First class guide to birds found in the British Isles, 29 Jun 2008
I read the reviews and decided to buy the book based on the high proportion of 5* ratings. I was not disappointed!

The book is the size of an average paperback, has a protective clear plastic sleeve, glossy pages, stunning photographs & great summaries on key facts of interest about each bird - definitely the best £7.99 I've spent in a long time!

This is the book you are looking for, 26 Nov 2007
I purchased this book along with the RSPB one .
however the Collins book was more descriptive with full coulour photo's and not drawings as the rspb's it also shows the birds in flight which helps you if you are a beginner less you might not be so quick with the binocc's
So well worth the pounds and five stars

Terrific Photography, 08 Aug 2007
If truth be told most of the birds books for sale these days are excellent for identification purposes. Printing techniques, particularly with the use of colour have improved dramatically and a book that would have cost £100 not many years ago, can now be purchased for a tenth of the price.

This book is full of good quality colour photographs that are ideal for identification. The book also tell you where in the British Isles a particular species is usually to be found. Whether the bird is to be found all year round or whether it is just a visitor to our shores. It also shows the birds in their different plumage: Male and female, juvenile etc.

Modern bird books consciously do not show photographs of eggs and I must admit it is something I miss, although I totally understand the reasoning behind it. All in all this is another of a number of books that are well worth purchasing if you have either a passing interest in birds or are more serious about bird watching.

Highly readible and excellent photographs, 10 Jul 2005
Collins Complete British Birds Photoguide has everything you would ever need in a bird book. It gives a very detailed introduction to British birds and a highly useful section on bird habitats, plumage, migration and movements and conservation at the start of the book without making the text sound too boring.

The photographs in the book are absolutely superb and show birds in every plumage; male and female, adult or juvenile, summer or winter and they are very clear. Each species account gives a description of plumage patterns, voice, where the bird is likely to be found and its status in the country at large, and also (which I found very useful) a bit on where the best place to find the bird is and at what time of year, the distribution maps are very clear and include a calendar bar to show if the bird in question is a year round resident or a visitor.

I found the text very easy to read (unlike most bird books which tend to be very scientific and hard to understand) and is a great book to have. Buy it, I guarantee you will not be wasting your money.

Excellent bird guide, 07 Jan 2005
This is the best bird indentifying book I've seen.
A great layout. Photos (not sketches) of each bird including male, female, juvenile....It also includes information on each bird size, voice, migration, habitat and areas. Also there are pictures of 'uncommon' visitor birds at the back and a lovely general introduction of habitats at the front of the book.

First class guide to birds found in the British Isles, 29 Jun 2008
I read the reviews and decided to buy the book based on the high proportion of 5* ratings. I was not disappointed!

The book is the size of an average paperback, has a protective clear plastic sleeve, glossy pages, stunning photographs & great summaries on key facts of interest about each bird - definitely the best £7.99 I've spent in a long time!

This is the book you are looking for, 26 Nov 2007
I purchased this book along with the RSPB one .
however the Collins book was more descriptive with full coulour photo's and not drawings as the rspb's it also shows the birds in flight which helps you if you are a beginner less you might not be so quick with the binocc's
So well worth the pounds and five stars

Terrific Photography, 08 Aug 2007
If truth be told most of the birds books for sale these days are excellent for identification purposes. Printing techniques, particularly with the use of colour have improved dramatically and a book that would have cost £100 not many years ago, can now be purchased for a tenth of the price.

This book is full of good quality colour photographs that are ideal for identification. The book also tell you where in the British Isles a particular species is usually to be found. Whether the bird is to be found all year round or whether it is just a visitor to our shores. It also shows the birds in their different plumage: Male and female, juvenile etc.

Modern bird books consciously do not show photographs of eggs and I must admit it is something I miss, although I totally understand the reasoning behind it. All in all this is another of a number of books that are well worth purchasing if you have either a passing interest in birds or are more serious about bird watching.

Highly readible and excellent photographs, 10 Jul 2005
Collins Complete British Birds Photoguide has everything you would ever need in a bird book. It gives a very detailed introduction to British birds and a highly useful section on bird habitats, plumage, migration and movements and conservation at the start of the book without making the text sound too boring.

The photographs in the book are absolutely superb and show birds in every plumage; male and female, adult or juvenile, summer or winter and they are very clear. Each species account gives a description of plumage patterns, voice, where the bird is likely to be found and its status in the country at large, and also (which I found very useful) a bit on where the best place to find the bird is and at what time of year, the distribution maps are very clear and include a calendar bar to show if the bird in question is a year round resident or a visitor.

I found the text very easy to read (unlike most bird books which tend to be very scientific and hard to understand) and is a great book to have. Buy it, I guarantee you will not be wasting your money.

Excellent bird guide, 07 Jan 2005
This is the best bird indentifying book I've seen.
A great layout. Photos (not sketches) of each bird including male, female, juvenile....It also includes information on each bird size, voice, migration, habitat and areas. Also there are pictures of 'uncommon' visitor birds at the back and a lovely general introduction of habitats at the front of the book.

The Best at what it does., 18 Nov 2008
This is beyond any reasonable doubt the best portable field guide.
The other reviewers make that clear.

One of three essential books:

For beginners, or for more detailed information on commoner British Birds I would suggest that the excellent RSPB Handbook of British Birds (Ornithology) is a better choice.
For detailed ID info on rarer birds, Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, The is probably the best.

I use all 3 frequently (the last mainly for birds I haven't seen myself! Sigh!)the RSPB book is also a very reasonable price and pocketable, the Western Palearctic book is neither cheap (good value nonetheless) nor pocketable.

Birds - lots of feathers, 13 Apr 2008
I bought this book to identify the little blighters who hop and fly merrily around my garden. It's a great book with good images and text. The only bird book you'll ever need.

BRILLIANT BOOK!, 25 Mar 2008
I cannot recommend this book khighly enough. I have being birding for 25 years and have amassed a collection of c60 bird books on European birds. This is equal to 50 of them TOGETHER! The illustrations and descriptions are excellent. Many books carry detailed descriptions and photographs on birds in winter plumage and then state that they are summer visitors (or vice versa)! This book is invaluable and ever birder should have at least one copy

First class field guide, 23 Jan 2008
An excellent field guide with brilliant drawings of all the birds in their different plumages. Really does help when identifying rare birds or ones which you are unsure of.

Best bird guide ever!!!!, 29 Oct 2007
The best field guide I have ever owned. Beautiful illustrations and ideal text (plus illustrations and text on opposite pages!!!). It is also comprehensive and features many 'common' vagrants too. If you are a serious European based birder or wildlife enthusiast then quite simply you need this book.
Its scope and detail may prove off-putting to beginners but trust me its worth every penny!

First class guide to birds found in the British Isles, 29 Jun 2008
I read the reviews and decided to buy the book based on the high proportion of 5* ratings. I was not disappointed!

The book is the size of an average paperback, has a protective clear plastic sleeve, glossy pages, stunning photographs & great summaries on key facts of interest about each bird - definitely the best £7.99 I've spent in a long time!

This is the book you are looking for, 26 Nov 2007
I purchased this book along with the RSPB one .
however the Collins book was more descriptive with full coulour photo's and not drawings as the rspb's it also shows the birds in flight which helps you if you are a beginner less you might not be so quick with the binocc's
So well worth the pounds and five stars

Terrific Photography, 08 Aug 2007
If truth be told most of the birds books for sale these days are excellent for identification purposes. Printing techniques, particularly with the use of colour have improved dramatically and a book that would have cost £100 not many years ago, can now be purchased for a tenth of the price.

