Includes index

Backyard birding and butterfly-watching essentials -- Food for the birds -- Bird feeders and optimal placements -- Neighborhood watering hole -- Nest boxes, nests, and nesting behaviors -- What butterflies need -- Create a wildlife garden paradise -- Bird identification -- Most common backyard birds nationwide -- Most common eastern backyard birds -- Most common western backyard birds -- Backyard specialties near the borders -- The magic of hummingbirds -- Uninvited backyard guests

"You see them every day, whether they are flashing through your yard, perching on a limb, or gathering in a puddle. They already share your neighborhood with you, but before you know it, they fly on in search of a hearty meal or a more suitable watering hole. That's because you-even if you are already one of America's more than 68 million birders-haven't yet taken the steps needed to make birds and butterflies linger in your garden. This unique and user-friendly guide shows you how. With 350 vibrant full-color photos and concise, informative text, Backyard Birding helps you maximize your home birding experiences and attract a wider variety of birds. It helps you make the right choices the first time-and avoid costly mistakes"--