When such questions arise, birders turn to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the world's leading authority on birds and an information clearinghouse for bird-watchers of all levels. Now, the lab's most often-asked questions about bird behaviour are answered in a concise, friendly volume, The Bird Watching Answer Book, by the Cornell Lab's science editor, Laura Erickson. This handy little reference answers real life questions that have been sent to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology by birders of all levels from across North America. Erickson's expert answers give readers the companionship of a professional ornithologist as they observe their avian companions. The book's tone is friendly and accessible, even as the answers demonstrate a tremendous depth and breadth of knowledge. Many questions help birders keep their feathered friends safe and healthy - from the baby bird found lying on the sidewalk, to the flocks whose migration patterns can be disrupted by human activity. Some questions address bird quirks and curiosities, while others get to the truth about common myths, such as whether throwing rice at weddings is harmful to birds or whether albatrosses can actually stay airborne for two years. For every question, Erickson provides an answer that is practical, engaging, entertaining, and astute.