From the Great Plains to the Arctic tundra, the American West, including Alaska, is home to a stunning variety of birds. This indispensable volume, both a field guide and a site-finding guide, provides an ideal introduction to the pleasures of birding west of the Mississippi. Featuring practical but little-known tips for identifying birds, it will be welcomed by beginning as well as seasoned birders. Birding in the American West: A Handbook*tells where to go, what birds to look for, and how to identify them.*describes the exciting and varied bird habitats found in the West.*is heavily illustrated with drawings and photographs to help birders inthe field.*spells out useful techniques for distinguishing among similar-lookingspecies and addresses difficult cases in far greater detail than dostandard field guides.*features species accounts with valuable information on bird location,behavior, and field marks.*presents detailed listings by state on where to find birds, with anemphasis on the microhabitats of especially sought-after birds.*teaches bird-finding and bird-identifying skills applicable anywhere.