Wildlife: birds and birdwatching: general interest Books

Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING ILLUSTRATOR    From the creator of Floriography and the Woodland Wardens Oracle Deck comes this beautifully illustrated exploration of the folklore, mythology, and history surrounding our favorite winged companions.Birds have inspired us since the dawn of time: their elegance in flight, captivating colors, and delicate mannerisms spark hope, joy, and delight. Cultures around the world have historically looked to birds as sacred messengers, intermediaries between earth and sky, including them in myths and legends and using them to teach moral lessons and historical truths.   In Jessica Roux’s Ornithography, each of 100 entries focuses on one bird species, featuring a full-page color illustration in her detailed, darkly romantic style and the lore behind each bird.   The perfect gift for birdwatchers, gardeners, and history buffs, as well as all readers who appr

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Book SynopsisReissue of J. A. Baker's extraordinary classic of British nature writing, with an exclusive new afterword by Robert Macfarlane.J. A. Baker's extraordinary classic of British nature writing was first published in 1967. Greeted with acclaim, it went on to win the Duff Cooper Prize, the pre-eminent literary prize of the time. Luminaries such as Ted Hughes, Barry Lopez and Andrew Motion have cited it as one of the most important books in twentieth-century nature writing.Despite the association of peregrines with the wild, outer reaches of the British Isles, The Peregrine is set on the flat marshes of the Essex coast, where J. A. Baker spent long winters looking and writing about the visitors from the uplands peregrines that spend the winter hunting the huge flocks of pigeons and waders that share the desolate landscape with them.This new edition of the timeless classic, published to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first publication, features an afterword by one of the book's greatesTrade Review‘A masterpiece of natural history writing. I would recommend to anybody who loves the English language, let alone birds of prey’ Monty Don, Financial Times ‘Passionately fierce but also wonderfully tender’ Andrew Motion ‘…an inspiring example to future writers, and a gift to lovers of nature.’ The Times Literary Supplement ‘… a literary masterpiece, one of the 20th century’s outstanding examples of nature writing.’ Independent ‘The Peregrine should be known as one of the finest works on nature ever written' BBC Wildlife ‘… some of the most marvellous prose of the twentieth century.’ Literary Review ‘A tour de force … what can I do except praise writing which involves all the senses? This book goes altogether outside the bird-book into literature.’ The Sunday Times ‘A rapt and remarkable book … his phrases have a magnesium-flare intensity.’ Observer ‘… what is certain is that The Peregrine is the most precise and poetic account of a bird – possibly of any non-human creature – ever written in English prose.’ Daily Telegraph ‘J. A. Baker's poetic prose has a hard intensity and an exquisite lyric grace that takes it far beyond the stereotypical stuff of larks ascending and questing voles. Cruelly beautiful and brutally exact, it sees the countryside anew to give us nature in the wild and in the raw.’ The Scotsman ‘Including original diaries from which The Peregrine was written and its companion volume, The Hill of Summer, this is a beautiful compendium of lyrical nature writing at its absolute best […]. For those with an interest in the Peregrine Falcon or classic natural history writing. ‘ Guardian

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive and up-to-date field guide to the birds of Costa Rica. Graced with bounteous natural beauty Costa Rica has become a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. Birds play a prominent role in attracting visitors, too. The shimmering quetzals, gaudy macaws, and comical toucans that populate tourism posters only begin to hint at the impressive avian diversity to be found throughout this small country. The principal objective of this book is to help you correctly identify birds in Costa Rica. Each family of birds is introduced by a brief description that should help the novice birder determine to which group a bird belongs. Nearly every species is illustrated by one or more images, as needed. Corresponding to each species' illustration is a written account on the facing page. The account begins with the unique field marks to look for that will distinguish each species from similar ones. Following the description is information about status, distributioTrade ReviewThe appearance of this new, compact guide to the birds of Costa Rica should spur even more international birders to come to this avian paradise. I congratulate the author and artist on a job well done. -- Robert S. RidgelyThis book is a must for birders visiting Costa Rica. I highly recommend it. -- Victor Emanuel

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Book SynopsisLet's face it—all birds are fascinating, wonderful, idiotic jerks—no matter where in the world they reside. Following in the footsteps of the bestselling book The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America, this hilarious sequel ventures beyond to identify the stupidest birds around the world. Featuring birds from North and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, author Matt Kracht identifies the dumb birds that manage to live all over the freaking place with snarky, yet accurate, names and humorous, anger-filled drawings. This guide book details exactly how much these morons suck with facts about each bird's (annoying) call, its (stupid) migratory pattern, and its (downright tacky) markings. Complete with a matching game, bird descriptor checklist, tips on how to identify a bird (you can tell a lot by looking into a bird's eyes, for example), this profanity-laden book offers a balance of fact and wit that will appeal to hardcore birders and casual bird lovers (and haters) alike. A MUST-HAVE: A must-have sequel to the bestselling parody book The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America. UNIQUE & LAUGH-OUT-LOUD FUNNY: This is a great coffee table or bar top conversation-starting book. And a bonus, while the content is humorous, it is practical and useful! A GREAT PRESENT: This is the perfect gift for the bird lovers and haters in your life. It also makes a great Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthday, retirement, or gag gift. Perfect for: Birdwatching and nature enthusiasts Armchair birders (or nonbirders) Someone who needs a quirky gift for an animal lover friend People with serious birders in their lives who want something lighthearted

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Book SynopsisThe definitive photographic guide to the amazing avifauna of Sri Lanka.With a rich avifauna that includes 29 endemics, the island of Sri Lanka is one of Asia''s most popular birding destinations. Birds of Sri Lanka, the latest addition to Helm''s Photographic Guides series, provides photographic coverage of more than 250 species regularly seen on the island. Concise text for each species includes identification, songs and calls, behavior, distribution and habitat, and the book is packed with photos, each carefully selected to guide identification. This guide is the ideal pocket-sized companion, perfect for nature-loving travelers and birdwatchers visiting this amazing island.Table of ContentsIntroduction The country's birdlife How to use this book Bird topography Topographic glossary Endemic species Conservation Where to watch and photograph birds Species accounts Non-passerine birds Passerine birds General glossary Acknowledgements Photo credits Index

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Book SynopsisThis compact, easy-to-use guide features more than 350 of the most conspicuous and commonly seen birds in Namibia. It offers: concise identification text, full-colour photographs of all species covered, up-to-date distribution maps, an informative introduction featuring the ‘specials’ of the key birding destinations in Namibia. An ideal introduction and travelling companion for birders in or visiting the region. Sales points: handy guide for birders of all levels, distribution map for each species, compact and easy to use in the field, concise text by leading experts.

