British Birds: A photographic guide to every common species (Collins Complete Guide)

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The first thing that strikes you about this anthology of fiction and poetry inspired by the work of artist Joseph Cornell is what a beautiful object it is. Cornell, who made boxed assemblages, was a birdwatcher and, for this book, Safran Foer invited noted writers including Joyce Carol Oates, Joanna Scott, Siri Hustvedt and Lydia Davis to respond to Cornell’s Aviary series of boxes. Their pieces appear alongside full-colour plates. ByAndy Swash, Rob Hume, Hugh Harrop and Robert Still; WILDGuides, 2021; reviewed in BBby Chris Kehoe ( Brit. Birds115: 55–56) and for BTO by Steve Willis.

This year, Hazel McCambridge, Maria Farooqi and Jenna Woodford represented BTO on the judging panel, while Paul French, Sarah Harris and Stephen Menzie represented British Birds.The panel felt that Gulls of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East would make a good first guide for those new to ‘gulling’, as well as providing an expert reference for those who have been dedicated birders for decades. Following on from the highly acclaimed Britain’s Birds ( Brit. Birds 113: 507), this title takes the same concept and expands it to cover the entirety of Europe. It’s clear that a considerable amount of work has gone into selecting a wide range of images that show variation and different postures for each species, including attempting to get photos of vagrant species taken in Europe rather than from their native range. While photo guides are not everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no doubting that this is one of the best and the most complete out there. British Trust for Ornithology, BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU, Tel: +44 (0)1842 750050 Fax: +44 (0)1842 750030

A wonderfully diverse collection of first-hand views and experiences of low-carbon birding that encourages all of us to rethink how we value and engage with the world around us." Another release in the highly popular WILDGuides series, this title takes the approach of its predecessor Britain’s Birds but expands its cover across Europe. The panel felt that considerable work has gone into selecting a wide range of images, so that variation in plumage and different postures are shown clearly for each species. Photo guides are not everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no doubt that this is one of the most complete and well-researched out there. Well thought out and structured to assist the reader [...] another one of the top quality bargain books we have come to expect from Princeton's WildGuides series." Edited by Javier Caletrío; Pelagic Publishing, 2022; reviewed in BBby Stephen Menzie ( Brit. Birds115: 745).My older sister owned this and the Observer’s Book of Birds. I loved both and still do. I find myself drawn to things that are the same, but different. Birds and eggs, for instance; but there’s a greater degree of difference between birds than between their eggs. The eggs of the buzzard and the sandwich tern are much more alike than the buzzard and the sandwich tern. It’s largely a question of scale. At a time when rewilding and wildlife-friendly land management are rising in the public consciousness, the judges felt that this book offers a nuanced view and does not shy away from its subject's complexities. As a result, the title will be a rewarding read for many, from wildlife-sympathetic individuals to on-the-ground conservationists.