Melissa Mayntz has seen hundreds of bird species, witnessed astonishing seasonal migrations, and attracted dozens of species to her yard. She brings more than 35 years of birding experience to her readers not only in books, but also through writing for magazines, blogs, newspapers, and newsletters. Melissa enjoys common birds just as much as rarities, delights in everyday sightings alongside unusual twitches, and has fun visiting captive birds at local zoos and aviaries. She lives in Florida and is transforming her suburban yard into a wildlife-friendly habitat. She is also studying to become a certified Florida Master Naturalist and Land Steward. On her own bookshelves, Melissa keeps a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, from thriller and science fiction to fantasy, Amish fiction, post apocalyptic tales, teen fiction, classic children's books, and of course, anything bird-related.