A sighting of a fieldfare* while on holiday a few weeks back brought back happy memories of my days as a member of the YOC or Young Ornithologists' Club, the youth wing of the RSPB (now, sadly, rebranded as the far more prosaic Wildlife Explorers).
I've always had a keen eye for spotting birds, and my interest was rekindled by reading the excellent book How to be a Bad Birdwatcher by Simon Barnes. But I'd like to lay my hands on a really good field guide, because while the RSPB's site is really excellent for helping you to identify birds from their plumage and call, that's no good when you're out and about. I can't count the number of times I've been on the allotment or out on a walk when I've seen a bird and wished I could check what it was.
So, if you can suggest a comprehensive, compact guide to the birds of Britain, let me know in the comments below.
*Yes, I still draw childish pleasure from the fact that the thrush family have the Latin name Turdus ...
Hi 1st year alloment holder and great fan of the copper tools.Sorry to hear about your trowel.It would be worth talking to implementations about it. Ihad a problem with my sirius hoe(head fell off-major weed clearance use)They were very helpful on the phone and happy to try to repair it if I was unsuccesful.I've also spotted some new tools to drool over on the web site roll on xmas for guilt-free tool buyage!
Posted by: Natalie | September 18, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Spouse is a 'birder' and swears by the Collins Bird Guide but I wouldn't describe it as compact as it covers Europe as well. He lugs it about all over the place along with his telescope and 'bins'. I pretend I'm not with him!
Posted by: Frankie | September 20, 2007 at 07:56 PM
I really like the Mithcell Beazley pocket guide, it really is a handy size and has the right type and amount of information for on the spot identification. I have been using the old edition for years, new edition info below.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Birdwatchers-Pocket-Guide-Britain-Europe/dp/1857328043/ref=sr_1_1/202-6709747-3460653?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193136797&sr=1-1
I agree with the previous comment, the Collins guide is excellent, but not particularly portable. The Shell guide is good too as in the RSPB's own.
Posted by: Fran | October 23, 2007 at 11:59 AM