From her home base in North Florida, Erika Zambello has explored hundreds of ecological research sites, estuarine research reserves, national parks, state parks, and national wildlife refuges across the Southeast and around the country. She is a National Geographic Young Explorer and serves on the board of the National Parks Traveler. She holds a Master's Degree in Environmental Management from the Duke Nicholas School of the Environment (where she specialized in Ecosystem Science and Conservation) and a Master's Degree in Strategic Communication from the University of West Florida. As a writer, her work has been featured in National Geographic Adventure, National Geographic Voices, Backpacker, Florida Sportsman, and more.

"Highly Recommended"

"This compact introduction to ornithology for young birders provides a quality overview of North American birds. Stunning photographs and informative diagrams accompany small segments of information that provide a quality overview of the birds, their life cycles, habitats, conservation status, migration routes, and other useful facts. A quick glance at the frequent headings makes the organization of information easy to follow and allows readers to find answers to their questions easily. The bulk of the text is comprised of color-coded bird categories with thoughtful and succinct descriptions that include when you'll see them, where you'll see them, what to look for, and whether or not they'll come to a feeder. The final section will draw in any reader, no matter their age, with projects and activities that are not only fun, but which can help birds to thrive. A nice addition is a four-page spread which names and provides an image of each of the 50 state birds. Rounding out the text is a recommended reading list, a glossary, a birding journal, and information about the author. This book will appeal to anyone who picks it up because of its beautiful photos, thoughtful and concise descriptions, and ease of use."

-Susan Anderson, Librarian, School Library Connection