My biggest crticism will concern all of those readers beyond middle age, when for nearly all of us, long-sightedness becomes a problem.

In the quest for a compact field book, the publishers have printed in a very small type-face. Those of you who have experienced the 48 year-old's bain of no longer being able to read the small print on anything will understand the difficullty and strain this represents.

May I suggest to the publishers an "Armchair" version? Same content but much bigger format !


New Collins - new insights!   July 17, 2000
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

I bought this book at RSPB HQ last year, immediately upon returning from the Pyrenees, and it began to pay instantly, most especially amongst the salinas of the Costa Blanca last December, where I carried it daily. Careful study with it helped me tease out positive IDs on over a dozen new lifers, and I'm confident of more to come in the Polish wetlands, forests and mountains this Autumn. The book is eminently transportable, my hardback edition protects it well, and I'd recommend it as a fine example of conciseness without loss of detail.


An Informative Read   May 12, 2000
 2 out of 6 found this review helpful

Excellent book for the casual browse even if you're not a dedicated bird buff. The drawings of birds are all excellent and much better than photographs.

Handy to have if you spot a bird in the garden and want to know more.

One thing though, its a Swedish translation - how did they translate the bird calls?


An identification book that WILL improve your birding skills   October 27, 1999
 9 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is the identification book I have been searching for since I started birdwatching! The plates are truly superb (although some copies are a bit pale). Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are complete in their approach, from eclipse drakes to all the morths of raptors. I particularly liked the little vignettes of birds in their habitat especially when compared to similar species. The text is good, the description of the various songs and calls I found really useful. The book is heavy, I've splashed out 15 on a special bum bag to tote it around with me wherever I go. It is a joy to read, I dip into it all the time .Buy two copies, one to carry around and one to keep pristine at home.