Authors Jeffrey V. Wells and Allison Childs Wells expanded a “top ten birds” list featured in this magazine in the September 2011 issue into a full book, Maine’s Favorite Birds (Tilbury House, Gardiner, Maine; paperback; 72 pages; $15 ) with beautiful illustrations by Evan Barbour. No novelty, this a true field guide for all ages, focusing on how to identify those birds especially loved by Mainers and nature-loving visitors to the state.

With this comprehensive, portable little book, you’ll be able to tell a song sparrow from a chipping sparrow, pick out what gulls species are begging for your picnic scraps, and confirm that tufted titmouse at your feeder. The guide also features a comprehensive page on field marks, a section on notable birding “hot spots” throughout the state, and ways bird lovers can contribute to bird science and conservation. No matter what your birding abilities are, this book will help you better learn and appreciate the birds you discover throughout Maine. — Kristen Lindquist