On this page

This page lists books that provide general information about birdwatching in the UK.

The books are arranged by publication date with the most recent at the top.

Birdwatching Books: World

The Birdwatcher's Yearbook 2017

Editor: Neil Gartshore

2016

A 328 page compendium of information covering all aspects of the hobby for British bordwatchers. The many features of the 2017 edition include: a birding events diary for 2017, airding diary and monthly bird note pages, latest checklists for British birds, butterflies and dragonflies, fully updated guide to nearly 370 UK bird and nature reserves, contact details for county, national and international birding groups, directories of wildlife lecturers/photographers, artists, art galleries and trade outlets of interest to birdwatchers, tide table information from January 2017 to April 2018, and weekly sunrise and sunset times. Special features this year Special features including items on Waders, Cranes, Swifts and Best Bird Books of the Year.

The Birdwatcher's Yearbook 2016

Editor: Neil Gartshore

2015

A 328 page compendium of information covering all aspects of the hobby for British bordwatchers. The many features of the 2017 edition include: a birding events diary for 2017, airding diary and monthly bird note pages, latest checklists for British birds, butterflies and dragonflies, fully updated guide to nearly 370 UK bird and nature reserves, contact details for county, national and international birding groups, directories of wildlife lecturers/photographers, artists, art galleries and trade outlets of interest to birdwatchers, tide table information from January 2017 to April 2018, and weekly sunrise and sunset times. Special features this year Special features including items on Key News from the World of Birds and Best Bird Books of the Year.

A History of Birdwatching in 100 Objects

David Callahan

Christopher Helm

2015

"This book looks at 100 items that have profoundly shaped how people watched, studied and engaged with the avian world. Each item contains around 500 words on a double-page spread and include an illustration of the object in question. The book includes the objects listed below as well as many more. The range of items is international and cross-cultural. Subjects include: an Egyptian 'field guide'; Ornithologiae libri tres: the first British bird guide; the Dodo specimen held at the Horniman museum; Systema Naturae by Carl Linnaeus; the shotgun; The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne by Gilbert White; MS Beagle; aluminium bird rings; along with many more modern innovations including walkie talkies, pagers, radio tags and apps."

The Birdwatcher's Yearbook 2015

Editor: David Cromack

2014

"In 328 fact-filled pages, the Yearbook seeks to provide a comprehensive compendium of verified information covering all aspects of the hobby. Why trawl the internet endlessly, and often fruitlessly, when the information you want is all in one handy volume? The many features of the 2015 edition include: a giant address book, which will enable readers to make contact with their county recorder, the nearest bird club or BTO representative, the closest bird hospital, the organisers of national bird surveys and bird conservation groups, plus so many more; a Birding Diary & Notebook element for recording; checklists for birds (based on the BOU British List), butterflies and dragonflies; a fully updated guide to more than 370 UK bird and nature reserves; and tide table information right through to April 2016 to help readers get the best from their coastal bird trips. Special features include: New Hope for the Future of British Birding; Key news from the World of Birds; Hen Harrier's Last Stand; Best Bird Books of the Year."

The Birdwatcher's Yearbook 2014

Editor: Hilary Cromack and David Cromack

2013

"For 34 years The Birdwatcher's Yearbook has been the essential work of reference for active birders and the wider world of ornithology. Every piece of information is checked and updated to ensure each new edition of The Yearbook is relevant to the needs of all those who watch birds, either as a hobby or professionally – and it is all conveniently packed into a 328-page book for use at home or in the car on birding trips. Key features include: a fully up-dated Checklist of birds, and checklists for British butterfly and dragonfly species, details on more than 400 nature reserves; a diary element for readers to record birding trips; tide-table information; a birding events calendar for 2014; best bird books of the year; and information about the latest scientific discoveries."

The Birdwatcher's Year

Richard Williamson

2013

"This charming and practical handbook is bursting with tips, facts and folklore to guide you through the birdwatching year. Find out how to identify birds by sight or song, everything you need to know about their behaviour, habitats and breeding and migration habits, and tips for encouraging birds into your garden. Also includes handy diary pages for making your own notes each month."

Bill Oddie's Introduction to Birdwatching

Bill Oddie

2013

"Bill Oddie brings his infectious enthusiasm and inimitable style to this comprehensive introduction for the birdwatching novice. Starting with the basics, the book goes on to explore all aspects of this increasingly popular pastime, from choosing a field guide to easy identification tips, basic field techniques and how to avoid common errors. The book is expertly written by one of Britain's most popular birding celebrities. This second edition is fully revised and updated and it is illustrated throughout with spectacular, specially commissioned artwork and photography. It also contains valuable information on bird behaviour, conservation, the best sites to watch birds, and much more. Bill Oddie's Introduction to Birdwatching is endorsed by The Wildlife Trusts."