This book is full of good quality colour photographs that are ideal for identification. The book also tell you where in the British Isles a particular species is usually to be found. Whether the bird is to be found all year round or whether it is just a visitor to our shores. It also shows the birds in their different plumage: Male and female, juvenile etc.

Modern bird books consciously do not show photographs of eggs and I must admit it is something I miss, although I totally understand the reasoning behind it. All in all this is another of a number of books that are well worth purchasing if you have either a passing interest in birds or are more serious about bird watching.

Highly readible and excellent photographs, 10 Jul 2005
Collins Complete British Birds Photoguide has everything you would ever need in a bird book. It gives a very detailed introduction to British birds and a highly useful section on bird habitats, plumage, migration and movements and conservation at the start of the book without making the text sound too boring.

The photographs in the book are absolutely superb and show birds in every plumage; male and female, adult or juvenile, summer or winter and they are very clear. Each species account gives a description of plumage patterns, voice, where the bird is likely to be found and its status in the country at large, and also (which I found very useful) a bit on where the best place to find the bird is and at what time of year, the distribution maps are very clear and include a calendar bar to show if the bird in question is a year round resident or a visitor.

I found the text very easy to read (unlike most bird books which tend to be very scientific and hard to understand) and is a great book to have. Buy it, I guarantee you will not be wasting your money.

Excellent bird guide, 07 Jan 2005
This is the best bird indentifying book I've seen.
A great layout. Photos (not sketches) of each bird including male, female, juvenile....It also includes information on each bird size, voice, migration, habitat and areas. Also there are pictures of 'uncommon' visitor birds at the back and a lovely general introduction of habitats at the front of the book.

The Best at what it does., 18 Nov 2008
This is beyond any reasonable doubt the best portable field guide.
The other reviewers make that clear.

One of three essential books:

For beginners, or for more detailed information on commoner British Birds I would suggest that the excellent RSPB Handbook of British Birds (Ornithology) is a better choice.
For detailed ID info on rarer birds, Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, The is probably the best.

I use all 3 frequently (the last mainly for birds I haven't seen myself! Sigh!)the RSPB book is also a very reasonable price and pocketable, the Western Palearctic book is neither cheap (good value nonetheless) nor pocketable.

Birds - lots of feathers, 13 Apr 2008
I bought this book to identify the little blighters who hop and fly merrily around my garden. It's a great book with good images and text. The only bird book you'll ever need.

BRILLIANT BOOK!, 25 Mar 2008
I cannot recommend this book khighly enough. I have being birding for 25 years and have amassed a collection of c60 bird books on European birds. This is equal to 50 of them TOGETHER! The illustrations and descriptions are excellent. Many books carry detailed descriptions and photographs on birds in winter plumage and then state that they are summer visitors (or vice versa)! This book is invaluable and ever birder should have at least one copy

First class field guide, 23 Jan 2008
An excellent field guide with brilliant drawings of all the birds in their different plumages. Really does help when identifying rare birds or ones which you are unsure of.

Best bird guide ever!!!!, 29 Oct 2007
The best field guide I have ever owned. Beautiful illustrations and ideal text (plus illustrations and text on opposite pages!!!). It is also comprehensive and features many 'common' vagrants too. If you are a serious European based birder or wildlife enthusiast then quite simply you need this book.
Its scope and detail may prove off-putting to beginners but trust me its worth every penny!

The Best at what it does., 18 Nov 2008
This is beyond any reasonable doubt the best portable field guide.
The other reviewers make that clear.

One of three essential books:

For beginners, or for more detailed information on commoner British Birds I would suggest that the excellent RSPB Handbook of British Birds (Ornithology) is a better choice.
For detailed ID info on rarer birds, Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, The is probably the best.

I use all 3 frequently (the last mainly for birds I haven't seen myself! Sigh!)the RSPB book is also a very reasonable price and pocketable, the Western Palearctic book is neither cheap (good value nonetheless) nor pocketable.

Birds - lots of feathers, 13 Apr 2008
I bought this book to identify the little blighters who hop and fly merrily around my garden. It's a great book with good images and text. The only bird book you'll ever need.

BRILLIANT BOOK!, 25 Mar 2008
I cannot recommend this book khighly enough. I have being birding for 25 years and have amassed a collection of c60 bird books on European birds. This is equal to 50 of them TOGETHER! The illustrations and descriptions are excellent. Many books carry detailed descriptions and photographs on birds in winter plumage and then state that they are summer visitors (or vice versa)! This book is invaluable and ever birder should have at least one copy

First class field guide, 23 Jan 2008
An excellent field guide with brilliant drawings of all the birds in their different plumages. Really does help when identifying rare birds or ones which you are unsure of.

Best bird guide ever!!!!, 29 Oct 2007
The best field guide I have ever owned. Beautiful illustrations and ideal text (plus illustrations and text on opposite pages!!!). It is also comprehensive and features many 'common' vagrants too. If you are a serious European based birder or wildlife enthusiast then quite simply you need this book.
Its scope and detail may prove off-putting to beginners but trust me its worth every penny!

First class guide to birds found in the British Isles, 29 Jun 2008
I read the reviews and decided to buy the book based on the high proportion of 5* ratings. I was not disappointed!

The book is the size of an average paperback, has a protective clear plastic sleeve, glossy pages, stunning photographs & great summaries on key facts of interest about each bird - definitely the best £7.99 I've spent in a long time!

This is the book you are looking for, 26 Nov 2007
I purchased this book along with the RSPB one .
however the Collins book was more descriptive with full coulour photo's and not drawings as the rspb's it also shows the birds in flight which helps you if you are a beginner less you might not be so quick with the binocc's
So well worth the pounds and five stars

Terrific Photography, 08 Aug 2007
If truth be told most of the birds books for sale these days are excellent for identification purposes. Printing techniques, particularly with the use of colour have improved dramatically and a book that would have cost £100 not many years ago, can now be purchased for a tenth of the price.

This book is full of good quality colour photographs that are ideal for identification. The book also tell you where in the British Isles a particular species is usually to be found. Whether the bird is to be found all year round or whether it is just a visitor to our shores. It also shows the birds in their different plumage: Male and female, juvenile etc.

Modern bird books consciously do not show photographs of eggs and I must admit it is something I miss, although I totally understand the reasoning behind it. All in all this is another of a number of books that are well worth purchasing if you have either a passing interest in birds or are more serious about bird watching.

Highly readible and excellent photographs, 10 Jul 2005
Collins Complete British Birds Photoguide has everything you would ever need in a bird book. It gives a very detailed introduction to British birds and a highly useful section on bird habitats, plumage, migration and movements and conservation at the start of the book without making the text sound too boring.

The photographs in the book are absolutely superb and show birds in every plumage; male and female, adult or juvenile, summer or winter and they are very clear. Each species account gives a description of plumage patterns, voice, where the bird is likely to be found and its status in the country at large, and also (which I found very useful) a bit on where the best place to find the bird is and at what time of year, the distribution maps are very clear and include a calendar bar to show if the bird in question is a year round resident or a visitor.

I found the text very easy to read (unlike most bird books which tend to be very scientific and hard to understand) and is a great book to have. Buy it, I guarantee you will not be wasting your money.

Excellent bird guide, 07 Jan 2005
This is the best bird indentifying book I've seen.
A great layout. Photos (not sketches) of each bird including male, female, juvenile....It also includes information on each bird size, voice, migration, habitat and areas. Also there are pictures of 'uncommon' visitor birds at the back and a lovely general introduction of habitats at the front of the book.

The Best at what it does., 18 Nov 2008
This is beyond any reasonable doubt the best portable field guide.
The other reviewers make that clear.

