Book excerpt: Whether you watch birds on the shores of Long Island, at the Bashakill Marsh, at Niagara Falls, or just at your backyard feeder, this volume will help you appreciate what our Empire State has to offer. It will give you a historical perspective, and it will tell you what we can hope to look forward to in the future if we are vigilant stewards of our natural world.—Governor George E. PatakiThe "bible" of the state's birders since its publication in 1974, John Bull's Birds of New York State has now been completely revised and updated by the Federation of New York State Bird Clubs. This eagerly awaited survey of bird life in the state today provides new and thorough accounts of all 451 species on the official New York State checklist. The book features 7 new maps—4 in full color—and 30 striking sketches by bird artist Dale Dyer.Birders will find chapters covering topics from the prehistoric birds of the region to contemporary bird habitats and the ways in which current classification is being affected by DNA data and research. The species accounts themselves pay particular attention to date parameters and frequency of occurrence, details that are important to the active birder. Where applicable, full subspecies discussions are included.Meticulously prepared by the editor, Emanuel Levine, and the more than 70 members of the Federation who served as authors, this book will prove invaluable to birdwatchers statewide—whether backyard feeder watchers, casual birders, or dyed-in-the-wool enthusiasts.