One in every five Americans watches birds, according to a recent report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For those just getting started with the hobby, the experience can vary from exciting to frustrating. In the beginning many new species are observed, yet some can be difficult to identify. A new DVD titled “Better Birdwatching in the Southwest” makes the learning process easier by focusing on 290 species that you can expect to find in Central and Southwest Oklahoma. DVD author Joe LaFleur has degrees in Wildlife Biology and Communications and has been collecting video and sound recordings of birds for 22 years. LaFleur grew up in Colorado and traveled extensively in Oklahoma to search for new and different bird species. Searchable indexes on the DVD allow users to quickly locate species of interest and to help beginners the more common and widespread species are listed in bold type. The video content has been carefully edited to display diagnostic field marks and unique behaviors of birds in their natural habitats. Birds are often secretive and hard to see, so learning their sounds can be critical for identification. The unique collection of songs and calls on the DVD include multiple songs for many species. Within a species, the songs are similar but do vary by geographic region and even among individual birds. The DVDs cost $29.99. For more information, call 1-888-414-2837 or visit www.betterbirdwatching.com for a list of birds featured on the DVD.