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate field guide to birds of Madagascar, the Seychelles, Comoros and Mascarene Islands.The Malagasy region contains one of the most extraordinary concentrations of biodiversity in the world, and a diverse avifauna rich with exciting endemic taxa; birds such as vangas, mesites and asities live nowhere else. This guide covers the whole of the Malagasy region, which comprises both Madagascar and the various islands and archipelagos of the Indian Ocean including the Seychelles, Comoros and Mascarenes Mauritius, Réunion and Rodrigues all of which host their own endemics and large seabird colonies.Every species in the region is covered in full detail, with a colour distibution map for resident and migrant birds. All species are illustrated on a spectacular series of 124 colour plates by leading bird artists John Gale and Brian Small, with concise species text opposite the plates. The species are arranged to keep the key species of the various archipelagos together in sections.This major work of is a stunning combination of scholarship and beauty. Authoritative yet pocket-friendly, it''s an essential addition to the backpack of any visiting naturalist or birdwatcher, anywhere in the region.Trade ReviewI was fortunate to have a pre-publication copy on my recent trip to Madagascar. It's surely the best and most up-to-date bird field guide out there, with excellent discussions of topics beyond identification. Buy it and take it with you! * Robert. S. Ridgely, Rainforest Trust *Twitchers bound for... Madagascar can enjoy Helm Field Guides' new additions ... Helm's exquisite eye for detail and intricate illustrations - hitting that sweet spot between art and practicality - make these welcome additions. A must-have for any globetrotting birders. * Wanderlust *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements About this book The Malagasy Region and Its Birds Geography, Climate and Habitats Biogeography: Colonisation, Differentiation and Survival Endemic Families and Genera List of Bird Organisations Plate Section Part 1: Larger birds (non-passerines): Malagasy Region Part 2: Landbirds ('near-passerines' and passerines) Part 3: Vagrants: Malagasy region Appendix 1: Checklist of birds of the Malagasy region Appendix 2: A new classification of bird orders and families native to the Malagasy region References Index

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE 2018WINNER OF THE JEFFERIES AWARD FOR NATURE WRITING 2017The full story of seabirds from one of the greatest nature writers. The book looks at the pattern of their lives, their habitats, the threats they face and the passions they inspire beautifully illustrated by Kate Boxer.Seabirds are master navigators, thriving in the most demanding environment on earth. In this masterly book, drawing on all the most recent research, Adam Nicolson follows them to the coasts and islands of Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, and the Americas. Beautifully illustrated by Kate Boxer, The Seabird's Cry is a celebration of the wonders of the only creatures at home in the air, on land and on the sea. It also carries a warning: the number of seabirds has dropped by two-thirds since 1950. Extinction stalks the ocean and there is a danger that the grand cry of a seabird colony will this century become little but a memory.Trade Review‘An exquisitely written paean to ten ocean-going birds … make no mistake, this is a clever book … a call to arms against the loss of this crucial part of our rich natural heritage’, Books of the Year, The Times ‘An extraordinary book, nothing less than a masterpiece’ Financial Times ‘Gorgeous book, a poetic soaring exploration of 10 species of seabirds…Generous and beautifully composed’ Observer ‘No one has previously captured the essence of seabirds, of their habitats or their lives, with such poignancy or perception as Adam Nicolson in this fine book…[He] takes us on an extraordinary, constantly changing journey through the history, literature and biology of their lives…[His] exuberance for seabirds is infectious…inspirational’ BBC Wildlife ‘Nicolson writes with a heart full of poetry and a head full of science. He is up to speed with recent seabird research and tells the tales with relish’ Mail on Sunday ‘Full of fascinating and often gruesome details…[he] succeeds in expressing his sense of awe at these magnificent creatures’ Sunday Times ‘Though seabirds have ridden the surf and skies for 100 million years we are now casually wiping them out…Nicolson has accorded them this book. Its excellence constitutes some small recompense’ Evening Standard ‘It isn’t sufficient to say that Nicolson writes well about birds. He is dizzyingly, dazzlingly good’ Sunday Herald ‘Beautiful and engrossing book…written with verve and weathered with wonder…there is no one I’d rather read writing about these creatures…the bigness of our author’s excitements and passions is…abundant in this clear-sighted yet loving book and it is magnificent to have’ Country Life 'Breathtaking…[Nicolson] has an intuitive understanding of the birds that feels almost uncanny…presents…research in a way that is not just comprehensible but compelling, even moving…His swithering between the forensic and the poetic creates a sense of wonder' Spectator

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Book SynopsisA revised and updated edition of the definitive site guide to this bird-rich Spanish region.Southern Iberia is in the top rank of European birding hotspots, and the fourth edition of this popular book, first published in 1994, continues to ensure that visitors can make the most of the region''s many attractions. The information on all sites has been brought right up-to-date, with revised maps and full updated site access details and species lists. Popular localities such as Doñana, Monfragüe and the Strait of Gibraltar get prominent treatment, but the reader is encouraged to wander further afield to visit other, less well-known but equally rewarding sites, including a number of additional localities that are new to this edition.This new edition is indispensable for all birders visiting this remarkable corner of Spain.Table of ContentsForeword Introduction to the Fourth Edition How to use this book Visiting southern and western Spain Landscape and climate Birds and other wildlife of southern and western Spain Watching seabirds and the migration of raptors and storks Andalucia Extremadura Appendices Further reading Site index Species index

