I swear by Collins as well. As for cards, I can only suggest you check out childrens book suppliers. Dorling Kindersley (I think that's the right name) do such things as cards for astronomy purposes and they might be a source for what you're looking for. If you do find any, please let us know.
BTW, my Collins has been 'in the field' for a few years now and has survived all sorts of abuse including being left out in the rain - I should add that I have given it a plastic cover which probably helps. This is my one and works for me because I like working from photos rather than drawings
Birds of Britain & Europe (Collins Nature Guide): Amazon.co.uk: Jurgen Nicolai, Singer, K Wothe: Books