updating bird guide

[galanthus]

Hi guys

I have the large RSPB book of birds, a prezzie around 24 yrs ago, oh dear just realised how old I'm getting...... I also have the peterson, mountfort and hollom collins field guide printed 1993. I'm wanting to take the peterson into work to leave there and have decided to combine this with buying a new book for home/liesure time. I would love one with pics rather than illustrations, however, if the only decent ones are still illustrated that would be fine. Can anyone recommend a very up to date one, preferable a britain or britain and europe one ?

thanx

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by galanthus

Hi guys

I have the large RSPB book of birds, a prezzie around 24 yrs ago, oh dear just realised how old I'm getting...... I also have the peterson, mountfort and hollom collins field guide printed 1993. I'm wanting to take the peterson into work to leave there and have decided to combine this with buying a new book for home/liesure time. I would love one with pics rather than illustrations, however, if the only decent ones are still illustrated that would be fine. Can anyone recommend a very up to date one, preferable a britain or britain and europe one ?

thanx

I've got the latest RSPB Complete Birds of Britain and Europe. I think it's superb. It's the one book that has never failed me when trying to identify a bird. It shows similar species, with notes of the differences on the same page.
It's very thorough, with an excellent mix of images and illustrations, showing not only male and female of almost all species, but also juvenile differences.
An added bonus,it comes complete with a CD of 99 bird songs and calls.
I highly recommend it.

[JeffH]

galanthus

I'd recommend the latest RSPB Complete Birds of Britain and Europe by Rob Hume. Excellent images with lots of ID pointers plus a CD featuring 99 tracks of bird song and calls. Check it out at your local bookshop.

Jeff

PS just realised Graham's beaten me to it - nice to see we're singing (or should that be watching?) from the same hymn sheet Graham.

[galanthus]

Is it the same size as the AA and RSPB 'complete book of british birds' I have from 1998 ? That's roughly A4 or is it a smaller, more travellable guide ?

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by galanthus

Is it the same size as the AA and RSPB 'complete book of british birds' I have from 1998 ? That's roughly A4 or is it a smaller, more travellable guide ?

I's about A4 - great for home reference but not a pocket book.

Jeff

[galanthus]

I'm probably needing more of a field guide then, I think my old rspb one will cover me to keep home for reference. Need one to stuff in my photogear bag or picnic rucksack pref.

thanx anyway both, looks like a nice book, may get that one next year after field guide purchase.

[aeshna5]

The Collins Bird Guide is the guide that most birders recommend, though with recent taxonomic changes we could do with an updated version that illustrates new species such as Caspian Gull.

[Elizabeth B]

There's a smaller version of the Rob Hume book, but it's still quite chunky. It weighs 785g and the dimensions are 21cm x 14.3cm x 2.5cm. The species guide is just the same - though I find the text rather small (aged eyes)!

The larger version has a much longer introduction, with other information on birding topics - we were given this by a neighbour a few years ago as a "thank you" for all the help my husband had given him with his computer. (We already had the smaller version, bought for use at home).

[cannylad]

As a Birder i always turn to the Collins guide first.

[galanthus]

As I said I've got a collins, its the one I mentioned first post, however, I'm not sure if there's a more updated version Wld think so as it's the 1993 one. Off to Cardiff now so will have look around for one. thanx for the info everyone

[Ferret]

I have not yet found a better guide than the Collins Bird Guide by Killian Mullarney, Lars Svensson, Dan Zetterstrom and Peter J. Grant. It comes in two formats one suitable for taking into the field and anther more suited to keeping at home. In my experience this is the book that most of the really dedicated birders all seem to use although it is probably a little overcomplicated for someone who is only trying to identify the local garden and park birds, have a look at it a see what you think.

Ferret

[galanthus]

As is my birthday next week, today, better half has just bought me the large, Hume RSPB complete one,(with the cd ) for home reference, you were right, looks fab thanx guys

I also picked up a collins book but it's a pic one by the sterry bloke, (got my collins insect one that he did). I know most british birds well, however, I get confused with raptors etc and waders on and off; this book isn't as wide ranging as my original collins but will be great to take to work. I'm not allowed to look at them, touch them or open them tho before Tueday May get up in the night and sneak a peak or not .....

[rlchew]

Another vote for the Collins guide .... I think this is still the best field guide at present.

Richard

[bgvi]

i,ve got the new rspb complete birds of britain and it,s brilliant!!