Bebe’s Birding Guidebook

Finally it’s here! My labor of love is complete and ready for you.
Bebe’s Birding Adventure – A Companion Guide to Birdwatching in the Midwest and Eastern US

This PDF guide contains 219 pages that include 104 unique birds (photos) and 1,000 facts to enhance your birding experience. 

How do you get a copy for your smartphone and computer? Go to this link and enter a minimum donation of $5. You will then receive an email with the PDF guide. (Psst. You don’t have to have a PayPal account to donate. All credit cards are accepted.)

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Introduction
Your first question may be, “Wait! Who is this Bebe guy? I thought I was getting a companion
guide by Hal Moran?” Don’t worry, you are. I use the pen name Bebe Wanders. Bebe is what
my grandgirls call me and, quite honestly, I wander a lot. So, there you have it. The same guy
wandering around with a camera observing nature and making bird/wildlife portraits.
Over the years I’ve taken thousands of bird photos of 100+ species and observed even
more. My goal with this companion guide is to provide a simple visual and written aid to
supplement your birding experience. Provided are short, but pertinent facts about the bird
that are easy to digest along with a photograph. It’s not an end all be all. There are
numerous other guides in both print and electronic form such as: Merlin, allaboutbirds.com,
ebird.org, Sibley’s Guide, Audubon, and others.

All of the birds in this guide are subjects I have observed and photographed numerous times
and are common residents in the Eastern US. The birds were photographed during all four
seasons including migrants passing through to their Spring breeding grounds and Winter
resting areas. All images were taken within 15 miles of my home area of Missouri with the
exception of a few. Most of which were in my backyard.

The Table of Contents consists of hyperlinks. Clicking the bird’s name will take you to its page.
Most birds are listed as they are named in common vernacular while a few like the Northern
Cardinal are listed as Cardinal (Northern).

You will notice some of the photographs have white backgrounds and appear as
illustrations. I call these “Phillustrations.” (A photo that looks like an illustration) This treatment is
used selectively when the subject and background conditions warrant it. All other bird
photos will appear in their natural habitat. So, go ahead and download it to your smart
phone and/or computer and come along for an adventure in birding.
Birds of the Book

All of the birds shown in my guide can be found in the Eastern US. Some are rare and others
elusive, but with a little luck and determination, you can find them, too. Besides the many
songbirds, I’ve included a few raptors and owls as they frequent my home area. I did not
include shore birds, waders, or waterfowl. This requires a different habitat and strategy.
If you’d like to know more about me and view thousands of my photographs, including
butterflies and landscapes, visit my galleries and monthly posts.

Baltimore Oriole
Appearance: Male Baltimore Orioles are vibrant birds with bright orange plumage on their
underparts, shoulders, and rump, and black plumage on their wings, back, and head. They
have a striking black throat and a distinctive orange face. Females and immature birds have
more muted colors, with yellowish-orange undersides and olive-brown upperparts.

Habitat: Baltimore Orioles prefer open woodlands, forest edges, and suburban areas with
mature trees for nesting and foraging. They are commonly found in parks, orchards, and
gardens where suitable nesting sites and food sources are available.

Range: Baltimore Orioles breed across much of eastern North America, from southern
Canada to the southeastern United States. During the winter, they migrate to Central
America and northern South America, where they spend the non-breeding season.
Migration: Like many migratory birds, Baltimore Orioles undertake long-distance migrations
between their breeding and wintering grounds. They migrate south in the fall to escape the
colder temperatures of their breeding range and return north in the spring for the
breeding season.

Diet: Baltimore Orioles are primarily insectivorous during the breeding season, feeding on a
variety of insects, spiders, and other arthropods. They also consume nectar, fruit, and
occasionally, sap. Orioles are particularly fond of ripe fruits such as oranges, berries, and
grape jelly, which they may visit backyard feeders for.

Nesting: Baltimore Orioles are known for their intricate hanging nests, which are woven from
plant fibers, grasses, and other materials. The female typically constructs the nest,
suspending it from the outer branches of trees, shrubs, or occasionally, utility lines. The male
may assist in gathering nesting materials.

Vocalizations: Baltimore Orioles have a rich, flute-like song consisting of melodious whistles
and warbles. Their vocalizations are often described as cheerful and musical, adding to the
soundscape of their woodland habitats.