RSPB Birdwatching for Beginners

Rob Hume

2013

"If you want to know what birds are likely to turn up in your garden or where to go to see spectacular bird-life, RSPB Birdwatching for Beginners is the best place to start. Perfect for the novice birdwatcher, with everything you need to know about observing birds in their natural environment, but packed with facts and details invaluable to the experienced birdwatcher. Features 250 of the most common species found throughout the UK and Europe, complete with photographs, descriptions, and distribution maps to aid in identification. Provides expert spotting tips and lists the best birdwatching sites along with what to look for in each habitat. Fully updated to include all the latest developments in photographic equipment and online technology as well as information on every aspect of birds, from their anatomy and behaviour to how to identify them in the field, RSPB Birdwatching for Beginners has everything you need to know."

Birds: ID Insights: Identifying the more difficult birds of Britain and north-west Europe

Dominic Couzens

New Holland

2013

"The perfect field guide for any birder. Its unique layout, comparing the plumages of similar pairs and groups of species, makes it ideal for getting to grips with the more trick-to-identify birds found in Britain and the rest of Europe. And its handy pocket size is practical for taking out into the field. It is based on a long-running series of identification features in Bird Watching magazine. Author Dominic Couzens and artist David Nurney have spent years compiling the field notes and artworks for Birds: ID Insights, and here their efforts are drawn together and made complete in a single volume which is easy to carry in the field and practical for birders to use."

The Birdwatcher's Yearbook 2013

Editor: Hilary Cromack and David Cromack

2012

"The Yearbook seeks to provide a comprehensive compendium of verified information covering all aspects of the hobby. The many features of the 2013 edition include: a giant address book, which will enable readers to make contact with their county recorder, the nearest bird club or BTO representative, the closest bird hospital, the organisers of national bird surveys and bird conservation groups, plus many more; a Birding Diary & Notebook for recording field trips, plus up-to-date checklists for birds, butterflies and dragonflies; a fully updated guide to more than 400 UK bird and nature reserves; tide table information through to April 2014; birdting events diary for 2013; and directories to lecturers, artists, photographers and trade outlets of interest to birdwatchers. Special features include: the history of the British Birdwatching Fair; new technology being used by BTO for bird recording; ornithological news headlines; best bird books of the year; and a guide to birding websites."

The Birdwatcher's Yearbook 2012

Editor: Hilary Cromack and David Cromack

2011

"The Yearbook seeks to provide a comprehensive compendium of verified information covering all aspects of the hobby. The many features of the 2012 edition include: a giant address book, which will enable readers to make contact with their county recorder, the nearest bird club or BTO representative, the closest bird hospital, the organisers of national bird surveys and bird conservation groups, plus many more; a Birding Diary & Notebook element for recording each field trip, plus up-to-date Checklists for birds (based on the BOU British List), butterflies and dragonflies; fully updated guide to more than 420 UK bird and nature reserves; tide table information right through to April 2013 to help readers get the best from their coastal bird trips; a birding events diary; and special features (best bird and wildlife books, taking nature to the masses, 75th anniversary celebrations of the SOC and 50 most useful birding websites)."

The Birdwatcher's Yearbook 2011

Editor: Hilary Cromack and David Cromack

2010

"In 336 fact-filled pages, the Yearbook seeks to provide a comprehensive compendium of verified information covering all aspects of the hobby. Why trawl the internet endlessly, and often fruitlessly, when the information you want is all in one handy volume? Features include: a giant address book, which will enable readers to make contact with their county recorder, the nearest bird club or BTO representative, the closest bird hospital, the organisers of national bird surveys and bird conservation groups; a Birding Diary & Notebook element for recording each field trip, plus up-to-date Checklists for birds, butterflies and dragonflies; fully updated guide to more than 420 UK bird and nature reserves; tide table information right through to April 2012 to help readers get the best from their coastal bird trips and a guide to bird and wildlife books."

