National Wildlife Federation(R): Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife, Expanded Second Edition (Creative Homeowner) 17 Projects & Step-by-Step Instructions to Give Back to Nature

My garden became a certified Wildlife Habitat by NWF some years back and I wanted to learn even more about bringing the wildlife to my pollinator garden. This is a great book and I highly recommend its purchase.

This is a very informative book that explains the basics about bringing wildlife into your yard. It mentions issues as species, cover for them, food, how to attract and give a nice place to roam or stay for different birds, bugs and even small mammals. I bought it from the other side of the world, but still was very useful and got plenty of information that helps me prune and prepare my yard to be more gentler with nature and wildlife.

This was as one reviewer commented, an introductory book, yet a great start on the subject. It held my interest and had lots of pictures and examples. So don't discount this book, it's resource-rich and enjoyable to read. I learned a lot - like how certain species of insects evolved along with their host plant(s) - required for their caterpillars to flourish on (think monarch butterfly and milkweed; other examples given). There were explanations throughout the book on why native tree, shrub and flower species are desirable over non-natives. Also included are small and larger projects that can be done with or without kids, including feeders, nesting boxes, bramble piles, and water features. You can also certify your yard with NWF as a natural habitat if desired; instructions are provided. One thing I learned from this book was the valuable habitat we are already providing by having a rotted woodpile, brambles, and large branch/stick pile in our woods out back :). They're hidden by woodland all around so not visible by anyone (including us) when the woods are leafed out. That's a start! Will go back to this book for reference and ideas.

I just bought another copy of this book, so I figure it's time to leave a review. I recommend it because it gives you something to do. All the bad news concerning pollinators and other wildlife is overwhelming at times and makes some people want to bury their face in the pillow and pretend like it's not happening. You don't have to do that. "Attracting Birds, Butterflies ,... " gives you compassionate actions to take that quickly make you a hero for wildlife. David (the author) makes everything so easy to understand and do. This is a great book for beginners and is appreciated much by us "seasoned conservationists," as well. It's a great one to gift to anyone who's ever picked up a gardening tool or for those who want to help wildlife but aren't sure where to start. You really don't need to get on one of Green Peace's boats or sit in a redwood tree for a year to help save nature. You just need to learn a few tips and go outside and get started. "Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and other Backyard Wildlife" is the guide for DYI conservationists and gardeners who want colorful little souls in their yard and the knowing that they did indeed make a difference.

Great book for birders

This is well written, easy to understand (with lots of pics), and packed with usable information. I have done a lot of gardening over the years, but I still enjoyed this book and found a few new ideas that I can incorporate into my landscaping. I signed up for National Wildlife Federation emails, too. They are very informative.

I consider myself a well-rounded guy with a basic knowledge about many subjects. I wanted to know more about backyard wildlife, and this is perfect for that. It explains the importance of native species in a way that makes sense, and provides you with the groundwork for turning your yard into a mini ecosystem. The reading level is just right, not overly verbose but also not highly simplified. Overall a very good and informative read.

Makes a very good case for native plants to support important pollinators and migratory birds. lawns are biological deserts.

I found the book very Americanised when I needed it for British Birds