Birduder 344: A Life List Ordinary

If the title of this book confuses, let me explain. The author considers himself somewhere between a 'serious' birder and a 'dude' - someone he describes as having all the gear, and no idea (for more about the subtle taxonomy of birdwatchers, see Bill Oddie's Little Black Bird Book). Hence, the author labels himself as a 'birduder'. The 344, yes you've guessed it, is his current life list. Written in a very entertaining, engaging and personable way this is an account of one man's birding career. A great read on dark evenings and cold days when there are no birds apparently out there.

And the 'official' definition of birduder, according to the author? A person who can identify some birds and study them in their natural habitats but is easily distracted by pubs, restaurants, music and crosswords.