Featuring stunning photos taken by the author almost entirely in her own back yard, "Birds in Our Back Yard" is a beginner's guide to understanding and identifying the most widely distributed birds in North America. Intended for use by children at the higher end of elementary school, it also conveys a strong environmental message. Younger children will enjoy the photos and may be able to use them to identify birds commonly seen in back yards across the country. Children of any age will get a lot more from the book if shared with an adult, as there is plenty of opportunity for discussion. The importance of habitat, the food chain and protection of the environment are just some of the topics touched upon in this information-packed book. Unlike many birding books that overwhelm the reader with the sheer number of different birds, most of which are never seen, this book concentrates on the most common visitors to back yards across North America. Integrated into the book are text boxes with word definitions and fun facts to entertain and inform the children. This book is part of the "Nature on Our Doorstep" series, designed to inspire children to learn more about the world around us.