David Allen Sibley began seriously watching and drawing birds as a young boy. In 1980, he began traveling throughout North America studying the natural world, both on his own and as a leader of bird-watching tours. This intensive travel and study led to the publication of his comprehensive guide to bird identification, The Sibley Guide to Birds, followed by The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behavior, Sibley’s Birding Basics, The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America, and The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America. His most recent book, The Sibley Guide to Trees, was published in September 2009. His work is featured in a series of posters and cards from Scott & Nix, Inc., including Sibley’s Backyard Birds of Eastern North America. He lives in western Massachusetts.