Storenitheology
A shopping list for the Ornitheologist in your life
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. So I'd truly be appreciative of your support by clicking through any of the links below.
Considering Sparrows
You can read more about it here, but this is my book, and needless to say, I'd love for you to read it. Or if you'd rather let me read it to you, we can do that instead. Either way, I hope you enjoy, and maybe buy scads of copies for your friends. Need a candle to go with it (see page 1)? Got ya covered...
The Birds Our Teachers (John Stott)
The theologian John Stott was perhaps the first official ornitheologist. This full-color book includes photos by the author and some thoughtful reflections on birds and the life of faith.
Perky-Pet 336-1SR Squirrel-Be-Gone Bird Feeder
When people ask about feeders, this is the one I recommend. Very inexpensive, and extremely effective at keeping out those demonic squirrels. The perches are good for birds cardinal-sized and smaller.
Wingspan Board Game by Stonemaier Games
My favorite game (and second place isn't even close). It's a card engine-building game with biology-accurate detail and beautiful artwork. Many of the birds behave in the game as they do in real life: hunting, flocking, mimicking—even that nasty cowbird. There are currently four expansion sets for Wingspan as well: Europe, Oceania, Asia, and Americas.
What It's Like to Be a Bird (David Allen Sibley)
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This is a favorite resource of mine; it's a richly illustrated book full of information about function, behavior, and much more. It's not a field guide, but something uniquely different.
Droll Yankees YF-M Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
If you have a bigger budget, this feeder is worth the extra. It doesn't just stop squirrel activity; the weight-engaged motor turns it into a very satisfying game of Spin-the-Squirrel. Take that, demon-spawn.
Celebrating Birds: Featuring Wingspan Art
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All the North American birds from the Wingspan board game are featured in field-guide fashion; honestly, the game artwork was impressive enough to warrant its own book.. It's not really a field guide and won't help you in the woods, but it looks great on a coffee table.
Look at the Birds of the Air (David Winter)
Winter is the founder of Even Sparrows, a U.K.-based bird-and-faith retreat experience. His book thoroughly catalogs all the bird references in the Bible.
Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeders: PRO Solar
And then there's the Cadillac edition: the Bird Buddy. Several companies now offer camera feeders, but Bird Buddy originated the idea, and you may soon find yourself addicted to your "There's a bird in your feeder" push notifications in the app. Hummingbird feeders too!
Wingspan Fan-Made Bird Promo Packs
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You need the base set for these, but these mini-packs make fun additions to the game; you can buy the whole set or just the ones you want. They make very nice stocking stuffers for fans of the original game.
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The individual packs are available at the Stonemaier Games site.
Binocular Compression Harness Strap
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Birders use harness straps to transfer the weight of binoculars from the neck to the shoulders. Did you know that the term "warble-necked" comes from birders who get neck pain from looking high in trees for warblers? These straps, in other words, save you from a real pain in the neck.
Wagner Wild Bird Food, 20-Pound Bag
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The officially sanctioned birdseed of ornitheology.com (if only I could get an endorsement deal). Choose the region and mix that suits you; the Eastern Regional Blend is a hit where I live. Reasonable price and delivered straight to the house.
Peterson Field Guides to Birds of North America​
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Every birder has their own preference, but I definitely prefer the composite illustrations of the Peterson field guides over any photo-based book. Yes, there's apps now, but my Old-Faithful is a Peterson guide I've been carrying around since 1990. Eastern? Western? Both? Highly recommend them all.
Crossley ID Guides
Not a guide, but more of a workbook, Crossley ID guides use loads of photos, repetition, and a sort of "Where's Waldo" approach to gaining confidence in your bird identification. Check out their guides to raptors, waterfowl, and Eastern and Western songbirds.
Looking Up: A Birder's Guide to Hope through Grief (Courtney Ellis)
This is an inspirationally-written memoir from a pastor-birder, using various birds to tell her story of grief, loss, and the Christian hope. Check out Courtney's podcast too.
Woodpecker Wall Clock
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It's a clock. With a woodpecker. It tells time. I got this for Christmas and I like it.
Not sure what else to say about this one. But I'm pretty sure that every room in your whole house will look better with a woodpecker clock.
Nature's Way Bird Box
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There are some dumb bird houses out there, people. First, your typical craft-show house often forgets to add a means of opening/cleaning between nesting seasons. What, exactly, were they thinking? Second, birds tend to avoid flashy houses; so good luck trying to attract wrens with your scale-model of the Taj Mahal. Third, the hole is often cut wrong. Can you tell I have opinions on this? So here's a simple house that does what a bird house is made to do: house birds.
Buying Binoculars?​
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My personal choice (Eagle Optics Ranger 8x42) went out of business, but I've compiled a short list from fellow birders, with some recommendations in every price range, right here (or click the photo). Here's some Audubon reviews as well.
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Honestly, if I was in the market, I would likely favor the Nikon Monarch M5 or (for a little more $) the Vortex Viper HD (their warranty is unparalleled). But wow, those Mavens look nice...
In addition to the Amazon links, here's a few other recommendations. I don't get any residuals from these recommendations; I just like 'em.
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David Arms Studio
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I'm a fan of the bird-and-faith art of David Arms, a Nashville-based artist. Great symbols of hope: notice that his birds' perches always hang from heaven itself.
Five Sparrows Studio​
KB Ribelin does outstanding work with birds and watercolor, and has created many great gift ideas. I hope you'll support her studio.
