(May 22, 2023) - More than 20 years ago, East Tennessee State University’s Dr. Fred
Alsop penned a work aimed at helping the more than 60 million Americans who regularly
birdwatch.
Published in association with the Smithsonian Institution, “Birds of North America:
Eastern Region” includes everything from profiles and photos to behavior and nest
locations.
And the book, written in 2001, is still getting rave reviews.
Bestreviews.com, one of the top comprehensive product review sites available online,
ranked Alsop’s work as the “best of the best” among other well-known books on birdwatching.
“No matter where you are in North America,” reads the review, “this inclusive field
guide is sure to feature a full-color page highlighting whatever wild birds you encounter.”
The No. 1 ranking more than two decades after the book’s publication reflects the
years Alsop, an emeritus professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, has logged studying birds in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
A deeply respected scientist, Alsop is also the director of the Eagle Cam Project,
an initiative well-known to many in the region.
“Certainly, after more than 20 years, it is quite an honor for ‘Birds of North America’
to be so well received,” said Alsop. “The book documents 706 species of birds and
includes full-color photographs.”
He added: “If you enjoy birdwatching or simply want to learn more about the species
in our region, I encourage you to buy a copy.”