Birds of the Homeplace: the Lives of Ireland’s Familiar Birds

This is Anthony’s second book within two years concerning Irish birds. The first half of the book is a series of 25 short chapters concerning the lives of birds. There are chapters for instance on longevity, migration, one entitled Blackcap’s Belle Époque, a chapter that just had to be included as Ireland is so important for wintering Blackcaps, and a chapter entitled Dull as a Dunnock (and we all know where that is going thanks to Nick Davies). These chapters are brilliantly written, combining up-to-date knowledge with Anthony’s acute vision of the natural world. The second half of the book concerns the lives of 80 of Ireland’s familiar birds. Anthony has used his vast first-hand experience of observing birds, not at a gallop, but at the slow methodical pace which has allowed him to observe the tiniest detail of birds’ everyday lives. Each of the species accounts is meticulously written and engages the reader throughout and will be sure to encourage readers to sharpen their own observations. The book is lavishly illustrated with wonderful photographs.

And yet again, The Collins Press has produced a book of outstanding quality which will appeal not only to Irish but British birdwatchers as well.

Book reviewed by Julian Greenwood

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