My last BTO book review focused on a book that was about the relationship between flowers and birds. Of the Trees and the Birds carries on in a similar vein. However, as the title suggests, this particular book focuses on the relationship between trees and birds. 

In many ways, I know even less about trees than I do about flowers. However, over my 20+ year birding career, I have learnt a few things about the relationship between trees and birds. This includes the colourful Jay’s habit of burying acorns that sometimes grow into Oak trees, or the complex relationship that Golden Orioles have with the types of trees that they nest in (I used to work at RSPB Lakenheath Fen, where this species bred until 2009). 

Although this book is mainly text, there are some high quality colour photographs in it. It is written in a very accessible way, and the author keeps the scientific terminology to minimum. This is particularly helpful to people like myself, who do not have a professional background in science. 

The book details various different types of relationships between trees and birds. This mainly focuses on incidents such as a bird species ‘just’ using a particular species of tree to nest in, and the aforementioned example of a ‘mutual’ relationship between Jays, acorns and Oak Trees. 

Although my personal interest lies in UK birds, there is also some fascinating information about bird species from across the world and their relationship with trees. Whether this refers to the claws of the “pungent” Hoatzin of South America, or the gigantic nests of Cinereous Vulture, I have learnt a great deal from reading this book! 

As well as lots of information about the relationships between particular bird species and trees, this book provides a valuable insight into the ‘mechanics’ of a tree. This answers questions such as “How do trees become hollow?” and “what does a tree do to repair holes that form within them?” Admittedly, these are not things that I have given much thought to until now, but I am glad that I have read this book to find out. 

I would thoroughly recommend this book if you have an interest in the relationships between trees and birds. Although not a particularly long book, there is so much interesting information in it!

Reviewed by

David White