The Birds of Northeast Texas is an annotated guide, for both novice and experienced birders, to the 390 species of birds that have been reliably recorded in northeast Texas. It is designed to augment field identification with commentary on status, distribution, and occurrence in this orinthologically rich region, which includes twenty-two counties in the state.
Brief introductory chapters introduce the area’s geography and habitats and give readers an idea of where the best birdwatching spots are. The species accounts explain each species’ status, distribution, and period of occurrence in the region. They often also include a short narrative about habitat preference, unusual records, or some other interesting or unique aspect of a particular species.
The species accounts are followed by lists of poorly documented “hypothetical” species, extinct species, and introduced species. A vibrant color section highlights the region’s “specialty” birds, as well as rare finds.
It is often difficult to obtain information about the abundance of birds that regularly migrate through an area or about those that visit only rarely. Books like this one, about the local status and distribution of birds, are particularly important for both casual and serious birders who want to learn more about the species in their area.
Northeast Texas is a popular destination for many people seeking various types of outdoor recreation, such as fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping. As the area becomes better known for its surprisingly rich number of species, serious birders from around the country will want to add the region’s specialties and migrants to their bird lists.
Matt White is a contributing editor to Texas Birds magazine, published by the Texas Ornithological Society and a sub-regional editor for North American Birds, published by the American Birding Association. He has made extensive observations of the birds of northeast Texas and has also written for Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine, the Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society, and the newsletter of the North East Texas Field Ornithologists. White teaches American history at Paris Junior College.
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