Product Description

The UK's No. 1 Handbook. The only recognition guide to use a comprehensive photographic approach, with an easy-to-use layout to ensure quick and accurate identification of birds in the field. Includes full-page coverage of the most commonly seen species, plus up-to-date, colour-coded maps highlighting resident and migratory distributions. Every fact and image is fully authenticated by the RSPB making this a must have for bird enthusiasts of all levels from the beginner to the experienced watcher.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7237 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 456 pages

About the Author
Rob Hume is a writer, editor, artist, identification expert, and bird tour leader, and is much in demand for his expertise on birds. Rob has worked for the RSPB for 23 years, and now edits the society's magazine, Birds. He lives in Sandy, Bedfordshire.

Customer Reviews

An Excellent Purchase
Being new to this field, I have found this book of great value. I have encountered several other guides, and have to say without a shadow of doubt, this is the best. Each bird is alotted its own page, containing both photographs and drawings of top quality. There is a wealth of info on all aspects of the bird, including song, its individual style of flight, lifespan, breeding and much more.
Of particular use is a section at the bottom of each page offering photographs of similar species, to further ensure you can make a correct I.D.
Overall, a top buy, of top quality.

A great bird book for beginners!
I have found this book invaluable in helping me identify birds. As a new and young person to the world of birdwatching I find the photographic format far easier to relate to then drawings. As each species gets a whole page and has pictures of similar birds at the bottom I have found this a good checker. Also the rare birds are at the back so you don't get confused and think you have spotted something new when it is a common bird.
A friend reccomended this book to me and I recommend it to any one keen to know what they are looking at. It is probably a bit basic for the proffessional twitcher or birder but loads of colourful photos for the casual watcher. It also covers all of Britain and Europe so I can use it abroad as well... a bargain!

Excellent
This really is an excellent book, packed with information but presented with the clarity and flair typical of many Dorling Kindersley titles.

The annotated photographic images of species are consistently superb, showing male/female summer/winter etc, in as much detail as the format allows. The images have obviously been carefully chosen and processed to be attractive and informative. If you've been disappointed with photographic guides before, buy with confidence here.

I also found the brief text on each species to be useful, the descriptions of typical behaviour really helping to identify in some cases.

The "similar species" section is also a great idea for new or part-time bird watchers

Add to this in-flight illustrations, distribution maps/calendars, habitat details, statistics, there is a lot of information here.

Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book.