One of three essential books:

For beginners, or for more detailed information on commoner British Birds I would suggest that the excellent RSPB Handbook of British Birds (Ornithology) is a better choice.
For detailed ID info on rarer birds, Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, The is probably the best.

I use all 3 frequently (the last mainly for birds I haven't seen myself! Sigh!)the RSPB book is also a very reasonable price and pocketable, the Western Palearctic book is neither cheap (good value nonetheless) nor pocketable.

Birds - lots of feathers, 13 Apr 2008
I bought this book to identify the little blighters who hop and fly merrily around my garden. It's a great book with good images and text. The only bird book you'll ever need.

BRILLIANT BOOK!, 25 Mar 2008
I cannot recommend this book khighly enough. I have being birding for 25 years and have amassed a collection of c60 bird books on European birds. This is equal to 50 of them TOGETHER! The illustrations and descriptions are excellent. Many books carry detailed descriptions and photographs on birds in winter plumage and then state that they are summer visitors (or vice versa)! This book is invaluable and ever birder should have at least one copy

First class field guide, 23 Jan 2008
An excellent field guide with brilliant drawings of all the birds in their different plumages. Really does help when identifying rare birds or ones which you are unsure of.

Best bird guide ever!!!!, 29 Oct 2007
The best field guide I have ever owned. Beautiful illustrations and ideal text (plus illustrations and text on opposite pages!!!). It is also comprehensive and features many 'common' vagrants too. If you are a serious European based birder or wildlife enthusiast then quite simply you need this book.
Its scope and detail may prove off-putting to beginners but trust me its worth every penny!

The Best at what it does., 18 Nov 2008
This is beyond any reasonable doubt the best portable field guide.
The other reviewers make that clear.

One of three essential books:

For beginners, or for more detailed information on commoner British Birds I would suggest that the excellent RSPB Handbook of British Birds (Ornithology) is a better choice.
For detailed ID info on rarer birds, Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, The is probably the best.

I use all 3 frequently (the last mainly for birds I haven't seen myself! Sigh!)the RSPB book is also a very reasonable price and pocketable, the Western Palearctic book is neither cheap (good value nonetheless) nor pocketable.

Birds - lots of feathers, 13 Apr 2008
I bought this book to identify the little blighters who hop and fly merrily around my garden. It's a great book with good images and text. The only bird book you'll ever need.

BRILLIANT BOOK!, 25 Mar 2008
I cannot recommend this book khighly enough. I have being birding for 25 years and have amassed a collection of c60 bird books on European birds. This is equal to 50 of them TOGETHER! The illustrations and descriptions are excellent. Many books carry detailed descriptions and photographs on birds in winter plumage and then state that they are summer visitors (or vice versa)! This book is invaluable and ever birder should have at least one copy

First class field guide, 23 Jan 2008
An excellent field guide with brilliant drawings of all the birds in their different plumages. Really does help when identifying rare birds or ones which you are unsure of.

Best bird guide ever!!!!, 29 Oct 2007
The best field guide I have ever owned. Beautiful illustrations and ideal text (plus illustrations and text on opposite pages!!!). It is also comprehensive and features many 'common' vagrants too. If you are a serious European based birder or wildlife enthusiast then quite simply you need this book.
Its scope and detail may prove off-putting to beginners but trust me its worth every penny!

Watch the disc!, 03 Jan 2009
Obviously, as other reviewers have said, this is a good book for home reference, although it contains very little different or extra to the field-sized book.

The big selling point for me was the CD of bird-song. Brilliant to copy to my mp3 player for reference in the field.

Except the CD details are wrong. 99 tracks I had to rename by hand. Ninety-nine.

That's three quarters of an hour of my life I won't get back...

Brilliant for Identification, 15 Aug 2007

We come to expect quality books when they carry the RSPB name and logo and they do not let us down, my only slight quibble is that this particular book says on the front "UK's Best Selling field Guide." To my way of thinking it is a little large for a pocket guide. Carrying a camera field glasses is enough without a weighty book that you will struggle to get into a pocket.

Whether you are an armchair addict, or a twitcher of the first order, this guide and 70-minute CD are essential reference. The book and video introduce you to 800 species that are regularly and not so regularly found in Britain and Europe. The book contains beautiful photographs, including ones of the different plumages, both male, female and juvenile. There is information on habitat and virtually everything you need to know to obtain a true picture of each individual species.

A fantastic bird guide, 18 Dec 2005
This is a fantastic field guide for birdwatchers to have on their bookshelf. The photos are superb, and I personally find them much easier to use for bird identification, than the classic birdwatching field guides that have artists representations. It is a shame that this book is too big and heavy to use outdoors as a field guide (not that I would want to as it might get ruined). However the RSPB have thought of that and have a slimmed down pocket guide available as well.

First class RSPB and DK. Watch out Collins guides, there is a new kid on the block.

the best (non pocket )reference book there is, 29 Oct 2005
An excellent guide to all European birds from Iceland to Israel plus all the vagrants that have visited. The best part of this book is that it has all photos. Some guide books have drawings or coloured illustrations which sometimes are far removed from the bird you want to identify. Having said that this is a hefty book and therefore is not much use in the field, the paperback is smaller and lighter but I prefer this even so. It has a lot of bird info at the front and is the best complete guide I have come across.

Excellent reference book, visually fantastic, 23 May 2003
A solid, brick-like book, not one for carrying around in the field, but great for extra information and to pin down a specific identification. Easy to use and very clear - this has already become a firm favourite. Covering ecology as well as identification this book should be able to inform experts and beginners alike, without being boring or intimidating to either.

In keeping with the other RSPB guides, Complete Birds of Britain and Europe devotes a page to almost all British and European species, containing descriptive text, photographs and a line representation of the bird in flight. Male, female and juvenile are often depicted, with seasonal plumage and in flight pictures as well. An extensive checklist of much rarer species appears at the back.

The detail and authority of description exceeds that of other bird books, including the Collins guides. Rob Hume's efficiency in writing pocket books is evident here as he has used the same approach. The large pages are exploited to the limit and crammed full of information, but without feeling cluttered or inaccessible. However, where the RSPB books tower above their rivals is in the method of illustration. Large, clear photos are definitely my preference and the quality of photography is super, hence the top rating for the book - I haven't seen anything better.

First class guide to birds found in the British Isles, 29 Jun 2008
I read the reviews and decided to buy the book based on the high proportion of 5* ratings. I was not disappointed!

The book is the size of an average paperback, has a protective clear plastic sleeve, glossy pages, stunning photographs & great summaries on key facts of interest about each bird - definitely the best £7.99 I've spent in a long time!

This is the book you are looking for, 26 Nov 2007
I purchased this book along with the RSPB one .
however the Collins book was more descriptive with full coulour photo's and not drawings as the rspb's it also shows the birds in flight which helps you if you are a beginner less you might not be so quick with the binocc's
So well worth the pounds and five stars

Terrific Photography, 08 Aug 2007
If truth be told most of the birds books for sale these days are excellent for identification purposes. Printing techniques, particularly with the use of colour have improved dramatically and a book that would have cost £100 not many years ago, can now be purchased for a tenth of the price.

This book is full of good quality colour photographs that are ideal for identification. The book also tell you where in the British Isles a particular species is usually to be found. Whether the bird is to be found all year round or whether it is just a visitor to our shores. It also shows the birds in their different plumage: Male and female, juvenile etc.

Modern bird books consciously do not show photographs of eggs and I must admit it is something I miss, although I totally understand the reasoning behind it. All in all this is another of a number of books that are well worth purchasing if you have either a passing interest in birds or are more serious about bird watching.