101 Golden Rules of Birdwatching

Marcus Schneck

2009

"Birdwatching is a hobby that sometimes pleases, sometimes frustrates, but always enthrals. It is a pastime that can take years to understand and 101 Golden Rules of Birdwatching is the perfect companion for that journey – filled with wise advice alongside tales of personal experience. Not only does the book include anecdotes about this unique activity that will resonate with any bird watcher, it also provides valuable hints and tips and essential dos and don'ts. Packed with practical, hard-earned advice from a life-long birdwatcher, it will help you track down new and elusive species, attract more birds to your garden, and make the time you spend on your favourite hobby more rewarding than ever before. From the birding beginner to the experienced twitcher, 101 Golden Rules of Birdwatching has something to entertain and inform all nature lovers."

RSPB Pocket Garden Birdwatch

Mark Ward

Dorling Kindersley

2009

"Get out in the garden and get spotting with the RSPB - the UK's No.1 bird-lovers' society. Find out how to identify birds and learn about their behaviour, from territorial disputes to courtship, with this pocket-sized guide. Discover which plants, feed and feedboxes will create a bird-friendly environment and have different species flocking to your garden."

RSPB Guide to Birdwatching: A Step-by-Step Approach

Mike Unwin

2008

"Inspired by the RSPB's learnbirding.com website this great new book will launch beginner birders of all ages into the world of birds and birdwatching. The book has been split into six sections which cover: principles of identification and tips on making notes and recording; birdwatching equipment and field skills; how birds are built, how they work and where they come from; behaviour including breeding, feeding, migration and adaptation; bird habitats and distribution; how to help wild birds in your garden and beyond, current threats to birds and how to get involved in conservation."

Anoraks to Zitting Cisticola: A Whole Lot of Stuff about Birdwatching

Sean Dooley

2007

"This is an amusing and informative to guide to everything you ever wanted to know about bird watching. It covers dedicated mailing and e-mail campaign to targeted bird watching media and organisations."Anoraks to Zitting Cisticola" is a witty and entertaining guide to the secret world of bird watching. It tells you everything the other guides don't want you to know - how to look cool in binoculars, how not to get stuck with a bird bore, what not to wear, and much more!Presented in an easy-to-use A-Z format, it provides readers with a unique insight into the language, behavior, haunts and habits of both birders and birds, as well as looking at bird watching from the perspective of environmental issues, politics, literature, and sociology - all with a deft touch that at once informs and entertains.So whether it's A for Anoraks, P for Parabolic Grot, S for Shakespeare ("Romeo and Juliet" contains the first recorded argument over bird identification!) or G for Gonads, this volume is guaranteed to keep even the most casual bird nerd amused."

RSPB Birdwatching

Rob Hume

Dorling Kindersley

2006

"Perfect for expert or fledgling birders, a practical guide to birdwatching in Britain and Europe. Expert advice on how to get closer to and see more birds in the wild, featuring profiles of all the commonly seen British and European species and listing the best birdwatching sites around Europe to advice on choosing and using birdwatching equipment. The ideal companion for any eager ornithologist."

How to Identify Birds

Nicholas Hammond

2006

"A practical beginner's guide to identifying birds. For the beginner, it can be hard to distinguish a crow from a rook, a raven and a jackdaw. How to Identify Birds uses a sophisticated new method to help you do just that. You learn to distinguish 30 key species and from there are taken to similar birds, taught exactly how you can spot the more subtle differences between species and to identify them accurately. Each entry includes: numerous, specially-commissioned illustrations to show their behaviour and plumages; scientific factfile to double-up as a useful reference; distribution map and advice to suggest where you are most likely to find that species; and detailed, accurate illustrations show birds as you will see them in the wild."

RSPB Children's Guide to Birdwatching: A Step-by-Step Approach

Dave Chandler and Mike Unwin

2005

"This new RSPB-endorsed book is a practical, exciting and comprehensive introduction to watching birds, for children aged 8-12 years. Lavishly illustrated throughout with full-colour photographs and paintings, it begins by discussing general birding - where to go and when, what equipment to take with you, tips on attracting birds to your garden, how to take field notes etc. The second half of the book comprises a field guide to more than a hundred and thirty of the commonest species of Britain and Ireland, using clear illustrations backed up by concise, straightforward text describing key identification points, such as behaviour, voice and habitat. This informative and lively book will greatly enhance children's enjoyment of birdwatching, and will help to engender a lifetime of enthusiasm for birds and birding."

