The Shorebird Guide is a different kind of bird guide. It tackles a traditionally difficult subject in a unique way that makes identifying Shorebirds seem (almost) easy. The book is split into two sections: the first is a color photographic guide to each species; the second is a text write-up of standard field-guide information as well as behavioral details and such for each species.

Each species gets several pages of beautiful color photographs. Each photograph shows the species under discussion in a real world setting and has a short but info packed caption. The photographs progress from juvenile birds through adults (breeding and non-breeding). Many of the photographs contain more than one bird and more than one species. Some of the captions pose questions to the reader (answers in the back). Working out the answers to these questions is a good test of your skills.

The philosophy behind this book is that of GISS (general impression of size and shape) or gestalt. This means that the identification of a bird is worked out, not by plumage details or colorations as with a typical field guide, but instead by the overall impression of the bird. This is an especially useful tool with Shorebirds.

In conclusion, this is an amazing bird book and one that every birder needs to have in their library. It will definitely make you a better birder.