to be...) but it's a nicely put together book that would make a great gift and would be perfect on the shelf in any "up north" cabin!

A good overview book of Great Lakes birds but by no means a field guide. More an avid birders quick guide to the region. Each bird gets a page with 1 or more photos of good quality, a description, expected habitat, and an anecdote. Felt light at the end of the day, especially compared to some of the really fine regional guides Timber has produced. I would have it on my shelf or give as a gift.

This book is beautifully done, profiling over 150 birds common to the Great Lakes region. Each bird has a page of gorgeous pictures, along with field information and fun facts. It’s much more personable than the standard-issue field guide, and each page reflects the author’s love of birds and birding.

One caution for potential readers: please purchase a hard copy of this book. It is somewhat cumbersome to read as an ebook, as the images and text of each bird which in a book would appear in a face to face spread, are presented one at a time, causing the reader to have to go back and forth between the pages. My only other comment is that I would love to have seen silhouettes of the birds in flight.

Many thanks to Hachette Books and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

For anyone with a love for the outdoors, a curious mind, and a deep appreciation for the natural world, Dexter Patterson’s Birds of the Great Lakes is an absolute delight. Patterson, who also masterfully photographed nearly every bird featured in the book, has created a beautiful and accessible invitation to discover the vibrant avian life that thrives in one of North America's most treasured regions. Covering over 150 birds from more than 40 families, this book will instantly become a cherished companion for both seasoned birders and those just beginning their journey.

The book's clear, vibrant graphic design and stunning photography make every page a joy to explore. The attention to detail is remarkable, with different photos showing how to identify males, females, and even juveniles, which is incredibly helpful for accurate identification. You'll be captivated by the incredible variety of majestic birds, from powerful Ospreys, hawks, and owls to the elegant cranes. The discovery of the many different kinds of warblers, with their especially eye-catching and beautiful colors, is a particular highlight.

What truly sets this guide apart is its commitment to making the wonderful hobby of birding accessible to everyone. Each identification page is educational and informative, describing the bird's usual habitat and providing fascinating details about its eating habits and calls. Beyond the species descriptions, the book offers helpful tips for beginners, including advice on using birding apps, keeping a journal, and—most importantly—respecting wildlife. This comprehensive approach makes it the perfect starting point for anyone who has ever wanted to connect more deeply with nature.

This book is more than just a guide; it's a celebration of the beauty and diversity of nature. It fosters a deeper appreciation for the birds that surround us and reminds us of the joy found in simply stepping outside to observe the natural world. Birds of the Great Lakes is a gateway to a lifetime of discovery, perfect for those with a curious spirit and anyone who feels a connection to the wonders of the natural world. This makes it a great gift for bird lovers, an excellent educational pick for classrooms, a wonderful addition to any family library, and a valuable reference for artists or scientists specializing in birds.

Thank you to Timber Press, Workman Publishing, Hachette Book Group, NetGalley, for an advanced reader copy of this book by author Dexter Patterson.

#BirdsOfTheGreatLakes #DexterPatterson #TimberPress #WorkmanPublishing #HatchetteBookGroup #NetGalley

A full-color birding book for the Great Lakes region. It has information about seasonality in the region, as well as further references at the back of the book. Each labeled bird has a photo of both male and female, if different, juvenile and adult, if different, and whether or not the bird looks different in breeding season as opposed to non-breeding season. Each photo is accompanied by a caption that draws your attention to the specific identifying characteristics of the breed. Each bird also has information about where you might find the bird based on what it eats / habits. Thanks to the publisher for access to the ARC. My son particularly enjoyed the photos of the owls and the baby birds. Also, don't miss the adorable picture of that juvenile killdeer. So fluffy!

Birds of the Great Lakes is an engaging and beautifully produced field guide that offers great depth for birders exploring this region. Author Dexter Patterson, known to many through his work as @wiscobirder, brings a thoughtful lens to bird identification and appreciation. His perspective as a Black birder enriches the broader field, adding both representation and personal insight to the birding community.

The guide combines clear, informative species descriptions with striking photography and an intuitive layout that makes it easy to use in the field. Compact yet comprehensive, it achieves the ideal balance of portability and content, an essential quality for any field guide. While the work is not intended as a scholarly resource, it stands out as an inviting and reliable companion for amateur naturalists and general readers alike. This title would make an excellent addition to public library collections and community nature programs, though it may not meet the research needs of an academic audience.