Choosing the right guide can be daunting when faced with the thousands of field guides in print. There are a few tips to keep in mind that will help you find and select the right guide for you. The tips below are meant as guidance to finding a guide that you can learn from and use effectively, but these tips aren't written in stone. Consider them a starting point, and try different guides to find the perfect one for your needs.
Below is a list of characteristics to consider when selecting a guide.
Remember, the above are meant as guidance to help you start thinking about field guides, but it is by no means a comprehensive list! Ultimately, it's helpful to try a variety of guides and find one that you like. And don't be afraid to mix it up now and then! Come back, find a new guide and test it out in the field!
This might seem likely a silly thing to state, but make sure to read your guide! Most guides are designed not only to help you ID an organism, but also to give you a general introduction to that group of organisms. Some may introduce you to important terminology that they use and that may differ from what you are familiar with, or introduce you to new terminology. They also help you understand how to use that specific guide. Each guide is very different, both in terms of layout, design, and ease of use. Reading the guide will help you use the guide more effectively and become better at identifying that group of organisms. They may also help you learn how to read:
The #1 Rule of field guide use is look at the organism not the book! While field guides are meant to help with ID, you have to know the characteristics of the individual you are looking at before you can find it in the book. This is a notorious problem for people working with fast organisms, like arthropods or birds.
Reading your field guide before you get to the field ensures that you know what to look for. Should you look for wing bars or eye rings? Do you count the stripes on a bees back or the placement of antennae? Becoming familiar with the guide before you get to the field prepares you to see the organism in a way that will allow for identification once it's zoomed on it's way!
Naming of organisms can be fraught. It's important to note that taxonomy is constantly changing and evolving based on our understanding of taxonomic relationships, new information, and how quickly organisms evolve. Older field guides may be out of date or list older names (especially scientific names). On the other hand, one species may be known by very different common names depending on the region. Make sure to check your ID with a newer guide or app!