The present volume 1, and the later volume 2, is some of the best photography I have taken in the last 20 years. There is photo work here which spans the lower 48 states, Alaska as well as parts of Canada. Each volume includes an instruction section which explains in detail why the particular photograph under discussion recommends itself as a worthy subject and/or how it could be improved. The earlier chapters of both volumes cover everything from basic equipment to fundamental techniques necessary to achieve a professional result or at least the best that can be expected from the particular subject. The later chapters include a list of particularly desirable birding sites, books, magazine and websites.