Local author's book tells where to find the birds
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS - Former southern Illinois native Henry Detwiler knows a thing or two about birds.
Detwiler, who now lives in Yuma, Arizona, has been an avid birder since he was a boy. In the years since, he's traveled to all 50 states and 28 countries to observe and photograph many species. He's written articles for Birder's World and Winging It. Besides appearing in magazines, his photos grace the Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America.
He's also Southern Illinois Local Media Group's bird columnist, shining a spotlight each month on a species or group of birds that may be found in the southern Illinois region in "Birding Southern Illinois." If that's not enough, Detwiler has previously written five books about birding, but his latest work may be the ultimate guide for those in the region wishing to find less-common species of birds.
"Finding Birds in Southern Illinois" is Detwiler's most recent literary/ornithological offering, and it's like few other guides to birds.
The book offers a guide to 34 areas throughout the southern Illinois region with point-by-point locations to find certain species of birds. It's incredible.
For example, the entry for Rend Lake lists every known species that has been found at Rend Lake. Detwiler then offers a map and the 14 points around Rend Lake where those species are most likely to be found. Each of those points of interest then contains easy-to-follow specific directions and a list of the birds, both rare and common, that may be found there.
That's not all. The guide lists local amenities for a particular location, so that the casual bird-watcher won't be caught unprepared. Detwiler notes any possible access fees (such as at Rend Lake) plus where restrooms, food, gas and lodging may be found nearby.
While the guide is designed to be an all-encompassing bird book for the region, it's more than that. It's also a guide to some of the most beautiful natural locations across all of the southern Illinois area.
Detwiler's "Finding Birds in Southern Illinois" is available in both print and PDF format through the website southwestbirders.com by finding the entry under "Birding Guide Books" on the left-hand column.
The print version is $20 and may be purchased by sending a check to: Henry Detwiler, 8815 S. Ave. D., Yuma, AZ, along with your name and address or by selecting "Buy Now" on the website to use PayPal (secure link).
Or, you may pay $11 by check or PayPal to purchase the PDF version from the website.
If you enjoy birds, nature, or simply the beautiful areas of southern Illinois, this is a book to own.