In a message dated 3/17/2006 7:53:59 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, Warblerick  
writes:

 
In a message dated 3/16/2006 7:42:20 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
 writes:

If you  don't want to read about international birds, I suggest 
subscribing to  Birdwatcher's Digest. I do, and love it. It covers 
primarily north  American birds and gives ID hints for a different 
class of birds in  every issue.

-- 
June Tveekrem



Hi all,
 After nearly a decade and a half of being a subscriber to BWD I  just 
recently chose not to renew my subscription. I suppose I have moved on in  my 
birding, away from their target audience of backyard birders. This magazine  has 
also undergone a lot of changes since its inception. 
 
Originally it ran articles from other sources, like Reader's Digest, with  an 
occasional original article. Now it seems to focus primarily on backyard  
birding and gardening, and since the son of the original owners has taken the  
helm, it seems they are way too "into" self-promotion and nepotism to suit me.  
Covers and inside illustrations are just as likely to be by Julie Zickefoose,  
the wife of the publisher (not that I mind, she is very good), when the 
covers  used to be by artists from all over the country. It was a great way to see  
some original art and artists. 
 
As with Birders World, another formerly great birding magazine has gone  
downhill. I agree with Frank. Cornell Labs LIVING BIRD is now my
favorite periodical, followed by BIRDING. Wild Bird was good for a time  too, 
but now seems to reprint entire issues yearly, with very little new info.  
Every year there is their special photo issue, special hummingbird issue,  etc. 
And the articles were never very "meaty"; just as an article would  get your 
interest, it would be over, always leaving you wanting more.
 
Oh well, maybe we can get together and great a new publication, BIRDING  FOR 
CURMUDGEONS.
 
Just my $.02
 
Rick Sussman
Ashton,MD