This durable journal is a must for birders of all skill levels, from novices just beginning to build a life list to veterans looking for the most up-to-date, systematic, and visually complete way to document sightings of even the rarest, most elusive birds. Based on the latest classifications by the American Ornithologists' Union and organized by family, its comprehensive, easy-to-use checklist itemizes every species recorded in North America, including accidental visitors—more than 960 in all, each identified both by common and Latin names and illustrated with specially commissioned paintings by the finest bird artists at work today.

The Birder's Journal features a user-friendly page layout that directly mirrors the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America for quick access to information. It provides a consistent, familiar format for recording the place, date, and time a bird was spotted, along with additional space for notes and comments, sketches, and other important details. And with each new entry, it becomes ever more valuable and personal—both as a chronicle of birding accomplishments and as a memento of the observations and occasions that make birding so deeply satisfying.

A first-rate journal is an essential addition to any birder's bookshelf, and this is the best available anywhere. It's also a perfect gift, especially when paired with the latest edition of the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America.