Highly readible and excellent photographs, 10 Jul 2005
Collins Complete British Birds Photoguide has everything you would ever need in a bird book. It gives a very detailed introduction to British birds and a highly useful section on bird habitats, plumage, migration and movements and conservation at the start of the book without making the text sound too boring.

The photographs in the book are absolutely superb and show birds in every plumage; male and female, adult or juvenile, summer or winter and they are very clear. Each species account gives a description of plumage patterns, voice, where the bird is likely to be found and its status in the country at large, and also (which I found very useful) a bit on where the best place to find the bird is and at what time of year, the distribution maps are very clear and include a calendar bar to show if the bird in question is a year round resident or a visitor.

I found the text very easy to read (unlike most bird books which tend to be very scientific and hard to understand) and is a great book to have. Buy it, I guarantee you will not be wasting your money.

Excellent bird guide, 07 Jan 2005
This is the best bird indentifying book I've seen.
A great layout. Photos (not sketches) of each bird including male, female, juvenile....It also includes information on each bird size, voice, migration, habitat and areas. Also there are pictures of 'uncommon' visitor birds at the back and a lovely general introduction of habitats at the front of the book.

The Best at what it does., 18 Nov 2008
This is beyond any reasonable doubt the best portable field guide.
The other reviewers make that clear.

One of three essential books:

For beginners, or for more detailed information on commoner British Birds I would suggest that the excellent RSPB Handbook of British Birds (Ornithology) is a better choice.
For detailed ID info on rarer birds, Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, The is probably the best.

I use all 3 frequently (the last mainly for birds I haven't seen myself! Sigh!)the RSPB book is also a very reasonable price and pocketable, the Western Palearctic book is neither cheap (good value nonetheless) nor pocketable.

Birds - lots of feathers, 13 Apr 2008
I bought this book to identify the little blighters who hop and fly merrily around my garden. It's a great book with good images and text. The only bird book you'll ever need.

BRILLIANT BOOK!, 25 Mar 2008
I cannot recommend this book khighly enough. I have being birding for 25 years and have amassed a collection of c60 bird books on European birds. This is equal to 50 of them TOGETHER! The illustrations and descriptions are excellent. Many books carry detailed descriptions and photographs on birds in winter plumage and then state that they are summer visitors (or vice versa)! This book is invaluable and ever birder should have at least one copy

First class field guide, 23 Jan 2008
An excellent field guide with brilliant drawings of all the birds in their different plumages. Really does help when identifying rare birds or ones which you are unsure of.

Best bird guide ever!!!!, 29 Oct 2007
The best field guide I have ever owned. Beautiful illustrations and ideal text (plus illustrations and text on opposite pages!!!). It is also comprehensive and features many 'common' vagrants too. If you are a serious European based birder or wildlife enthusiast then quite simply you need this book.
Its scope and detail may prove off-putting to beginners but trust me its worth every penny!

The Best at what it does., 18 Nov 2008
This is beyond any reasonable doubt the best portable field guide.
The other reviewers make that clear.

One of three essential books:

For beginners, or for more detailed information on commoner British Birds I would suggest that the excellent RSPB Handbook of British Birds (Ornithology) is a better choice.
For detailed ID info on rarer birds, Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, The is probably the best.

I use all 3 frequently (the last mainly for birds I haven't seen myself! Sigh!)the RSPB book is also a very reasonable price and pocketable, the Western Palearctic book is neither cheap (good value nonetheless) nor pocketable.

Birds - lots of feathers, 13 Apr 2008
I bought this book to identify the little blighters who hop and fly merrily around my garden. It's a great book with good images and text. The only bird book you'll ever need.

BRILLIANT BOOK!, 25 Mar 2008
I cannot recommend this book khighly enough. I have being birding for 25 years and have amassed a collection of c60 bird books on European birds. This is equal to 50 of them TOGETHER! The illustrations and descriptions are excellent. Many books carry detailed descriptions and photographs on birds in winter plumage and then state that they are summer visitors (or vice versa)! This book is invaluable and ever birder should have at least one copy

First class field guide, 23 Jan 2008
An excellent field guide with brilliant drawings of all the birds in their different plumages. Really does help when identifying rare birds or ones which you are unsure of.

Best bird guide ever!!!!, 29 Oct 2007
The best field guide I have ever owned. Beautiful illustrations and ideal text (plus illustrations and text on opposite pages!!!). It is also comprehensive and features many 'common' vagrants too. If you are a serious European based birder or wildlife enthusiast then quite simply you need this book.
Its scope and detail may prove off-putting to beginners but trust me its worth every penny!

Watch the disc!, 03 Jan 2009
Obviously, as other reviewers have said, this is a good book for home reference, although it contains very little different or extra to the field-sized book.

The big selling point for me was the CD of bird-song. Brilliant to copy to my mp3 player for reference in the field.

Except the CD details are wrong. 99 tracks I had to rename by hand. Ninety-nine.

That's three quarters of an hour of my life I won't get back...

Brilliant for Identification, 15 Aug 2007

We come to expect quality books when they carry the RSPB name and logo and they do not let us down, my only slight quibble is that this particular book says on the front "UK's Best Selling field Guide." To my way of thinking it is a little large for a pocket guide. Carrying a camera field glasses is enough without a weighty book that you will struggle to get into a pocket.

Whether you are an armchair addict, or a twitcher of the first order, this guide and 70-minute CD are essential reference. The book and video introduce you to 800 species that are regularly and not so regularly found in Britain and Europe. The book contains beautiful photographs, including ones of the different plumages, both male, female and juvenile. There is information on habitat and virtually everything you need to know to obtain a true picture of each individual species.

A fantastic bird guide, 18 Dec 2005
This is a fantastic field guide for birdwatchers to have on their bookshelf. The photos are superb, and I personally find them much easier to use for bird identification, than the classic birdwatching field guides that have artists representations. It is a shame that this book is too big and heavy to use outdoors as a field guide (not that I would want to as it might get ruined). However the RSPB have thought of that and have a slimmed down pocket guide available as well.

First class RSPB and DK. Watch out Collins guides, there is a new kid on the block.

the best (non pocket )reference book there is, 29 Oct 2005
An excellent guide to all European birds from Iceland to Israel plus all the vagrants that have visited. The best part of this book is that it has all photos. Some guide books have drawings or coloured illustrations which sometimes are far removed from the bird you want to identify. Having said that this is a hefty book and therefore is not much use in the field, the paperback is smaller and lighter but I prefer this even so. It has a lot of bird info at the front and is the best complete guide I have come across.

Excellent reference book, visually fantastic, 23 May 2003
A solid, brick-like book, not one for carrying around in the field, but great for extra information and to pin down a specific identification. Easy to use and very clear - this has already become a firm favourite. Covering ecology as well as identification this book should be able to inform experts and beginners alike, without being boring or intimidating to either.

In keeping with the other RSPB guides, Complete Birds of Britain and Europe devotes a page to almost all British and European species, containing descriptive text, photographs and a line representation of the bird in flight. Male, female and juvenile are often depicted, with seasonal plumage and in flight pictures as well. An extensive checklist of much rarer species appears at the back.

The detail and authority of description exceeds that of other bird books, including the Collins guides. Rob Hume's efficiency in writing pocket books is evident here as he has used the same approach. The large pages are exploited to the limit and crammed full of information, but without feeling cluttered or inaccessible. However, where the RSPB books tower above their rivals is in the method of illustration. Large, clear photos are definitely my preference and the quality of photography is super, hence the top rating for the book - I haven't seen anything better.

Best for Birds , 29 Dec 2008
This is the warm, authorative but friendly book of British birds that every bird lover needs. It covers each distinct type of bird and has plenty of interesting facts and anecdotal stories to lift it above being a stuffy encyclopaedia of birds. The pictures and illustrations are perfect for the book. Highly recommended.

