For the past three decades Laura Erickson, the science editor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, has been lecturing and writing about birds. Wherever she goes, bird lovers ask Erickson a wide range of questions about her favorite  creatures, so she has compiled her answers to these queries into a single volume.

In The Bird Watching Answer Book (Storey, $14.95) Erickson uses a question-and-answer format that addresses the broad subject areas that will interest wild bird fanciers. The three main sections cover 1) feeding, watching and protecting our feathered friends; 2) avian behavior and intelligence; and 3) all about birds, inside and out.

Sub-sections include material on everything from vocalizations and migration to reproduction. There is even fascinating information on how birds perceive the world and how they actually manage to achieve flight at all.

This handy volume addresses practical concerns such as “What should I do if a bird crashes into my windows?” and “Why does a bird seems to be harassing my dog?” — but you’ll also discover more esoteric tidbits. For example, you’ll learn that an albatross can live 40-50 years whereas a crow has a life expectancy of only 14 years, and a roadrunner is lucky to make it to its fourth birthday.

How to birds learn their songs? Why are saw-whet owls so small? How should you select a bird-spotting scope? These are just some of the questions you’ll find answered as you peruse this book.

With over 48 million bird watchers in this country alone, interest in avian pursuits has taken flight in recent years. This fascinating guide will delight those who are interested in learning more about birds, as well as those who just need some helpful hints on how to interact with their feathered neighbors more successfully.