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Book SynopsisRaptors are notoriously hard to identify, even if seen well. Contrary to expectation, it is actually easier to identify raptors in flight than perched, and it is fortunate that most raptors are usually seen in flight! This is the ultimate flight identification guide to Western Palearctic raptors. Covering over sixty species of raptors (over twenty more than the first edition) throughout Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, this deeply researched text reaches even further into the history of these amazing creatures. A stunning photographic guide of never-before-published images, this thorough text covers every plumage and age in breathtaking detail.Trade ReviewThis is a terrific identification guide that will be a must-have for raptor enthusiasts living or travelling in the Palearctic. * CHOICE Magazine *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Introduction Flight Identification of raptors Plumage variations of raptors Viewing conditions Moult Factors affecting flight Previous experience Topography Glossary Hawk-watching in and around Europe by Keith L. Bildstein and Anna Sandor Migration ecology of raptors by Ian Newton Species Accounts References

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Book SynopsisThis pocket-sized photographic guide to the birds of East Africa features 296 birds likely to be spotted in the region. Colourful photographs illustrate diagnostic features and plumage differences between male and female or breeding and non-breeding birds. Comparative photographs help differentiate between confusing species. Important distinguishing characteristics are highlighted in the text. Distribution maps and Swahili common names for all species are included. Introduction features a labelled bird diagram, habitat map, glossary and useful advice to birdwatchers. An invaluable guide for visitors to national parks and the many areas in East Africa that are rich in birdlife.

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Book SynopsisThis region embraces an impressive range of habitats from the Pyrenees to the sun-drenched Catalan coast. As a consequence the area is rich in birdlife and full of potential for visiting birders. Almost 200 sites are described in terms of habitat, access and the species to be seen. Where to Watch Birds in Northern and Eastern Spain includes comprehensive coverage of all thirteen autonomous regions, a descriptive list of all the resident, visiting and rare birds to be found, as well as advice on watching seabirds from key sites like Estaca de Bares.Table of ContentsForeword Introduction to the third edition How to use this book Visiting northern and eastern Spain Geography, habitats and birds Watching seabirds in northern and eastern Spain Aragón Asturias Cantabria Castilla-La Mancha Castilla y León Cataluña Galicia Madrid Murcia Navarra País Vasco (Euskadi) La Rioja Valencia (Comunidad Valenciana) Status list of the birds of Northern and Eastern Spain Appendix 1. Scientific Names of Plant Species Mentioned Appendix 2. Glossary of Local Geographical Terms Further Reading Site Index Species Index

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Book SynopsisThis beautifully illustrated bingo game features 64 species of birds from around the world. Spot all kinds of birds – from the robin to the puffin and the kookaburra to the splendid fairywren – mark them off on your card and bingo! Bird Bingo brings a fun and educational twist to the traditional game as players learn the names and colourings of both their favourite species and weird and wonderful exotic birds. Contains 64 superbly illustrated bird tokens, one board, 12 bingo cards and brightly coloured counters for you to mark up your card, as well as a leaflet containing basic information and a few quirky traits for all of the birds featured.

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Book SynopsisNature's Masterpieces-ready for painting Peel the sticker, Paint the sticker, And watch your painting come to life.Paint by Sticker: Birds celebrates the rainbow of colours and shapes of the avian world: a red-headed woodpecker, a blue jay, an orange and black Baltimore oriole, an electric bright hummingbird.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisA guide to birdwatching sites in Portugal and offshore islands: this book shows you where to go and when to visit for the best birding experience. This guide is best used alongside your field guide - it does not include information about identifying birds. Portuguese territory goes well beyond Portugal itself; it also comprises the Atlantic archipelagos of Azores and Madeira. Considered in this light, it is a highly diverse area in ornithological terms, holding endemic bird taxa, large populations of seabirds, most of the rarest and sought-after species of southern Europe and many exciting Nearctic vagrants. Add to these prospects the natural hospitality of the Portuguese people, the mild climate, the modern infrastructure plus the excellent food and wine and it is easy to see why the country is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for the birdwatcher. This book is a reprint (without changes) of the Prion Birdwatchers’ Guide to Portugal, the Azores & Madeira Archipelagos (2nd Edition, 2014, ISBN: 9781871104134). It is a key reference for anyone - from beginner to ornithologist - planning to visit the area with an interest in its birds. This is a site guide, not an identification guide.Table of ContentsIntroduction Brief notes on Portuguese ornithology Pre-tour information Travel information Staying in Portugal Weather and Clothing Health and medical facilities Maps Geography and vegetation When to go Introduction to site information MAINLAND PORTUGAL - North - Centre - Lisbon region - Alentejo - Algrave AZORES - Eastern group - Central group - Western group MADEIRA Selective bird list Full bird list Amphibians and reptiles list Mammals list Recommended reading Useful contacts and websites

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Book SynopsisBehold the power of nature with this illustrated field guide to recognizing and understanding the messages that the universe sends us through the birds we see in our daily lives.Birds are all around us—pecking at the sidewalk, perching on a nearby tree branch, flying in the sky above our heads. But have you considered the possibility that there is a deeper meaning behind each blue jay sighting or the call of a hawk? The Hidden Meaning of Birds can help you decipher the special message your avian oracle is trying to share. The Hidden Meaning of Birds isn’t just your typical field guide to birds. In addition to a physical description of a variety of common bird species, it also includes the folklore and unique symbolism associated with each to help you understand the changes these mystical creatures want you to make in your life. A blue jay may be urging you to examine your communication habits. A cardinal may be telling you to stand up for yourself. The list goes on. The illustrations and descriptions are easy to follow along, and it includes beginner terms for both spiritual guidance and bird identification. With this enlightening volume as your inspiration, get ready to reexamine your life from a bird’s eye view—one robin, crow, and hummingbird at a time.Trade Review“Expands the range of information presented about its included species far beyond what might be expected in a traditional field guide.” —The Well-Read Naturalist"An illustrated bird book with a twist." —Milwaukee Journal Sentinel“Fun to read … a thoughtful and completely different way to look at birds.” —Star Tribune

