Did you know that different hummingbirds make different sounds depending on the shapes of their feathers? This is just one of the fascinating facts you’ll learn from Somerville House’s newest book and activity package.

From B.C. biologist Neil Dawe’s detailed and interesting text, readers learn how hummingbirds fly, feed, mate, nest, raise young, migrate, and survive the cold. Most pages include a “Did you know?” sidebar that provides additional quick facts and easier reading for younger bird lovers. Jock MacRae’s colourful illustrations, which suit the text well, add detail and clarity. There’s even a tiny line drawing in the corner of each page that turns into a flying hummingbird as you fan the pages.

In addition to the basic biology and habits of hummingbirds, Dawe has included activity suggestions and three experiments. The light plastic feeders (each with a differently coloured base) can be used as one large feeder with four ports or easily separated into four small feeders. By separating the feeders, children can experiment to find out whether hummingbirds prefer certain colours or levels of sweetness in their food and whether hummingbirds can learn. The experiments are well designed and, although they take concentration and patience, the results should be meaningful.

The last quarter of the book is an illustrated field guide to common North American hummingbirds. The small book comes wrapped around the feeders and presents an attractive package for both book and toy sellers, although libraries may find the book too small to keep track of. Aimed at children, this book kit will be useful for projects and science experiments, however it is so detailed, it will also be excellent for bird lovers of all ages. It’s a guide you’ll want by your window so you can refer to it while watching the hummingbirds at your new feeders.