Bird Identification and Fieldcraft: A Birdwatcher's Guide

Mark Ward

2005

"Many birders shy away from certain activities like sea-watching and seem to 'miss out' on some spectacular sights such as the migration of thousands of birds in the autumn because they find the birds too tricky to identify or haven't the field skills to get good views. This book will show birders of all levels how easy it can be. A Birdwatcher's Guide: Bird Identification and Fieldcraft aims to improve the skills of birders of all levels. Firstly, the book deals with identification and covers the approaches, explaining how to ID birds. It then moves on to a more advanced level, dealing with topics such as changing appearances throughout the year. Secondly, it turns its attention to fieldcraft, looking at specialist skills that all birders need and the birding year, providing details on what to do, what to look for and how to make the most of each season. Superb photos and artworks, many specially commissioned, beautifully illustrate the text. This book will offer invaluable information, hints and tips usually only gleaned through years of experience and very rarely found in print form."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

Birdwatching: Collins Need To Know

Rob Hume

2005

"Collins Need to Know? is a series of illustrated reference books covering a wide range of popular subjects and activities. Attractively illustrated in colour throughout, these handy, practical guides give you all the information you need to know in a concise and accessible way. Collins Need to Know? Birdwatching is the perfect beginners' guide to observing and identifying the birds you are most likely to see in your garden and in the wild. Colourful and easy-to-use, it gives at-a-glance identifying information on size, distinguishing features, seasonal changes and habitat. There is also down-to-earth advice on choosing and using equipment and information on all the best birdwatching sites in Britain. Contents include: / Getting started / About birds / Identifying birds / Habitats / Getting involved / Glossery of terms."

A Bad Birdwatcher's Companion...Or A Personal Introduction To Britain's 50 Most Obvious Birds

Simon Barnes

2005

"Few books are more intimidating than a conventional field guide. There are simply too many birds in them. This book introduces the reader to Britain's most obvious birds and explains them. Explains the different way birds do different things, eat different foods, sing different songs and live different lives and why they are different. If you are a would- be birdwatcher but don't know where to start this is the book for you."

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Birds..but were afraid to ask

Stephen Moss

2005

"This RSPB-endorsed book answers all those burning questions about birds that beginners and experts alike may ask themselves as they go about their birding. How do ducks keep their feet from freezing in winter? Why don't swallows stay in Africa? Are birds really dinosaurs, or were dinosaurs really birds? How is it decided whether bird species should be 'split' or 'lumped'? Taking a 'questions and answers' approach, each specific question leads to an answer which expands the theme under discussion, so that all aspects of bird life and the hobby of birding are covered. The scientifically rigorous answers together form an impressive and fascinating body of bird-related information. This highly readable book will intrigue anyone with an interest in birds."

How To Be A Bad Birdwatcher

Simon Barnes

2004

"Even the baddest birdwatcher in the world knows something about birds. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be an anoraked twitcher with top-of-the-range binoculars to have a good time admiring our often-neglected feathered friends in the sky. In this revolutionary approach to ornithology self-confessed bad birdwatcher Simon Barnes gives us the confidence and motivation to get pleasure from one of the simplest, cheapest hobbies there are: watching birds...without letting birdwatching get in the way."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

How to Birdwatch: A Birdwatcher's Guide

Stephen Moss

2003

"Faced with a vast and often bewildering array of equipment and books, this excellent, information-packed guide is the perfect introduction to an increasingly popular pastime. "How to Birdwatch" takes the reader through, in a user-friendly manner, all the basic information that he or she will need - from choosing the right field guide to selecting a suitable pair of binoculars and/or telescope. It shows you how to avoid common identification errors, demonstrates vital field techniques, illustrates the principles of basic field notes from your observations and how and when to find the birds themselves. It also considers birdwatching in your local 'patch' and further afield. Bird fairs, conferences and organized trips are also covered, as is the key role that all birdwatchers can play in bird conservation."

Buy from amazon.co.uk

RSPB Birdwatching

Rob Hume

2003

"This illustrated guide combines accurate, easy-to-follow advice for the beginner with inspirational images and expert tips for the more experienced observer. Bird author Rob Hume describes and explains all you need to know about birds, from anatomy and behaviour to how to observe and identify species in their native habitats. All the images and facts have been checked by the RSPB making this an accurate and up-to-date resource. Always putting the interests of birds first, the book also includes tried-and-tested advice on techniques and equipment. Clear, full-colour photographs and jargon-free text take you gently through the intricacies of binocular, scope, and camera selection and use, together with an insider's view of what it takes to find and identify birds in the wild. A concise bird guide then offers fact-packed profiles of the 250 species you are most likely to encounter, which is followed by an illustrated gazetteer of the top birdwatching sites in Europe, as recommended by the RSPB."