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Book SynopsisBirds of Bangladesh the definitive field guide to Bangladesh''s rich avifauna.Despite being one of the most densely populated countries on Earth, Bangladesh boasts a diverse range of natural habitats, including forests, wetlands and grasslands, and supports a wide range of species including a number of sought-after regional specialities, such as Masked Finfoot and Lesser Florican, This book covers all 705 species that occur in Bangladesh, including vagrants. It includes 103 superb colour plates, with text on facing pages for quick and easy reference, as well as concise species accounts describe key identification features, voice, habitats, distribution and status.Birds of Bangladesh is an essential field companion for any birdwatcher visiting or living in this fascinating and beautiful country.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Taxonomy and Nomenclature Plates and Species Accounts Plumage Terminology Geographical Settings Climate Main Habitats, Threats and Bird Species Importance for Birds Birdwatching Areas Conservation Measures National Organisations Glossary Family Summaries Plates and Species Accounts (1-103) Appendices References Index Quick Index

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Book SynopsisPuffins, the breathtaking new book from internationally renowned photographer Kevin Morgans, celebrates the iconic Atlantic puffin and its place in the ecology of the British Isles. With their brightly coloured beaks, quirky personalities and comical movements, the ‘clowns of the sea’ are the best loved of all Britain’s seabirds. In a series of stunning images from his award-winning portfolio, Kevin Morgans documents their lives and their relationship with our windswept coast.Trade Review‘This is a portfolio of sheer excellence, and will be a very tough act to follow.’‘A beautiful, mesmerising portrait of the iconic puffin.’‘A visual delight from start to finish.’‘An intimate look into the lives of one of our planet’s most beloved bird species.’‘The ultimate book on our Atlantic Puffins.’ * Bird Watching Magazine *‘Stunning imagery of everyone’s favourite seabird by a photographer at the top of his game.’‘As a lifetime admirer of puffins, I found this to be a wonderful book that captures the true majesty of this incredible bird.’‘A true masterpiece. Kevin’s photography tells such an intimate story of the life of this charismatic bird.’‘A stunning collection that captures the character and charm of one of our most iconic seabirds.’

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Book SynopsisThe definitive field guide to the rich avifauna of Ecuador.This up-to-date and comprehensive guide to the birds of mainland Ecuador is a valuable resource for anyone exploring the mountains, forests and wetlands of this incredibly bird-rich country. With thousands of beautiful and detailed paintings, accompanied by concise descriptions and accurate maps, this is an indispensible guide to bird identification in Ecuador. Covers every species and most subspecies recorded in Ecuador, including migrants and vagrants, with accurate and up-to-date distribution maps. 291 colour plates illustrating more than 1,630 species, with text on facing pages for quick and easy reference. Concise text covering identification, voice, habits, habitats, range, distribution and status.Trade ReviewWins friends from the outset ... very appealing, with enough detail to identify all but the most cryptic birds ... Next time [I visit Ecuador] it'll be Freile & Restall in my backpack. -- Dominic Mitchell * Birdwatch *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Introduction How to use this book Geography and Climate: an overview Bird Diversity Patterns Conservation Bird Topography Plates and Species Accounts Appendix 1: Potential Species List Appendix 2: Checklist of the Birds of Ecuador References Index

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Book SynopsisA hands-on tool to work with birds as spiritual messengers. Recognised as spiritual messengers, birds serve as a connection between the physical world and the world of spirit. The appearance of a special bird after a loved one has passed over is often seen as their soul guiding us from the otherworld. Birds can be potent allies and power animals, giving us light and leading us into the world of the immortal soul. Quick in their movements, with their ability to take flight instantly, birds carry the spiritual quality of freedom. Gliding on the wings of a bird we literally take on a superior view, a wider perspective from above, and can recognise and understand connections that we might not have seen before. Created by Jeanne Ruland and Petra Kühne, this deck shares the spiritual messages and powers that birds can bring to us. The deck consists of 46 beautifully illustrated cards featuring different birds, as well as cards representing the feather, the nest, and the egg. Each individual bird brings a specific medicine and unique gifts and talents to help you find healing, growth, and insight on your spiritual path. Each card shares the medicine of the bird shown and a brief message about the meaning of their presence. In the accompanying guidebook, the meaning of each bird card is detailed along with an affirmation focused on the bird’s unique gifts. Whether eagle, hummingbird, phoenix, or swan, Oracle of the Birds features native, exotic, and mythical birds that stand by our sides as advisors and guides and help us gain new perspectives with their bird’s eye view of physical and spiritual realms.Table of ContentsContents PrefaceIntroduction How to Work with the Cards The Cards Ba–Soul BirdBird of ParadiseBlackbirdBuzzardCanaryCormorantCraneCrowCuckooDoveDuckEagleEggFalconFeatherFlamingoGarudaGooseHen & RoosterHeronHummingbirdIbisJayKingfisherMagpieNestNightingaleOstrichOwlParrotPeacockPenguinPhoenixPied WagtailRavenRed KiteRobinSeagullSparrowStorkSwallowSwanThrushThunderbirdTitWoodpeckerAbout the AuthorAbout the Artist

