Jim Carpenter’s The Joy of Bird Feeding is a comprehensive, science-based guide that transforms backyard bird feeding into an enriching, year-round experience for both birds and humans.

Written by the founder of Wild Birds Unlimited, this 432-page manual blends decades of expertise with a deep passion for avian life. Carpenter offers practical strategies for attracting a wide variety of birds, including how to choose the best feeders, seed blends, and feeder placements based on bird behavior and habitat. The book is structured around best practices, helping readers understand the nutritional needs of different species, how to deter nuisance animals, and how to create a sustainable, bird-friendly environment. It also includes a guide to 180 feeder birds, complete with feeding preferences and seasonal tips. Rich with photos, charts, and personal anecdotes, The Joy of Bird Feeding is both an instructional resource and a celebration of the joy and wonder birds bring to our lives.