Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Ireland

This new field guide by Mark Golley covers 285 of the species regularly seen in Britain and Ireland and is intended for beginners, as well as those with a little bit more experience. The short introduction covers the plumage details of a bird and a section covering the various habitats found in the region. The latter is well worth reading as it includes some useful tips on how to find birds within the habitat being described.

The main section gives plenty of space to the individual species being described, with all receiving at least half a page and two illustrations. Commoner species are described on a full page with information on when and where to see them, a short description of typical songs and calls and likely confusion species. The species list is eminently sensible, though personally I would have included the now resident Great White Egret instead of the less likely to be encountered White Stork.

Each account includes two or three illustrations of the species in its typical habitat and is accompanied by simple, clear text highlighting relevant plumage details or behavioural details. Strangely, at least in my review copy, the drawings are not credited and the artist (Dave Daly) is only briefly mentioned in the Acknowledgments section at the end of the book.

The art work is very good throughout, though those of Bewick's and Whooper Swan did not seem to have reproduced well in my opinion. The illustration of Caspian Gull also faded into the page. However, these minor quibbles are more than offset by the small sketches illustrating behaviour and habitat.

Besides a few minor quibbles, this is an excellent field guide and is well worth consideration in the crowded field of books covering birds in Britain and Ireland.

Book reviewed by Stephen McAvoy