I agree, 16 Jan 2008
Yes, this book is everything the other reviews say it is. If you like a bit of social history and literature with your birds, you will find this a satisfying read. Above all, Cocker is 'a good writer', which means his prose is always palatable at the very least.

A Cut Above Your Average Bird Book, 31 Oct 2007

There are literally hundreds of Bird Books on the shelves of Bookshops these days. Why do we need so many? Well we don't really, apart, that is, for the fact that printing techniques, particularly colour ones, have changed so dramatically that photographs virtually leap off the page at you. For example, a Robin looks the same now as it did a hundred years ago, so the bird book I had thirty, or even twenty years ago should depict the Robin in exactly the same way. Well hardly, as I said above printing has changed and the advance of the camera is phenomenal.

What used to be `stock or library photographs,' appearing in the same format in book after book have now been superseded by new and vibrant photographs of close-ups of birds, both nesting on the wing and in places that were inaccessible to any kind of successful camera work, just a few years ago.

This book is both comprehensive and easy to read and of course the text is backed up by wonderful photographs of British birds in all kinds of situations. Although it is a reference book, it is also a book that you can actually read and enjoy. It covers the birds species by species, in such detail that it practically tells you what they have for breakfast. Joking apart it virtually does just that.

Much more than a species identification and certainly not one to take out in the field with you. There are lots of other books that serve that purpose very well. This book is a book to savour (no pun intended). A book for the fireside, when the wind is whistling around the chimney pots.

quite simply superb, 03 May 2006
This superb, lavishly illustrated book deserves pride of place on the bookshelf of anyone interested in birds, British natural history or the relations between humans and other animals.

The text draws as much from literature, anecdote and social/cultural history as it does from ornithology but that only widens and deepens its impact. At times the book is quite numbingly sad (without being mawkish or sentimental), leaving the reader with a sense of outrage at our historical, and to some extent ongoing, treatment of wild birds. Although, it has to be said, the story isn't all one of cruelty and exploitation. In short this book perfectly captures our species' contradictory attitudes to wild animals very accurately indeed.

Highly recommended.

Engrossing but sad, 12 Mar 2006
A wonderful book for dipping into, full of stories and nuggets that the kids are fascinated by. Much of the book focusses on the relationship between man and bird. This can reach heights in beautiful poetry but also lows of quite numbing accounts of cruelty. The birds are not sentimentalised and come out of this book a lot better than we do.

First class guide to birds found in the British Isles, 29 Jun 2008
I read the reviews and decided to buy the book based on the high proportion of 5* ratings. I was not disappointed!

The book is the size of an average paperback, has a protective clear plastic sleeve, glossy pages, stunning photographs & great summaries on key facts of interest about each bird - definitely the best £7.99 I've spent in a long time!

This is the book you are looking for, 26 Nov 2007
I purchased this book along with the RSPB one .
however the Collins book was more descriptive with full coulour photo's and not drawings as the rspb's it also shows the birds in flight which helps you if you are a beginner less you might not be so quick with the binocc's
So well worth the pounds and five stars

Terrific Photography, 08 Aug 2007
If truth be told most of the birds books for sale these days are excellent for identification purposes. Printing techniques, particularly with the use of colour have improved dramatically and a book that would have cost £100 not many years ago, can now be purchased for a tenth of the price.

This book is full of good quality colour photographs that are ideal for identification. The book also tell you where in the British Isles a particular species is usually to be found. Whether the bird is to be found all year round or whether it is just a visitor to our shores. It also shows the birds in their different plumage: Male and female, juvenile etc.

Modern bird books consciously do not show photographs of eggs and I must admit it is something I miss, although I totally understand the reasoning behind it. All in all this is another of a number of books that are well worth purchasing if you have either a passing interest in birds or are more serious about bird watching.

Highly readible and excellent photographs, 10 Jul 2005
Collins Complete British Birds Photoguide has everything you would ever need in a bird book. It gives a very detailed introduction to British birds and a highly useful section on bird habitats, plumage, migration and movements and conservation at the start of the book without making the text sound too boring.

The photographs in the book are absolutely superb and show birds in every plumage; male and female, adult or juvenile, summer or winter and they are very clear. Each species account gives a description of plumage patterns, voice, where the bird is likely to be found and its status in the country at large, and also (which I found very useful) a bit on where the best place to find the bird is and at what time of year, the distribution maps are very clear and include a calendar bar to show if the bird in question is a year round resident or a visitor.

I found the text very easy to read (unlike most bird books which tend to be very scientific and hard to understand) and is a great book to have. Buy it, I guarantee you will not be wasting your money.

Excellent bird guide, 07 Jan 2005
This is the best bird indentifying book I've seen.
A great layout. Photos (not sketches) of each bird including male, female, juvenile....It also includes information on each bird size, voice, migration, habitat and areas. Also there are pictures of 'uncommon' visitor birds at the back and a lovely general introduction of habitats at the front of the book.

The Best at what it does., 18 Nov 2008
This is beyond any reasonable doubt the best portable field guide.
The other reviewers make that clear.

One of three essential books:

For beginners, or for more detailed information on commoner British Birds I would suggest that the excellent RSPB Handbook of British Birds (Ornithology) is a better choice.
For detailed ID info on rarer birds, Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, The is probably the best.

I use all 3 frequently (the last mainly for birds I haven't seen myself! Sigh!)the RSPB book is also a very reasonable price and pocketable, the Western Palearctic book is neither cheap (good value nonetheless) nor pocketable.

Birds - lots of feathers, 13 Apr 2008
I bought this book to identify the little blighters who hop and fly merrily around my garden. It's a great book with good images and text. The only bird book you'll ever need.

BRILLIANT BOOK!, 25 Mar 2008
I cannot recommend this book khighly enough. I have being birding for 25 years and have amassed a collection of c60 bird books on European birds. This is equal to 50 of them TOGETHER! The illustrations and descriptions are excellent. Many books carry detailed descriptions and photographs on birds in winter plumage and then state that they are summer visitors (or vice versa)! This book is invaluable and ever birder should have at least one copy

First class field guide, 23 Jan 2008
An excellent field guide with brilliant drawings of all the birds in their different plumages. Really does help when identifying rare birds or ones which you are unsure of.

Best bird guide ever!!!!, 29 Oct 2007
The best field guide I have ever owned. Beautiful illustrations and ideal text (plus illustrations and text on opposite pages!!!). It is also comprehensive and features many 'common' vagrants too. If you are a serious European based birder or wildlife enthusiast then quite simply you need this book.
Its scope and detail may prove off-putting to beginners but trust me its worth every penny!

The Best at what it does., 18 Nov 2008
This is beyond any reasonable doubt the best portable field guide.
The other reviewers make that clear.

One of three essential books:

For beginners, or for more detailed information on commoner British Birds I would suggest that the excellent RSPB Handbook of British Birds (Ornithology) is a better choice.
For detailed ID info on rarer birds, Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, The is probably the best.

I use all 3 frequently (the last mainly for birds I haven't seen myself! Sigh!)the RSPB book is also a very reasonable price and pocketable, the Western Palearctic book is neither cheap (good value nonetheless) nor pocketable.

Birds - lots of feathers, 13 Apr 2008
I bought this book to identify the little blighters who hop and fly merrily around my garden. It's a great book with good images and text. The only bird book you'll ever need.

BRILLIANT BOOK!, 25 Mar 2008
I cannot recommend this book khighly enough. I have being birding for 25 years and have amassed a collection of c60 bird books on European birds. This is equal to 50 of them TOGETHER! The illustrations and descriptions are excellent. Many books carry detailed descriptions and photographs on birds in winter plumage and then state that they are summer visitors (or vice versa)! This book is invaluable and ever birder should have at least one copy

First class field guide, 23 Jan 2008
An excellent field guide with brilliant drawings of all the birds in their different plumages. Really does help when identifying rare birds or ones which you are unsure of.

