This book discusses all the birds which may be seen from the Florida Keys to South Texas, including coastal Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Additionally, there are short chapters on habitats, safety in the field, the best places to birdwatch and the fabulous spring and fall bird migrations. It is conveniently divided into water birds and land birds, plus special short chapters on the birds of South Florida and South Texas. Each species is fully treated, with color photographs taken by Jim Stevenson, demonstrating various plumages at all ages, both sexes and seasons. The range of the species is verbally explained, as is its description, plus unique behaviors, voice and similar species. In addition, groups such as families and orders are described to give the reader an understanding of classification.

Jim Stevenson has been birding the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas for over sixty years. His master's work dealt with bird migration, and having been raised by an ornithologist, he got an early start. He has been writing and leading birding tours as the Director of the Galveston Ornithological Society for twenty-five years. Jim resides in a small forest on Galveston Island, Texas, which now has a yard list of 322, the highest in the history of North America.