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Product description
About the Author
Rob Hume is a writer, editor, artist and identification expert, who is highly adept at penning detailed identification notes for rarity watchers yet is also skilled at providing interesting descriptions for armchair birdwatchers. He is a lifelong birdwatcher who worked for the RSPB for over 30 years and edited the RSPB's award-winning Birds magazine, which has a readership of 1.8 million people.
--This text refers to the paperback edition.
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5.0 out of 5 starsGood starter for Bird Identification
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 February 2015
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I bought this to use as a first-source when trying to identify different bird species. Each species gets its own page, including diagnostic features, general habitat, etc., as well as similar species listed at the bottom of the page - this is one of the best features for me, as it highlights how to distinguish bird species that on first glance appear almost the same. The bird songs included and the description of wing beats are also really useful features. The only thing missing is a key to bird groups, for when you have no idea what type of bird you are trying to identify - but I think this may be asking too much, and I don't think this subtracts from the quality or usefulness of the book. I would definitely recommend this book.
5.0 out of 5 starsBritish bird guide books are almost all very good especially with the developments in technology that makes such ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 February 2018
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British bird guide books are almost all very good especially with the developments in technology that makes such publications just a visual treat. This is a VERY good book and I got it because I have a friend who had a Rob Hume book (bigger than this) and it was good although it was heavy. I got this one -- it is not a pocket book but it is handy enough to bring on trips and it just has so much information, very clear and it is a visual treat. Extremely useful reference. It indicates confusion species and illustrates the flight patterns as well. I love it -- and would recommend it to new birdwatchers like me and seasoned ones I am sure.
5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent all round bird book - look no-where else.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 July 2016
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Excellent bird book. I am an interested amateur and not a "birder".
Divided into broad families of birds. The intro page for each family (I use the word family broadly, not biologically) shows all the birds together for size and visual comparison, which I found useful as a complete bird beginner.
Each bird gets a full page with a huge amount of detail and facts, including songs, flight pattern, distribution, food and habitat, all sorts.
The book also comes with a CD with many excerpts of the birds songs. It makes a relaxing alternative to the radio when driving!
Very good as a family bird book, kids and adults alike will find it excellent.
5.0 out of 5 starsBrilliant quality book with excellent identification photos
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 October 2017
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Brilliant quality book with excellent identification photos. It's possibly just on the right side of being a field guide. It's a bit bulky but small enough if you use a bag when out.
The birds have excellent descriptions with the usual distribution map and some have the flight patterns. There's also a disc included with the songs of the birds, unfortunately both of my new macs can't play it! Its still a fantastic book for all bird lovers.
Still new to birdwatching, but I love this book. I even take it out with the pocket guides for when I need more info. The CD is useful, but really, why don't they have downloadable mp3s? Who uses CDs anymore? CD player anyone?