Best bird guide ever!!!!, 29 Oct 2007
The best field guide I have ever owned. Beautiful illustrations and ideal text (plus illustrations and text on opposite pages!!!). It is also comprehensive and features many 'common' vagrants too. If you are a serious European based birder or wildlife enthusiast then quite simply you need this book.
Its scope and detail may prove off-putting to beginners but trust me its worth every penny!

Watch the disc!, 03 Jan 2009
Obviously, as other reviewers have said, this is a good book for home reference, although it contains very little different or extra to the field-sized book.

The big selling point for me was the CD of bird-song. Brilliant to copy to my mp3 player for reference in the field.

Except the CD details are wrong. 99 tracks I had to rename by hand. Ninety-nine.

That's three quarters of an hour of my life I won't get back...

Brilliant for Identification, 15 Aug 2007

We come to expect quality books when they carry the RSPB name and logo and they do not let us down, my only slight quibble is that this particular book says on the front "UK's Best Selling field Guide." To my way of thinking it is a little large for a pocket guide. Carrying a camera field glasses is enough without a weighty book that you will struggle to get into a pocket.

Whether you are an armchair addict, or a twitcher of the first order, this guide and 70-minute CD are essential reference. The book and video introduce you to 800 species that are regularly and not so regularly found in Britain and Europe. The book contains beautiful photographs, including ones of the different plumages, both male, female and juvenile. There is information on habitat and virtually everything you need to know to obtain a true picture of each individual species.

A fantastic bird guide, 18 Dec 2005
This is a fantastic field guide for birdwatchers to have on their bookshelf. The photos are superb, and I personally find them much easier to use for bird identification, than the classic birdwatching field guides that have artists representations. It is a shame that this book is too big and heavy to use outdoors as a field guide (not that I would want to as it might get ruined). However the RSPB have thought of that and have a slimmed down pocket guide available as well.

First class RSPB and DK. Watch out Collins guides, there is a new kid on the block.

the best (non pocket )reference book there is, 29 Oct 2005
An excellent guide to all European birds from Iceland to Israel plus all the vagrants that have visited. The best part of this book is that it has all photos. Some guide books have drawings or coloured illustrations which sometimes are far removed from the bird you want to identify. Having said that this is a hefty book and therefore is not much use in the field, the paperback is smaller and lighter but I prefer this even so. It has a lot of bird info at the front and is the best complete guide I have come across.

Excellent reference book, visually fantastic, 23 May 2003
A solid, brick-like book, not one for carrying around in the field, but great for extra information and to pin down a specific identification. Easy to use and very clear - this has already become a firm favourite. Covering ecology as well as identification this book should be able to inform experts and beginners alike, without being boring or intimidating to either.

In keeping with the other RSPB guides, Complete Birds of Britain and Europe devotes a page to almost all British and European species, containing descriptive text, photographs and a line representation of the bird in flight. Male, female and juvenile are often depicted, with seasonal plumage and in flight pictures as well. An extensive checklist of much rarer species appears at the back.

The detail and authority of description exceeds that of other bird books, including the Collins guides. Rob Hume's efficiency in writing pocket books is evident here as he has used the same approach. The large pages are exploited to the limit and crammed full of information, but without feeling cluttered or inaccessible. However, where the RSPB books tower above their rivals is in the method of illustration. Large, clear photos are definitely my preference and the quality of photography is super, hence the top rating for the book - I haven't seen anything better.

Best for Birds , 29 Dec 2008
This is the warm, authorative but friendly book of British birds that every bird lover needs. It covers each distinct type of bird and has plenty of interesting facts and anecdotal stories to lift it above being a stuffy encyclopaedia of birds. The pictures and illustrations are perfect for the book. Highly recommended.

I agree, 16 Jan 2008
Yes, this book is everything the other reviews say it is. If you like a bit of social history and literature with your birds, you will find this a satisfying read. Above all, Cocker is 'a good writer', which means his prose is always palatable at the very least.

A Cut Above Your Average Bird Book, 31 Oct 2007

There are literally hundreds of Bird Books on the shelves of Bookshops these days. Why do we need so many? Well we don't really, apart, that is, for the fact that printing techniques, particularly colour ones, have changed so dramatically that photographs virtually leap off the page at you. For example, a Robin looks the same now as it did a hundred years ago, so the bird book I had thirty, or even twenty years ago should depict the Robin in exactly the same way. Well hardly, as I said above printing has changed and the advance of the camera is phenomenal.

What used to be `stock or library photographs,' appearing in the same format in book after book have now been superseded by new and vibrant photographs of close-ups of birds, both nesting on the wing and in places that were inaccessible to any kind of successful camera work, just a few years ago.

This book is both comprehensive and easy to read and of course the text is backed up by wonderful photographs of British birds in all kinds of situations. Although it is a reference book, it is also a book that you can actually read and enjoy. It covers the birds species by species, in such detail that it practically tells you what they have for breakfast. Joking apart it virtually does just that.

Much more than a species identification and certainly not one to take out in the field with you. There are lots of other books that serve that purpose very well. This book is a book to savour (no pun intended). A book for the fireside, when the wind is whistling around the chimney pots.

quite simply superb, 03 May 2006
This superb, lavishly illustrated book deserves pride of place on the bookshelf of anyone interested in birds, British natural history or the relations between humans and other animals.

The text draws as much from literature, anecdote and social/cultural history as it does from ornithology but that only widens and deepens its impact. At times the book is quite numbingly sad (without being mawkish or sentimental), leaving the reader with a sense of outrage at our historical, and to some extent ongoing, treatment of wild birds. Although, it has to be said, the story isn't all one of cruelty and exploitation. In short this book perfectly captures our species' contradictory attitudes to wild animals very accurately indeed.

Highly recommended.

Engrossing but sad, 12 Mar 2006
A wonderful book for dipping into, full of stories and nuggets that the kids are fascinated by. Much of the book focusses on the relationship between man and bird. This can reach heights in beautiful poetry but also lows of quite numbing accounts of cruelty. The birds are not sentimentalised and come out of this book a lot better than we do.

So relaxing..., 30 Jul 2008
Lovely book and CD's, so relaxing, just put it on and suddenly your walking with the author listening to the birds! When you go birding and you hear something or need to confirm an identification, the book coupled with easy access to the relevent cd sections works well. The recordings are really good quality as well, which you would expect from a professional sound man. Recommended.

disappointed, 13 Apr 2008
I thought this was disappointing. For me there is not enough detail on the chosen birds and no real advice. I thought the layout was chaotic and really lacked in being a useful tool to learn bird calls and songs. To me it was like leaving a microphone out and reeling off whatever calls came along. My advice is that this package is not a useful learning aid and not entertaining or well put together.

Play C.D. on PC, 17 Jun 2004
A benefit to playing the C.D. on a PC is that,on screen you get an indexed list of each bird that's playing although, surprisingly, not on disc 2.This can be overcome by going online, selecting the "View" tab at the top of the "Windows Media" screen, then select - Go To - followed by - Media Library.You then can download an index and where there are blank spaces go to - Edit and type in the missing species by referring to page 29 of the accompanying book.

A very good buy for all birdwatchers, 08 Oct 2003
This is great value on Amazon for the amount of UK bird songs/calls you get along with an informative book. The only fault I can find is that some of the bird calls merge into others and for the beginner it could be quite confusing. However all in all I would recommend this to any birdwatcher, beginner or intermediate. Experts may find it somewhat boring as there are no real rarities featured.