Bill Oddie's Introduction to Birdwatching

Bill Oddie

2002

"Bill Oddie brings his infectious enthusiasm and inimitable style to this comprehensive introduction for the birdwatching beginner. Starting with the basics, the book goes on to explore all aspects of this increasingly popular pastime, from choosing a field guide, to easy identification tips, basic field techniques and avoiding common errors. With vital additional information on bird behaviour, bird reserves and conservation, as well as practical advice on how to take your interest further afield, this should be an indispensable guide for the beginner and enthusiast alike."

Birdwatching: The Ultimate Guide to the Birds of Europe

Arnoud Van den Berg, Tom Van der Have, Guido Keijl and Dominic Mitchell

1997

"Compiled by a panel of expert ornithologists and packed with advice, illustrations and practical information, this valuable reference book is broken down into four key sections, covering: origins, anatomy, behaviour, migration and habitat; birdwatching at home; birdwatching in the field, with advice on equipment, basic identification, recognising songs and calls, photography, and the best birdwatching sites; and lastly, a section looking at the various species of birds that are found in different habitats."

RSPB Guide to Birdwatching

Peter Hayman and Michael Everett

1993 (paperback 1996)

Discovering Birds: The RSPB Guide to finding and enjoying birds in any patch of countryside anywhere in Europe

Rob Hume

1992

An introduction to birdwatching and identification.

Wildlife and the School Environment

D. Elcombe

1992

The Complete Birdwatcher's Guide

John Gooders

Kingfisher Books

1988

"A book for birdwatchers, with an identification guide and a site directory of key locations in Britain and Ireland. It describes the appearance, behaviour, distribution and other aspects of more than 300 species, and provides practical information such as transport and access details for the sites."

A Birdwatcher's Miscellany

Editor: Rob Hume

Illustrations: C. F. Tunnicliffe, Robert Gillmor, Donald Watson, John Busby, Laurel Tucker, Killian Mullarney and Richard Millington

Christopher Helm

1984

Birdwatch

Tony Soper

Webb & Bower

1982

Includes information on Britsh birds and information about birdwatching.

Birdwatcher's Dictionary

Peter Weaver

Poyser

1981

Reprint 2002

"The author defines more than 1100 words and terms in this illustrated dictionary for the birdwatcher. Its attraction for the relative novice is obvious but it is equally directed to experienced birdwatchers who will find succinct definitions of terms that are new to them and of others that they have understood none too well. Whatever the user's ornithological expertise the book will expand or confirm his or her knowledge and offer at the same time an absorbing and entertaining browse, as a good dictionary should. Among the appendices is a full list of species on the British and Irish List arranged in 'Voous Order' and with categories of status in Britain and Ireland."

Birdwatching On Inland Fresh Waters

M.A. Ogilvie

Severn House

1981

160 with colour plates, b/w plates and other illustrations and line drawings.

The Birdwatcher's A-Z

Alan J. Richards

David & Charles

1980

Watching Birds

James Fisher

Revision: Jim Flegg

Pelican

1978

Paperback edition of 1974 revised edition.

The Second Bird-Watchers' Book

Editor: John Gooders

1975

Watching Birds

James Fisher

Revision: Jim Flegg

Poyser

1974

"This revised edition of the late James Fisher's much praised Watching Birds is the work of Dr Jim Flegg, Director of the British Trust for Ornithology. In his Preface Dr Flegg writes: "It is a daunting task to revise the bird book on which you cut your teeth: it is the surest measure of the man who wrote it that what is needed, after thirty-odd years, is an updating and not a sweeping revision." Among James Fisher's deservedly popular writings Watching Birds was probably the most read and consulted. After several reprints (published by Penguin Books) he planned to re-write it, and it is wholly appropriate that the work should now be done by Dr Flegg who, like the original author, has done much to help arouse and stimulate a widening interest in watching and understanding the life and world of birds. It is an indication of that interest today that radio and TV programmes (in which Dr Flegg has frequently participated) have audiences of millions. Such numbers are hardly surprising since few leisure activities offer as effective or as gratifying an antidote to the pressures of modern life as birdwatching - and few can be as readily and inexpensively pursued at almost any time, anywhere. Watching Birds has been an introduction and an item of basic equipment to tens of thousands of birdwatchers in the past, and this new and revised edition is assured of an even wider audience."

Collins Guide to Bird Watching

R.S.R. Fitter

Collins

1963

"How to watch, What to watch, Where to watch."

The Ornithologists' Guide

Michael Lister

1966

The Ornithologists' Guide

Editor: Maj.-Gen. H. P. W. Hutson

1956

"How to watch, What to watch, Where to watch."

The Art Of Bird-Watching A Practical Guide To Field Observation

E.M. Nicholson

1931