The apparently nearsighted citizens of Metropolis (and others) should have no further trouble distinguishing a bird from either a plane or Superman thanks to Mastervision's DVD release of their acclaimed and authoritative Audubon Video Guide to 505 Birds of North America. Spread over two discs (covering 247 and 258 birds, respectively; each disc is also available separately for $39.95), with an introduction by the late birdwatcher/author Roger Tory Peterson, this six-hour-plus reference standard combines full-motion video, stills, computer graphics, bird calls, and narration to help avid birdwatchers distinguish a yellow-bellied sapsucker from a hairy woodpecker (which are indeed similar-looking). Presented in general categories (loons, wading birds, gulls, pigeons and doves, chickadees, etc.) that are further subdivided into individual species, the entries include information on common and scientific names, identifying marks for both juvenile and adult males and females (and distinctive calls), migration patterns, behavior, and more. Thanks to the new breed of portable small-screen DVD players, birdwatchers can take this compilation with them into the field, so to speak, and the set also includes a very handy 64-page color "mini field guide" with pictures and descriptions of all 505 birds covered in the program. New and improved on DVD, this definitive audiovisual guide is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Pitman)
Audubon Video Guide to 505 Birds of North America
(2004) 2 discs. 388 min. DVD: $69.95. Mastervision (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. ISBN: 1-55919-083-3. Volume 19, Issue 6
Audubon Video Guide to 505 Birds of North America
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