The best way to learn bird calls yet, 09 Sep 2002
A very useful package of 2 CDs and book that cover most, if not all, the birds of Britain.
The book describes the birds calls and if they are on the CDs, as most are, a track number is given.
There are a few birds missing from the CDs, which is a shame, but the 2 disks are full.
A number of birds of prey are missing, and a few Warblers are not included, but maybe they will turn up on Geoff Samples next book/CD that deals just with them.
Other than that, having loads of birds on CD is very useful, as you can skip through tracks with easy.
The recording quality is very good, and with a whispering voice by Geoff telling you what bird is what, it feels like you are there in the field.
Its very relaxing too !

First class guide to birds found in the British Isles, 29 Jun 2008
I read the reviews and decided to buy the book based on the high proportion of 5* ratings. I was not disappointed!

The book is the size of an average paperback, has a protective clear plastic sleeve, glossy pages, stunning photographs & great summaries on key facts of interest about each bird - definitely the best £7.99 I've spent in a long time!

This is the book you are looking for, 26 Nov 2007
I purchased this book along with the RSPB one .
however the Collins book was more descriptive with full coulour photo's and not drawings as the rspb's it also shows the birds in flight which helps you if you are a beginner less you might not be so quick with the binocc's
So well worth the pounds and five stars

Terrific Photography, 08 Aug 2007
If truth be told most of the birds books for sale these days are excellent for identification purposes. Printing techniques, particularly with the use of colour have improved dramatically and a book that would have cost £100 not many years ago, can now be purchased for a tenth of the price.

This book is full of good quality colour photographs that are ideal for identification. The book also tell you where in the British Isles a particular species is usually to be found. Whether the bird is to be found all year round or whether it is just a visitor to our shores. It also shows the birds in their different plumage: Male and female, juvenile etc.

Modern bird books consciously do not show photographs of eggs and I must admit it is something I miss, although I totally understand the reasoning behind it. All in all this is another of a number of books that are well worth purchasing if you have either a passing interest in birds or are more serious about bird watching.

Highly readible and excellent photographs, 10 Jul 2005
Collins Complete British Birds Photoguide has everything you would ever need in a bird book. It gives a very detailed introduction to British birds and a highly useful section on bird habitats, plumage, migration and movements and conservation at the start of the book without making the text sound too boring.

The photographs in the book are absolutely superb and show birds in every plumage; male and female, adult or juvenile, summer or winter and they are very clear. Each species account gives a description of plumage patterns, voice, where the bird is likely to be found and its status in the country at large, and also (which I found very useful) a bit on where the best place to find the bird is and at what time of year, the distribution maps are very clear and include a calendar bar to show if the bird in question is a year round resident or a visitor.

I found the text very easy to read (unlike most bird books which tend to be very scientific and hard to understand) and is a great book to have. Buy it, I guarantee you will not be wasting your money.

Excellent bird guide, 07 Jan 2005
This is the best bird indentifying book I've seen.
A great layout. Photos (not sketches) of each bird including male, female, juvenile....It also includes information on each bird size, voice, migration, habitat and areas. Also there are pictures of 'uncommon' visitor birds at the back and a lovely general introduction of habitats at the front of the book.

The Best at what it does., 18 Nov 2008
This is beyond any reasonable doubt the best portable field guide.
The other reviewers make that clear.

One of three essential books:

For beginners, or for more detailed information on commoner British Birds I would suggest that the excellent RSPB Handbook of British Birds (Ornithology) is a better choice.
For detailed ID info on rarer birds, Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, The is probably the best.

I use all 3 frequently (the last mainly for birds I haven't seen myself! Sigh!)the RSPB book is also a very reasonable price and pocketable, the Western Palearctic book is neither cheap (good value nonetheless) nor pocketable.

Birds - lots of feathers, 13 Apr 2008
I bought this book to identify the little blighters who hop and fly merrily around my garden. It's a great book with good images and text. The only bird book you'll ever need.

BRILLIANT BOOK!, 25 Mar 2008
I cannot recommend this book khighly enough. I have being birding for 25 years and have amassed a collection of c60 bird books on European birds. This is equal to 50 of them TOGETHER! The illustrations and descriptions are excellent. Many books carry detailed descriptions and photographs on birds in winter plumage and then state that they are summer visitors (or vice versa)! This book is invaluable and ever birder should have at least one copy

First class field guide, 23 Jan 2008
An excellent field guide with brilliant drawings of all the birds in their different plumages. Really does help when identifying rare birds or ones which you are unsure of.

Best bird guide ever!!!!, 29 Oct 2007
The best field guide I have ever owned. Beautiful illustrations and ideal text (plus illustrations and text on opposite pages!!!). It is also comprehensive and features many 'common' vagrants too. If you are a serious European based birder or wildlife enthusiast then quite simply you need this book.
Its scope and detail may prove off-putting to beginners but trust me its worth every penny!

The Best at what it does., 18 Nov 2008
This is beyond any reasonable doubt the best portable field guide.
The other reviewers make that clear.

One of three essential books:

For beginners, or for more detailed information on commoner British Birds I would suggest that the excellent RSPB Handbook of British Birds (Ornithology) is a better choice.
For detailed ID info on rarer birds, Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, The is probably the best.

I use all 3 frequently (the last mainly for birds I haven't seen myself! Sigh!)the RSPB book is also a very reasonable price and pocketable, the Western Palearctic book is neither cheap (good value nonetheless) nor pocketable.

Birds - lots of feathers, 13 Apr 2008
I bought this book to identify the little blighters who hop and fly merrily around my garden. It's a great book with good images and text. The only bird book you'll ever need.

BRILLIANT BOOK!, 25 Mar 2008
I cannot recommend this book khighly enough. I have being birding for 25 years and have amassed a collection of c60 bird books on European birds. This is equal to 50 of them TOGETHER! The illustrations and descriptions are excellent. Many books carry detailed descriptions and photographs on birds in winter plumage and then state that they are summer visitors (or vice versa)! This book is invaluable and ever birder should have at least one copy

First class field guide, 23 Jan 2008
An excellent field guide with brilliant drawings of all the birds in their different plumages. Really does help when identifying rare birds or ones which you are unsure of.

Best bird guide ever!!!!, 29 Oct 2007
The best field guide I have ever owned. Beautiful illustrations and ideal text (plus illustrations and text on opposite pages!!!). It is also comprehensive and features many 'common' vagrants too. If you are a serious European based birder or wildlife enthusiast then quite simply you need this book.
Its scope and detail may prove off-putting to beginners but trust me its worth every penny!

Watch the disc!, 03 Jan 2009
Obviously, as other reviewers have said, this is a good book for home reference, although it contains very little different or extra to the field-sized book.

The big selling point for me was the CD of bird-song. Brilliant to copy to my mp3 player for reference in the field.

Except the CD details are wrong. 99 tracks I had to rename by hand. Ninety-nine.

That's three quarters of an hour of my life I won't get back...

Brilliant for Identification, 15 Aug 2007

We come to expect quality books when they carry the RSPB name and logo and they do not let us down, my only slight quibble is that this particular book says on the front "UK's Best Selling field Guide." To my way of thinking it is a little large for a pocket guide. Carrying a camera field glasses is enough without a weighty book that you will struggle to get into a pocket.

Whether you are an armchair addict, or a twitcher of the first order, this guide and 70-minute CD are essential reference. The book and video introduce you to 800 species that are regularly and not so regularly found in Britain and Europe. The book contains beautiful photographs, including ones of the different plumages, both male, female and juvenile. There is information on habitat and virtually everything you need to know to obtain a true picture of each individual species.

