Designed to appeal to expert and backyard birdwatchers alike, this comprehensive guide reveals where, when, and how to watch and enjoy birds in New Hampshire. It not only offers the latest information about the seasonal status and distribution of birds in New Hampshire but also features a thorough introduction to the art and practice of birdwatching, including equipment, ethics, migration, conservation, and most of all, finding that "good bird."
The heart of Birdwatching in New Hampshire is the detailed descriptions and maps that outline more than 120 birding sites across the state, from the Connecticut River Valley to Jeffreys Ledge and Cashes Ledge far off the coast. Drawing upon his extensive knowledge of the habits and habitats of New Hampshire birds, the author has divided the state into six regions, each with a rich diversity of birdwatching destinations. Birdwatching in New Hampshire also features informative accounts of the more than 300 bird species regularly seen in the Granite State, including their preferred habitats and graphs illustrating when each is most likely to be encountered. In addition, Masterson also provides a useful guide to rare and accidental bird sightings.
Acknowledgments
INTRODUCTION
- What Is a "Good Bird"?
- Where to Find Good Birds
- When to Find Good Birds
- Tools for Birders
- Web Resources
- Conservation, Birding Ethics, and Birding Safety
MONTHLY GUIDE TO THE BEST OF NEW HAMPSHIRE BIRDING
THE CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY
- Overview
- Hinsdale to Brattleboro
- Westmoreland to Walpole
- Bellows Falls to Charlestown
- Lebanon to Lyme
SOUTHWESTERN HIGHLANDS
- Greater Keene Area
- Monadnock Region
- Lake Sunapee Region
SOUHEASTERN LOWLANDS AND MERRIMACK RIVER VALLEY
- Merrimack River Valley
- Greater Concord Area
- Greater Manchester Area
- Greater Nashua Area
- Amherst Area
- Greater Kingston Area
- Rochester
- Other Areas
THE COAST AND OCEAN
- Coast
- Great Bay and Durham Area
- The Isles of Shoals
- Ocean
THE WHITE MOUNTAINS AND THE NORTH COUNTRY
- Pondicherry
- The Connecticut Lakes Region
- Lake Umbagog •The White Mountains
THE LAKES REGION
- The Lakes
- North Conway Area and Dahl Sanctuary
- Watts Wildlife Sanctuary
- Thompson Sanctuary and Ambrose Gravel Pit
SPECIES ACCOUNTS
- A Note on Irruptive Behavior
- Rarities
- Accidentals
- Captive or Reared Species
- Extinct Species
Bibliography
Index
"One of the keys to bird watching, which he discusses in his book, is that sighting birds is not always a matter of happy accident. Luck plays a part, but he's learned over the years that you can better your chances by knowing when birds migrate, their preferred habitats and stopping points. "It's a game of timing and weather and geographic location," he observed. "It's a learned skill when things are going to occur, and where they're going to occur."
– Valley News
"In addition to tips on how to recognize the best birding weather, what times of day are best and how to use binoculars or telescopes, Masterson devotes a chapter to each of six regions of the state. Maps show how to reach many of the best birdwatching sites and Masterson includes descriptions of what birds are likely to be seen at each location. Each chapter includes Masterson's personal anecdotes about his own experiences in the area. He also writes at length about how weather can impact a day of birding – how wind patterns, cold fronts and warm fronts at different times of the year can make all the difference when it comes to spotting birds in the field."
– Manadnock Ledger Transcript
"Eric Masterson has written an excellent bird-finding guide. It is clearly written, beautifully illustrated, and nicely designed. Not only does he give clear descriptions of where to find birds in New Hampshire, but he also details when and under what weather conditions they are most likely seen. Up-to-date references to internet sites are also a welcome feature. This guide is a must-have for anybody birding New England."
– Don and Lillian Stokes, authors of The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America and The New Stokes Field Guide to the Birds, Eastern and Western Regions
"Eric Masterson has covered all the ground in New Hampshire. He doesn't just know its birds and their habitats, he knows its fields, forests, mountains, and waterways. I can't wait to own this book, featuring the very best sites and the very best times to find birds in New Hampshire."
– Jamie Trowbridge, President, Yankee Magazine