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Book SynopsisLonglisted for the 2020 Wainwright Prize'I can't remember the last book I read that I could say with absolute assurance would save lives. But this one will' Chris Packham'Fabulously direct and truthful, filled with energy but devoid of self-pity . . . I was impressed and enchanted. Highly recommended' Stephen Fry'Succeeds – triumphantly – in articulating with great honesty what it is like to suffer with a mental illness, and in providing strategies for coping' Mail on SundayWhen Joe Harkness suffered a breakdown in 2013, he tried all the things his doctor recommended: medication helped, counselling was enlightening, and mindfulness grounded him. But nothing came close to nature, particularly birds. How had he never noticed such beauty before? Soon, every avian encounter took him one step closer to accepting who he is.The positive change in Joe's wellbeing was so profound that he started a blog to record his experience. Three years later he has become a spokesperson for the benefits of birdwatching, spreading the word everywhere from Radio 4 to Downing Street.In this groundbreaking book filled with practical advice, Joe explains the impact that birdwatching had on his life, and invites the reader to discover these extraordinary effects for themselves.Trade Review 'Succeeds – triumphantly – in articulating with great honesty what it is like to suffer with a mental illness, and in providing strategies for coping' Mail on Sunday 'Open, lucid and unpretentious . . . Harkness quietly, but very persuasively, makes the case for birdwatching (and wildlife-watching) as a counter to the stresses of modern life, and as a way of connecting with something larger than ourselves' Bird Watching Magazine 'A life-changing book' Countryman 'A heartfelt account of one man's return to wellbeing, and his love of nature shines through' Herald Scotland 'This joyous journal celebrates the redemptive power of nature.' The Simple Things

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Book SynopsisWe live in a world that prizes the fast over the slow, the new over the familiar and work over rest. Birds Art Life Death is Kyo Maclear's beautiful journey to stake out a sense of meaning amid the crushing rush.One winter Kyo Maclear felt unmoored. Her father had recently fallen ill and she suddenly found herself a little lost. In the midst of this crisis, she met a musician who loved birds. When he watched birds and began to photograph them, his worries dissipated. Curious, she began to accompany him on his urban birdwatching expeditions and witnessed the magic of a transient city. Birds Art Life Death asks how we might gain perspective and overcome our anxieties by learning to cherish the urban wild spaces in which we live. Kyo urges us to find a subtle but restorative meaning in the everyday.Trade Review‘Original, charming, a little eccentric even. This book is a delight’ Nigel Slater ‘A literary jewel box … [Maclear's] tiny gems of thought are borne of purposeful waiting, quietude and reflection … Maclear's book is appealing in its appreciation of non-human nature in the midst of city life, agnosticism about the place of human activity in the midst of nature's rhythms and exploration of the relationship between captivity and freedom’ Publishers Weekly ‘A meditation on freedom and confinement and the creative tension between the two. … The simple precision of Maclear’s prose belies the depth, as if the book were the tip of the iceberg and what she has elided or omitted constitutes the rest. Writers and others will find inspiration in the advice to stop and hear the birds’ Kirkus Reviews ‘Intricate and delicate as birdsong, Kyo Maclear’s clear-eyed observations of the natural world and our place in it challenge the velocity of modern life. A year spent birding is a year spent in passionate introspection. As she discovers beauty in urban cityscape, she leads us to turn fresh eyes to our surroundings. Her beloved birds become messengers of both loss and hope’ Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way ‘A beautifully crafted memoir that elevates the ordinary with intelligence and humility’ Leslie Feist, musician ‘Maclear’s writing is fresh and focused. If you’ve ever felt any of the emotions she discusses – worry for one’s parents, feeling stuck, feeling insignificant, feeling lost – there will be a passage in this book that will resonate’ Emerald Street

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Book SynopsisThis easy-to-use identification guide to the 280 bird species most commonly seen in Costa Rica is perfect for resident and visitor alike. High quality photographs from one of the country's top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers geography, climate, habitat types, bird species and taxonomy, bird migration and the key sites for viewing the listed species. Also included is an all- important checklist of all of the birds of Costa Rica encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name, and IUCN status

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Book SynopsisFor the very first time, local and visiting birders will have a detailed guide to Kenya’s best birding sites. The book will help them to locate the key species in each area, including sought-after ‘specials’ and endemics. It offers: a detailed map for each site with specific guidance on what to look for and where information about the birds likely to be seen, descriptions of each site, indicating the plants and wildlife that may be encountered in addition to the birds, tips for planning your trip, road directions to each site.

