A shopping list for the Ornitheologist in your life...
Storenitheology
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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.
What It's Like to Be a Bird (David Allen Sibley)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wagner Wild Bird Food, 20-Pound Bag
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.
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 three expansion sets for Wingspan as well: Europe, Oceania, and Asia.
Celebrating Birds: Featuring Art from Wingspan
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.
Binocular Compression Harness Strap
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.
Crossley ID Guides
Crossley ID guides use loads of photos, repetition, and a sort of "Where's Waldo" approach to gaining confidence in your bird identification. I especially like their guide to raptors, but you'll also benefit from their books on 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
It's a clock. With a woodpecker. It tells time. I got this for Christmas last year and I like it.
Not sure what else to say about that.
Nature's Way Bird Box
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?
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 to go to some Audubon reviews.
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.
David Arms Studio
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.
