Pocket Bird Book (1 Viewer)

[Last Ten]

Hi All

I have had a good look at this thread and would I be right in saying that a decent field guide book to distinguish different birds in the UK (OK Isle of Man really) would be the Collins one as mentioned in a pinned post at the beginning of this section?

I am new to this so I want to find a book that will help me.

Thank you

Peter

 

[chris butterworth]

The Collins is the very best guide for all of Europe ( and North Africa - and the Atlantic Islands ) and it covers all the birds you're ever likely to see on the IOM. The one downside is that it covers a lot of stuff you won't. I wouldn't let that stop you from getting a copy though.

 

[MJB]

The Collins is the very best guide for all of Europe ( and North Africa - and the Atlantic Islands ) and it covers all the birds you're ever likely to see on the IOM. The one downside is that it covers a lot of stuff you won't. I wouldn't let that stop you from getting a copy though.

...and you might need decent-sized pockets!
MJB

 

[Mono]

There is a cut down version of the Svensson et al Collins that just covers Britain and Ireland in the pipeline but the date has slipped more than once and is now March 15

 

[Last Ten]

Thanks everyone, may wait until the cut down version is available, appreciate your replies ��

 

[Darrell Clegg]

The Collins Guide is indeed the very best Field Guide available, but for a beginner it is daunting and as Chris has already mentioned it covers species you would never see on the IOM.
I still recommend The Pocket Guide to the Birds of Britain and North-West Europe by Chris Keightley and Steve Madge. ISBN 0713664444
It really is pocket sized and restricts the species to the ones you are likely to see. It is aimed at beginners but is not patronizing in its approach.
It came out in 1998, with an update in 2002 so some of the more recent splits are not included. Yellow-legged Gull is there but Caspian isn't. Balearic Shearwater is described (as Mediterranean) but Yelkouan isn't, but I suppose if you're thinking about Yelkouan Shearwater this book isn't for you anyway.
I think it is still in print, and looking on Amazon and www.abebooks.co.uk I see that you can get it for the princely sum of £0.01 (plus shipping) at the moment.

Darrell

 

[Tarsiger]

Birdwatchers Pocket Book (Mitchell Beazley), small, cheap and covers everything although range info is minimal. Some colours are slightly too dark but other than that its the ideal field guide. As pointed out the Collins is streets ahed of the competition but is just too large/heavy.
Russ

 

[Mono]

may wait until the cut down version is available

Might have to wait a while Amazon have the publication date now at April 2016!

http://www.amazon.com/Collins-British-Bird-Guide-Pocket/dp/0007451245

 

[Last Ten]

Thank you everyone for all your help on this one, looks as if we're all going to have to wait for the Collins book �� But in the meantime I have ordered the book as recommended by Darrel Clegg, cheers Darrel ��

 

[Dawn_Chorus]

I searched for a decent Pocket Guide, I found this one the best

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0753726289?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

 

[delia todd]

I searched for a decent Pocket Guide, I found this one the best

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0753726289?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

A good choice this one. It's an updated version of the one I have (got it 10 years ago!) and is still my book of choice to carry with me.

It really does slip in a pocket and even into my small camera bag.