GEN, SEC, MID:book suggestions- birds and science ref?

[Melinda Miller-Widrick <miller-w@ALDUS.NORTHNET.ORG>]

Hi folks - I have been asked to get 2 books for our admin and boe in
honor of some retiring teachers.  I need two suggestions.  I would like
to get a "coffee table" type book on birds for middle school age kids,
one with lots of pictues useful in reports and identification.  I already
have the Ency of Birds from Facts on File, but that is close to what we
want.  2nd - I need to find a science reference which would be useful to
students in Biology and/or Earth Science.  Something that would help kids
with labs would be great.  The price tags for each title is around 50
dollars.  I don't have a Books in Print and the catalogs have not proved
too helpful.  I would really appreciate any suggestions.  :)  TIA, your
time and effort much appreciated!
        Please send suggestions directly to me.  Thanks.
Melinda Miller-Widrick, LMS K-12
Colton-Pierrepont Central School
Colton, NY 13625
miller-widrick@northnet.org