Which bird book?

dannydee · #1 (**permalink**) 08-06-2010, 08:49 PM

Hello Everyone,

I'm looking for a completely comprehensive bird book, covering British and European species. I have field guides but I'm wanting something solely for the house. A big reference book. Price isn't "too" much of a problem, but as it is something I desperately want, I'm willing to pay the price.

So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks folks,

John · #2 (**permalink**) 08-06-2010, 09:05 PM

Hi Dannydee

Rather than a book why not purchase the BWPi programme from Birdguides. You can't get more comprehensive than that and it is far more flexible and easy to use than any book you are likely to purchase.

Here is a link to it.
BWPi: Birds of the Western Palearctic - Interactive

John

dannydee · #3 (**permalink**) 08-06-2010, 09:25 PM

Hello,

Thanks for that John, I've just been having a look at that link you sent me....truly phenomenal. I had no idea such software existed, it's now added to my "to buy" list. However, I have a passion for books and although I will definitely be purchasing the BWPi programme, I still feel as if I need a reference book for the shelf.

Any ideas??

Dan

Martin Dyer · #4 (**permalink**) 08-06-2010, 09:45 PM

Hi Dan,

Given your location, if you want a mega book, two actually, then this is the one

Bird of Scotland published by the SOC.

I bought it when it first came out - it is truly stunning. Make sure you have a strong shelf though

Martin

Jason Claxton · #5 (**permalink**) 08-06-2010, 09:47 PM

Hi Dannydee

Hows a bowt: The Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Paleartic by Mark Bearman and Steve Madge.

Cheers Jason

John · #6 (**permalink**) 08-06-2010, 10:37 PM

I'll second that as I bought this book before I bought the BWPi programme.

I still have to say that for ease of research purposes though the BWPi programme is unbeatable.

John

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Claxton

Hi Dannydee

Hows a bowt: The Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Paleartic by Mark Bearman and Steve Madge.

Cheers Jason

Rob_D · #7 (**permalink**) 09-06-2010, 08:01 AM

Mitchell Beazley publish - "The Complete Guide to the Birdlife of Britain & Europe" by Peter Hayman and Rob Hume is one I like. It says £25 on the flyleaf, but I saw it for <£5 in one low-cost bookshop.

dannydee · #8 (**permalink**) 09-06-2010, 06:22 PM

Thanks Everyone,

My next pay packet is certainly going to take a beating, but a investment for life.

Thanks again folks.

Dan

RoyW · #9 (**permalink**) 10-06-2010, 01:48 PM

A version of BWP (either BWPi or perhaps the printed concise edition) is well worth buying (and BWPi contains more information). Birds of Scotland is also an excellent recomendation.
I wouldn't recommend the Bearman & Madge Handbook though, it is more of an identification guide than anything else - and IMO they tried to put too much in a volume of the size.