My first stop on my first visit with my family to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was at the National Aviary, where we had a splendid time seeing the remarkable collection of birds. On our way out, we browsed the gift shop, and my eye was caught by Jane Moore's attractively designed book, Planting for Garden Birds: A Grower's Guide to Creating a Bird-Friendly Habitat. I was sorely tempted to buy it, because much of my gardening at home is focused on attracting birds, bees and other wildlife to our suburban yard. Although it looked interesting during a quick browse, I decided to forego the purchase.

Then I saw it again while strolling through the gift shop two days later at the equally fantastic Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Second time was the charm, apparently, because when my wife headed to the cashier with a purchase for our son, I passed her the book and $20 so I could take it home.

It was a quick read, with some interesting information and some nice sketches of birds and plants. But, although I don't regret the purchase or the time spent reading it, I wish I'd trusted my instincts and passed it by.

For all its nicer qualities, Planting for Garden Birds is written more to attract spontaneous buyers in gift shops than it is for serious gardeners. (So I guess it worked, on me at least.) The organization of the book is more for casual perusal, not serious research into one's gardening options; Moore discusses various birds and plants somewhat randomly, with only a token attempt at useful organization.

More importantly, I should have paid closer attention to its point of origin; although sold in Pittsburgh, Moore turns out to be a horticulturist from England, and her insights into birds and gardening aren't always universal. Sure, she mentions the U.S. sometimes and throws in a few details about bird and plant varieties more common on this side of the big pond, but you can tell that was more of an afterthought -- probably so she could sell more copies in our gift shops, I guess. Most of her narrative is geared to the British gardener.

I was also disappointed how little emphasis Moore placed on planting native species. Although she mentions natives on a few rare occasions, she certainly does not stress the importance of planting them in one's garden, leaning on the side of general attractiveness. That, more than anything, spoiled the book for me.

Like I said, it was a pleasant read that is attractively illustrated and offers some nice inspirational thoughts for a bird-friendly garden. But ultimately, it's not a very useful resource.