Kitchen Table Bird Book
Jon Ham, the author of this book, taught school in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area for 38 years before retiring a few years back to watch, enjoy, and write about his favorite subject - backyard birds. Ham taught all school levels, from seventh grade through college, and admits that throughout his tenure he favored the subjects of nature, nature study, and natural history. His last 18 years were spent teaching zoology and ornithology at Grand Rapids Junior college. ""You might think, after teaching the subject of birds for so long, "" he writes, ""that I'd want to get away from birding, but in fact the exact opposite has happened. My wife and I have our home located in a dense patch of woods near the village of Cascade, and it's an ideal location to watch the comings and goings of a great many bird species. What had been my profession in everyday life has become our central retirement interest."" Ham is a registered bird-bander, and has held in his hand most of the birds he describes in this book. Most, in fact, have come to his feeders at one time or another, his backyard being a lively aviary at all seasons of the year. ""Just put out seeds, suet, and water in an environment safe from cats and dogs and you can be sure the birds will arrive. And with them comes the beginning of a lifelong interest."" David P. Mohrhardt began drawing wildlife at an early age, and currently works full-time producing commission paintings, canvases for prints, and illustrations for publications, including the Kitchen Table Bird Book and its companion, the Coat Pocket Bird Book. Mohrhardt holds a degree in biology from Michigan State University, but admits he studied that subject mainly because of its help in his wildlife painting. He has worked as a staff member and exhibits preparator at a number of nature centers, museums, and universities. He has shown his work in many one-man and group shows, and holds a string of awards and honors for his paintings. He believes that wildlife painting is entering a new and freer expression, that the field holds great promise to blossom in the years ahead as an important and unique American art form. He and his wife Anna live in Berrien Springs, Michigan.