kai

what is the BEST bird identification book that covers all of North America? i realize everyone will have their own opinion- thats the point

with all the moving around I do and have been doing, I can't believe I haven't paid any attention to birds before (other than - 'hey, look a hawk'). I feel bad I've wasted all the opportunities until now to actually look for them. So for the holiday season, I'm going to ask for a bird ID book from my mother (a retired librarian- i know she'll get me books anyway), but i'd like to be able to ask for a specific one thats really worthwhile owning and I can carry around with me when I explore places and travel. (the book has to include hawaii and alaska- go to hawaii often, and hope to move to alaska, or at least go visit some family). ideally, it'd be small enough to throw in my pack for backpacking, so i can look at it when i need to- it'd be kind of pointless just to leave it at home.

does anyone know of a good guide that meets that criteria? shiny, dirt resitant pages would be a nice plus...