Every once in a while a book comes along and you think, “How is it that this wasn’t done before?” Sibley’s Birding Basics(hereafter Basics) is one such book. Its audience is really anyone who looks at birds in the field, beginner or expert—don’t be fooled by the title. Beginners will find huge amounts of useful information to help them improve and refine their skills; experts will be reminded of their learning curves, have some things reinforced, and perhaps think, “Wow, that’s a really good way to think of such-and-such.” Those of us who teach will be in a far better position to help others if we read this book—it cuts to the quick on a wide range of subjects in a clear, easy-going style. As well as good text, the book is liberally illustrated by thoughtful and well-executed sketches and paintings—each worth hundreds of words, if not a thousand each.