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Book SynopsisAn introduction to France for anyone visiting with birds in mind, from casual birdwatchers checking a bird that flies over the terrace during a family holiday to addict birders who would sell their souls for a dream species or a record-breaking checklist. Some may have just a few spare hours to get their binoculars out between business meetings or museum visits, others will be out in the field for two weeks or more, from sunrise to sunset. The authors wrote this book for all bird lovers, birdwatchers and birders, whatever the duration of their stay, the number of kilometres they are prepared to travel and how they enjoy birds. With over 400 regularly occurring species, of which 357 normally breed or winter, France has one of the most diverse avifaunas of the whole of Europe, spanning an incredible range from colourful Mediterranean flagship species such as roller, bee-eater or black-winged kite to secretive cold-climate or mountain specialists like three-toed woodpecker and Tengmalm’s owl. The Birdfinder section provides targeted details for 30 species which often rank in the top wish-list of birders visiting France. Dividing the country into 14 regions, the authors highlight 312 representative sites, chosen for their bird species composition and ease of access. The selected sites enable the reader to see the widest possible species diversity and largest range of local specialities in a reasonable time, while respecting the basic ethical rules obvious to all birdwatchers. Whenever possible, sites are arranged in clusters or itineraries that can be covered in two to three days without hurrying. To supplement the use of the book in the field, all the sites described are geolocated in a file that can be downloaded from the publisher’s website and loaded onto any GPS device.Trade ReviewRarely it is possible to find a naturalistic guide with this abundance of information on the roads to drive or to walk and the bird species that may be observed. The novelty of this book is that all the sites are geolocated in a file that can be downloaded from the publisher’s website and loaded onto any GPS device. … Everybody who has planned a naturalistic trip to France must place in the luggage this book! -- Bruno Massa * Avocetta *Extremely well documented, detailed and illustrated, this new guide, created by three well-known French ornithologists, covers all the sites of France interesting to one degree or another for the birds. -- Jean Marc Thiollay * Ornithos *A great solution is to download a GPS file from the publisher's website, which makes it easier to navigate to destinations. The GPS file opens in Google Earth and Google Maps; Maps.me, recommended by the authors, is a great application for accessing and editing on your smartphone. -- Matti Sillanpaa * Linnut *I would highly recommend Where to Watch Birds in France as a well thought out book that collates and easily directs you to interesting bird spots that you might not have found outside of local guides or websites. The authors and contributors have definitely written something that they would want to use themselves and this certainly feels like a guide designed by bird watchers for bird watchers! -- Katharine Bowgen * British Trust for Ornithology *This new guide to birdwatching in France .... wins with its modern layout and sophisticated combination of printing and electronic information. 312 of the best observation areas are presented in 466 clearly arranged maps, on which the most important places are marked as "waypoints". These can be downloaded from the internet to a GPS device. .... The references to specific observation sites are very precise. * Ornis *All you could want in a birdfinding guide, with lots of maps and just the right level of detail, all in a very compact package. -- Grant McCreary * The Birder's Library *A must have for those birding France. -- Ian Paulsen * Birdbooker Report *There is no doubt that a huge effort has gone into this book, which can now be considered the definitive resource for the country’s travelling or visiting birders. * Fatbirder *An ideal tool for any trip to France, whether for the specific aim of birdwatching or for some other purpose that allows a quick escape. -- José Luis Copete * Ardeola *A monumental step in making more of this country’s bird life accessible to visitors… The amount of detailed information for each site is a marvel… A major contribution to the bird-finding literature for western Europe. -- Rick Wright * American Birding Association *Table of ContentsSymbol chart Foreword Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Regions at a glance Practical information Birdwatching in France Region 1 – Paris and the Seine Reservoirs Region 2 – From the North Sea to the Somme Bay and the western Ardennes Region 3 – Normandy Region 4 – Brittany Region 5 – The Loire Valley Region 6 – Poitou-Charentes and the Vendée Region 7 – Aquitaine Region 8 – The Pyrenees Region 9 – Western Mediterranean Coast and the Cévennes Region 10 – Eastern Mediterranean Coast, Southern Alps and Corsica Region 11 – Jura and the Alps Region 12 – Massif Central Region 13 – Burgundy Region 14 – Northeast Birdfinder Checklist Site index

