Pretty pictures but lightweight information

You'll love the bright glossy photos of N. American garden birds and plants (I do) but don't expect to find in-depth birding or gardening information in Birds and Blooms. Like all of the magazines from Reiman Publications, it targets the down-home and down-to-earth crowd and lacks conspicuous advertising (except for other Reiman products or tours, and the goods in its "country store"). For those who wish to indulge their interest in their gardens' creatures, but not get very in-depth, it is a relaxing magazine as it doesn't require a higher reading level or familiarity with species' scientific names. But if you want advanced information or advice on gardening or birding, you should look to other periodicals. I find this to be a great gift for loved ones who, because of age or physical condition, are not able to be as active in the garden as they once were. The colorful photos (many are stock, some are sent in by readers) make it an enjoyable magazine for all ages.

Fun for the Backyard Birder or Gardener!

Birds and Blooms is a bi-monthly magazine (6 issues per year) for backyard birders and gardeners. It has a standard 8x10 1/2 inch format. Each issue has about 65 pages. For birders, there are articles on species of birds that you might find in your back yard, what to feed birds, how to house them, simple projects you can make for the birds in your yard, a question and answer column, and lots of pictures. For gardeners, there are articles on what plants to get, how to care for them, gardening projects, and ideas for landscaping. (Birds and Blooms addresses decorative gardening, not vegetable gardening.) And there are lots of big colorful pictures of both plants and birds. I am more of a bird-lover than a gardener myself. I especially like the "Bird Tales" feature in which readers recount funny and fascinating behavior that they have observed in their avian neighbors. That alone would be worth the price of the subscription to me. If you are into birdhouses or elaborate bird feeders, Birds and Blooms seems to always have some articles showcasing unusual birdhouses and feeders, as well as an annual competition for both. For those who like puzzles, there is a word find in every issue, as well as a find-the-hidden-acorn for which you can win prizes. There is no advertising in Birds and Blooms.

Fun and facts for those who like to watch or feed birds in their own yard (or apartment balcony) and for people who enjoy flower gardening!

great pictures

I love this magazine for it's beautiful pictures. It has wonderful tips for attracting birds to your yard, what to feed them, how to repel the pest species, etc. The gardening pictures and information are fantastic too. There is a lot of input showcasing prizewinning flowers,backyard bird sightings, bird house building and other outdoor projects from the subscribers. I decided to have it delivered so my 4yr old and I could enjoy the pictures over and over.