I've been a bird watcher since the early 1970s, although it's been years since I did it with any degree of dedication. I keep a life list, but it's not terribly impressive compared to more dedicated birders' lists.

I use the Golden Guide (Birds of North America), and I won't use any other guide unless there is no Golden Guide available. I don't really have a favorite, but Herons are some of my favorite to watch. And one of the most beautiful birds I've ever watched in flight is the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. I used to love to watch them when I lived in eastern Oklahoma (USA).