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Book SynopsisWhen and where did the ancestors of modern birds evolve? What enabled them to survive the meteoric impact that wiped out the dinosaurs? How did these early birds spread across the globe and give rise to the 10,600-plus species we recognise today ― from the largest ratites to the smallest hummingbirds? Based on the latest scientific discoveries and enriched by personal observations, The Ascent of Birds sets out to answer these fundamental questions. The Ascent of Birds is divided into self-contained chapters, or stories, that collectively encompass the evolution of modern birds from their origins in Gondwana, over 100 million years ago, to the present day. The stories are arranged in chronological order, from tinamous to tanagers, and describe the many dispersal and speciation events that underpin the world's 10,600-plus species. Although each chapter is spearheaded by a named bird and focuses on a specific evolutionary mechanism, the narrative will often explore the relevance of such events and processes to evolution in general. The book starts with The Tinamou’s Story, which explains the presence of flightless birds in South America, Africa, and Australasia, and dispels the cherished role of continental drift as an explanation for their biogeography. It also introduces the concept of neoteny, an evolutionary trick that enabled dinosaurs to become birds and humans to conquer the planet. The Vegavis's Story explores the evidence for a Cretaceous origin of modern birds and why they were able to survive the asteroid collision that saw the demise not only of dinosaurs but of up to three-quarters of all species. The Duck's Story switches to sex: why have so few species retained the ancestral copulatory organ? Or, put another way, why do most birds exhibit the paradoxical phenomenon of penis loss, despite all species requiring internal fertilisation? The Hoatzin's Story reveals unexpected oceanic rafting from Africa to South America: a stranger-than-fiction means of dispersal that is now thought to account for the presence of other South American vertebrates, including geckos and monkeys. The latest theories underpinning speciation are also explored. The Manakin’s Story, for example, reveals how South America’s extraordinarily rich avifauna has been shaped by past geological, oceanographic and climatic changes, while The Storm-Petrel’s Story examines how species can evolve from an ancestral population despite inhabiting the same geographical area. The thorny issue of what constitutes a species is discussed in The Albatross's Story, while The Penguin’s Story explores the effects of environment on phenotype ― in the case of the Emperor penguin, the harshest on the planet. Recent genomic advances have given scientists novel approaches to explore the distant past and have revealed many unexpected journeys, including the unique overland dispersal of an early suboscine from Asia to South America (The Sapayoa’s Story) and the blackbird's ancestral sweepstake dispersals across the Atlantic (The Thrush’s Story). Additional vignettes update more familiar concepts that encourage speciation: sexual selection (The Bird-of-Paradise's Story); extended phenotypes (The Bowerbird's Story); hybridisation (The Sparrow's Story); and 'great speciators' (The White-eye's Story). Finally, the book explores the raft of recent publications that help explain the evolution of cognitive skills (The Crow's Story); plumage colouration (The Starling's Story); and birdsong (The Finch's Story)Trade ReviewWe expect to find well‐read copies of this book in libraries near famous birding locations across the globe, from Pipeline Road to Kinabalu National Park. * Journal of Field Ornithology *The Ascent of Birds is a fascinating story of bird history, a collection of exciting and readable essays on the development of different bird types from ancient times to the present and the future. -- Pertti Koskimies * Linnut *While this book is a little daunting at first, covering as it does the entire evolutionary history of birds, the author does an excellent job of breaking the latest science down into understandable chunks, and I highly recommend it as an excellent synthesis of this amazing field of research. You won’t look at birds the same again. -- Cyndi M. Smith * Canadian Field Naturalist *Birds draw you in with flashy characteristics – dazzling colors, melodious songs, the power of flight. By the time you start to get inured to these you discover there is so much more. What’s the deal with all their diversity? Where did they come from? And just how in the world did we ever get such creatures as the birds-of-paradise? But such answers have not always been easy to come by, unless you happened to be an evolutionary biologist. That is, until John Reilly’s The Ascent of Birds: How Modern Science Is Revealing Their Story. You would be forgiven for prejudging a book dealing with “the evolution of modern birds from their origins in Gondwana, over 100 million years ago, to the present day” would be a slog to read. But nothing could be further from the truth. The key is the final word in this book’s subtitle: story. This isn’t a textbook, it’s the story of birds. -- Grant McCreary * The Birder's Library *....we finally have a good volume presenting the vast amount of modern work done on bird evolution to those interested. This is a notable achievement and has been well executed. -- Darren Naish * Tetrapod Zoology *A readable overview of avian evolution. -- Ian Paulsen * Birdbooker *I highly recommend it to more experienced birders and to all interested in birds and avian evolution as an entertaining and instructive resource. -- Clifford Frith * Australian Field Ornithology *...one of those publications that makes you realise how much you didn't know you didn't know. It is also tremendous fun to read, and would be a valuable addition to any keen birder's library. -- Martin Collinson * British Birds *I don’t normally start reading a book and post a review before I’ve finished (or in the case of a few abandoned) reading it. I’m making an exception for this as it's not just an important contribution to ornithology it really is a shining example of how a technical subject can be presented in an easily digestible way to the lay readership. This is very well written and makes the evolutionary process in birds easy to understand and compelling. The author’s own passions get shared and you quickly go along for the ride and lap up the facts presented to you. This one’s a keeper! -- FatbirderEvery once in a while you stumble on a new natural history book that seems destined to be a classic. Is that a bold enough opening to convey how much I enjoyed The Ascent of Birds by John Reilly, new this spring from Pelagic Publishing? -- Carrie Laben * http://www.10000birds.com *...this ranks among the best popular science books and provides a great guide to our current understanding of where, and how, birds evolved. -- Rob Robinson * BTO News *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements List of Illustrations Timeline - Geological Ages - Prologue: Evolution of an Idea PART ONE: NON-PASSERINES 1. The Tinamou's Story: Death of a Paradigm 2. The Vegavis's Story: The Cradle of Modern Birds 3. The Waterfowl's Story: Refugia, High Living, and Sex 4. The Hoatzin's Story: An Improbable Voyage 5. The Penguin's Story: Phenotype and Environment 6. The Storm Petrel's Story: Sympatry versus Allopatry 7. The Albatross's Story: The Species Problem 8. The Godwit's Story:Quantum Compasses 9. The Buzzard's Story: Accidental Speciation 10. The Owl's Story: Nightlife 11. The Oilbird's Story: Evolutionary Distinctiveness 12. The Hummingbird's Story: A Route of Evanescence 13. The Parrot's Story: Vicariance and Dispersal PART TWO: PASSERINES 14. The New Zealand Wren's Story: A Novel Foot 15. The Manakin's Story: Why so many Suboscines? 16. The Sapayoa's Story: Odd One Out 17. The Scrubbird's Story: Where Song Began 18. The Bowerbird's Story: Extended Phenotypes 19. The Crows' Story: Cognitive Skills 20. The Bird of Paradise's Story: Sexual Selection 21. The Starling's Story: Structural Colours 22. The Thrush's Story: Sweepstake Dispersals 23. The Sparrow's Story: Hybridisation and Speciation 24. The Zebra Finch's Story: Evolution of Birdsong 25. The Crossbill's Story: Adaptive Radiation and Coevolution 26. The White-eye's Story: Supertramps and Great Speciators 27. The Tanager's Story: A Final Flourish Postscript: The Sixth Extinction Appendix 1: Glossary Dramatis Personae Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe perfect guide for nature-loving tourists and travelers to Greece.From the Hoopoe to the Black-Headed Bunting, Greece is home to a wide range of avifauna, thanks to the richly varied habitats it has to offer. Pocket-sized and portable, this compact guide provides superb full color photographs and detailed descriptions of each bird likely to be seen on a visit to the country. Whether you''re a seasoned birdwatcher or a tourist keen to identify the birds you spot on your holiday, Birds of Greece is sure to be helpful.Table of ContentsIntroduction Birdlife in Greece How to use this book Natural Greece – an overview Top birding sites in Greece Species descriptions Glossary Photo credits Resources Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisAbbeville's classic edition ofThe Birds of Americais back in stock in a striking new package. The Baby Elephant Folio presents all 435 of John James Audubon's brilliant hand-coloured engravings in exquisite reproductions derived from the original plates of the rare Double Elephant Folio. Although many attempts have been made to re-create the splendid illustrations in Audubon's masterpiece, nothing has ever equalled the level of fidelity achieved in this luxurious edition. Organised and annotated by Roger Tory Peterson and Virginia Marie Peterson, this volume is as informative as it is beautiful. Its fascinating introduction places Audubon in the context of the history of American ornithological art and also reproduces a wide sampling of the work of his notable predecessors and disciples, including Roger Tory Peterson's own rightfully famous paintings. A new systematic arrangement of the prints, following the modern classification of species, and descriptive captions about each bird allow us to appreciate Audubon''s achievement in the light of modern ornithology.Trade Review"His paintings foretold the ambitions of the camera…this still hefty edition preserves the poetic backdrops and fierce detail of the original." - New York TimesThe 38 Best Books to gift for Christmas 2023: "The classic bird bible gets a luxurious update for 2023. The Baby Elephant Folio presents all 435 of John James Audubon’s celebrated hand-colored engravings, reproduced more vividly than ever before. This new edition includes essays as well as illustrations from Audubon’s predecessors and disciples, along with plenty of bird facts." - New York Post

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Book SynopsisThis beautifully illustrated book shares the infinite wisdom of birds, providing inspiration from these small but mighty creatures on how to live bravely and care for the things we love.Taking sixty of the world’s most amazing birds beautifully illustrated by Victorian artist and ornithologist John Audubon, including the proud belted kingfisher, the delicate red throated loon, the elegant snowy egret and the laidback double crested cormorant, this book will share the unique characteristics and strengths that allow these birds to thrive, inspiring us to build with care and spread our wings.

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Book SynopsisMorocco’s proximity and the variety of its habitats and bird species make it a favoured destination for birders. It is home to rare and endangered species such as Bald Ibis, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Tawny Eagle, Eleonora’s Falcon and African Marsh Owl. 454 species have been recorded, of which 209 breed in the country. As this statistic implies, millions of West European migrants pass seasonally through Morocco. Several wetlands spread along the Atlantic coast are famous for their migrant and wintering waders and gulls. The Atlas ranges are notable for their avifauna and desert species, including larks, wheatears and sandgrouses are found in the Saharan rim. This authoritative book describes over 50 birdwatching sites across Morocco. This book is not a field guide to species, rather it is a guide to the sites of key ornithological importance in Morocco. It contains information and detailed maps to enable you to plan a visit and provide guidance when you are on your trip. In addition, the book provides an overview of travel in Morocco, information about climate and habitats, when to go, and a full checklist of species. This book is a reprint of The Prion Birdwatchers’ Guide to Morocco (2nd Edition, 2003, ISBN: 1871104092).

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Book Synopsis The robin was hardly understood when David Lack - Britain's most influential ornithologist - started his scientific observations. This book is a landmark in natural history, not just for its discoveries, but because of the approachable style, sharpened with an acute wit. It reads as fascinatingly today as when it was written.

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Book SynopsisThis new edition of "Birds of Africa south of the Sahara" contains some 400 updated images along with fully revised text, capturing the latest information available. It provides unrivalled coverage of African birds in a single volume, and is the only book to describe and illustrate all the birds found in Africa south of the Sahara Desert (the Afrotropic Region), including Socotra, Pemba and islands in the Gulf of Guinea. Despite its exceptional coverage, this guide is compact enough to use in the field, and follows the standard field guide format, with texts and range maps appearing opposite the colour plates. With its extraordinary reach and coverage, this is a must-have volume for birding enthusiasts everywhere.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A Birdwatcher's Yearbook Best Bird Book of the Year""An excellent photographic guide."---Kevin Rushby, The Guardian"This book series creates the ‘wow' factor time and time again, and this volume is no different. lt covers all the birds ever seen in Britain, along with a few that may be escapees, with 3,600 photos of the highest quality – giving you no reason to misidentify any species!"---John Miles, Birdwatching"An indispensable aid to help solve the riddles and complexities that makes birding so compulsive’. This summer sees the advent of its superlative second edition, which not only records the changes in the birding landscape in the intervening years but has 400 new photographs plus a comprehensive revision and update of all the species described."---Stuart Winter, Sunday Express"[A] superlative second edition. . . . All those who were delighted when Britain’s Birds was first rolled out would be well advised in investing in this encyclopaedic but easy to use and handle work. With 3,500 photographs spread across 576 pages, some may find the new edition is a little heavy to take in the field. Don’t despair, there is the lighter Pocket Guide to take out as a companion. Invest in both."---Stuart Winter, Sunday Express"An excellent book."---Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Wall Street International"This is still by far the best photographic guide to Britain’s birds."---Andy Stoddart, Rare Bird Alert"All in all, this is an absolutely superb guide that deserves to furnish every British birder's bookshelf . . . . It comfortably sits as the ultimate photo field guide on the market for British birds and comes thoroughly recommended."---Josh Jones, Birdguides.com"The majority of species have four to six photographs of each species, more images than most illustrated guides and the photographs have been very well chosen indeed. Not only have the authors amassed a vast reference collection here but have managed to source pictures that actually show the key identification points, an amazing feat!" * Biggest Twitch Birdwatching Trips *"A brilliant book collection . . . each volume is a colourful, fact-filled introduction to the animals, insects, plants and habitats that makes watching wildlife so fascinating."---Stuart Winter, Sunday Express"[This book is] not your average encyclopaedia; it’s the only one to cover every bird in every plumage ever recorded in the UK and Ireland."---Margaret Bartlett, Countryfile"I can’t recommend this book highly enough, the first edition was excellent, but it’s just got bigger and better and is a credit to both the authors and photographers. Whether you are an advanced birder or a beginner this book should be on your bookshelf as an essential reference."---Mike King, Gloster Birder"The photographs are exceptional and are extremely detailed and the layout of the book with flight patterns and distinguishing features is perfect. . . . Outstanding."---Roy Stewart, British Naturalist’s Association"Many books which promise to be ‘fully revised and updated’ simply don’t deliver (particularly after only a few years) but this one does and does it more thoroughly and comprehensively than any other book I can bring to mind. . . . By striking a good balance between the competing demands of a full treatment of Britain's birds, cost and portability . . . it stands head-and-shoulders above its rivals (a position unlikely to change any time soon). In the tidal wave of bird guides in recent decades it is one of the few actually breaks new ground and is likely to be a useful reference for years to come."---John Cantelo, Birding Cadiz Province"This is yet another ground-breaking field guide from the WILDGuides imprint, and an outstanding guide to Britain's birds for observers of all levels. . . . The authors and all contributors are to be heartily congratulated."---Chris Sharpe, Curious Naturalist"No guide I’ve seen contains better bird photographs than WildGuides’ Britain’s Birds and a revised second edition of this formidable 576-page tome has just been published. The photograph quality provides art gallery experience as you flick through colour-splashed pages seeking birds arriving during lockdown. . . . A real tonic in troubled times."---Eric Brown, News Shopper"This book . . . has been revised and updated for the second edition to make identification even easier. There are 12 new species recorded plus hundreds of new photos and fully revised species accounts to include the latest information in identification features, status, numbers, range and plumages seen during only part of the year. It's a must have for beginners, experienced and professional birders alike."---British Trust for Ornithology News, Gillian Birtles"Superb."---Gordon Hamlett, Birdwatcher's Yearbook

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