A fantastic bird guide, 18 Dec 2005
This is a fantastic field guide for birdwatchers to have on their bookshelf. The photos are superb, and I personally find them much easier to use for bird identification, than the classic birdwatching field guides that have artists representations. It is a shame that this book is too big and heavy to use outdoors as a field guide (not that I would want to as it might get ruined). However the RSPB have thought of that and have a slimmed down pocket guide available as well.

First class RSPB and DK. Watch out Collins guides, there is a new kid on the block.

the best (non pocket )reference book there is, 29 Oct 2005
An excellent guide to all European birds from Iceland to Israel plus all the vagrants that have visited. The best part of this book is that it has all photos. Some guide books have drawings or coloured illustrations which sometimes are far removed from the bird you want to identify. Having said that this is a hefty book and therefore is not much use in the field, the paperback is smaller and lighter but I prefer this even so. It has a lot of bird info at the front and is the best complete guide I have come across.

Excellent reference book, visually fantastic, 23 May 2003
A solid, brick-like book, not one for carrying around in the field, but great for extra information and to pin down a specific identification. Easy to use and very clear - this has already become a firm favourite. Covering ecology as well as identification this book should be able to inform experts and beginners alike, without being boring or intimidating to either.

In keeping with the other RSPB guides, Complete Birds of Britain and Europe devotes a page to almost all British and European species, containing descriptive text, photographs and a line representation of the bird in flight. Male, female and juvenile are often depicted, with seasonal plumage and in flight pictures as well. An extensive checklist of much rarer species appears at the back.

The detail and authority of description exceeds that of other bird books, including the Collins guides. Rob Hume's efficiency in writing pocket books is evident here as he has used the same approach. The large pages are exploited to the limit and crammed full of information, but without feeling cluttered or inaccessible. However, where the RSPB books tower above their rivals is in the method of illustration. Large, clear photos are definitely my preference and the quality of photography is super, hence the top rating for the book - I haven't seen anything better.

Best for Birds , 29 Dec 2008
This is the warm, authorative but friendly book of British birds that every bird lover needs. It covers each distinct type of bird and has plenty of interesting facts and anecdotal stories to lift it above being a stuffy encyclopaedia of birds. The pictures and illustrations are perfect for the book. Highly recommended.

I agree, 16 Jan 2008
Yes, this book is everything the other reviews say it is. If you like a bit of social history and literature with your birds, you will find this a satisfying read. Above all, Cocker is 'a good writer', which means his prose is always palatable at the very least.

A Cut Above Your Average Bird Book, 31 Oct 2007

There are literally hundreds of Bird Books on the shelves of Bookshops these days. Why do we need so many? Well we don't really, apart, that is, for the fact that printing techniques, particularly colour ones, have changed so dramatically that photographs virtually leap off the page at you. For example, a Robin looks the same now as it did a hundred years ago, so the bird book I had thirty, or even twenty years ago should depict the Robin in exactly the same way. Well hardly, as I said above printing has changed and the advance of the camera is phenomenal.

What used to be `stock or library photographs,' appearing in the same format in book after book have now been superseded by new and vibrant photographs of close-ups of birds, both nesting on the wing and in places that were inaccessible to any kind of successful camera work, just a few years ago.

This book is both comprehensive and easy to read and of course the text is backed up by wonderful photographs of British birds in all kinds of situations. Although it is a reference book, it is also a book that you can actually read and enjoy. It covers the birds species by species, in such detail that it practically tells you what they have for breakfast. Joking apart it virtually does just that.

Much more than a species identification and certainly not one to take out in the field with you. There are lots of other books that serve that purpose very well. This book is a book to savour (no pun intended). A book for the fireside, when the wind is whistling around the chimney pots.

quite simply superb, 03 May 2006
This superb, lavishly illustrated book deserves pride of place on the bookshelf of anyone interested in birds, British natural history or the relations between humans and other animals.

The text draws as much from literature, anecdote and social/cultural history as it does from ornithology but that only widens and deepens its impact. At times the book is quite numbingly sad (without being mawkish or sentimental), leaving the reader with a sense of outrage at our historical, and to some extent ongoing, treatment of wild birds. Although, it has to be said, the story isn't all one of cruelty and exploitation. In short this book perfectly captures our species' contradictory attitudes to wild animals very accurately indeed.

Highly recommended.

Engrossing but sad, 12 Mar 2006
A wonderful book for dipping into, full of stories and nuggets that the kids are fascinated by. Much of the book focusses on the relationship between man and bird. This can reach heights in beautiful poetry but also lows of quite numbing accounts of cruelty. The birds are not sentimentalised and come out of this book a lot better than we do.

So relaxing..., 30 Jul 2008
Lovely book and CD's, so relaxing, just put it on and suddenly your walking with the author listening to the birds! When you go birding and you hear something or need to confirm an identification, the book coupled with easy access to the relevent cd sections works well. The recordings are really good quality as well, which you would expect from a professional sound man. Recommended.

disappointed, 13 Apr 2008
I thought this was disappointing. For me there is not enough detail on the chosen birds and no real advice. I thought the layout was chaotic and really lacked in being a useful tool to learn bird calls and songs. To me it was like leaving a microphone out and reeling off whatever calls came along. My advice is that this package is not a useful learning aid and not entertaining or well put together.

Play C.D. on PC, 17 Jun 2004
A benefit to playing the C.D. on a PC is that,on screen you get an indexed list of each bird that's playing although, surprisingly, not on disc 2.This can be overcome by going online, selecting the "View" tab at the top of the "Windows Media" screen, then select - Go To - followed by - Media Library.You then can download an index and where there are blank spaces go to - Edit and type in the missing species by referring to page 29 of the accompanying book.

A very good buy for all birdwatchers, 08 Oct 2003
This is great value on Amazon for the amount of UK bird songs/calls you get along with an informative book. The only fault I can find is that some of the bird calls merge into others and for the beginner it could be quite confusing. However all in all I would recommend this to any birdwatcher, beginner or intermediate. Experts may find it somewhat boring as there are no real rarities featured.

The best way to learn bird calls yet, 09 Sep 2002
A very useful package of 2 CDs and book that cover most, if not all, the birds of Britain.
The book describes the birds calls and if they are on the CDs, as most are, a track number is given.
There are a few birds missing from the CDs, which is a shame, but the 2 disks are full.
A number of birds of prey are missing, and a few Warblers are not included, but maybe they will turn up on Geoff Samples next book/CD that deals just with them.
Other than that, having loads of birds on CD is very useful, as you can skip through tracks with easy.
The recording quality is very good, and with a whispering voice by Geoff telling you what bird is what, it feels like you are there in the field.
Its very relaxing too !

An excellent bird guide, 04 Feb 2006
This is the book that I reach for before I go to sleep to review some of the birds that I have seen throughout the day - an amazing wealth of information is crammed into a page, and each page is dedicated to a bird. The drawings and artwork are OK, not up to Collins standards, and it would not be my first choice for a field guide, but for some interesting factual information about species that I have encountered. This is the one, and worth having just for that. I love it, and think that the RSPB have a very good and effective range of books out at them moment.

Easy to Read And Use, 17 Feb 2005
The RSPB Handbook of British Birds is an excellent all-round bird book with many topics not discussed in ordinary identification field guides. The main purpose of the book is to give you a better understanding of the birds in the book with sections on habits, movements and migrations and conservation which gives you an idea of what is causing decline and what can be done to prevent it. It also includes some rare birds frequently seen in Britain such as the Night Heron, Ruddy Shelduck and Scarlet Rosefinch. Wherever possible the book has tried to give as much detailed information as possible, for example instead of saying that a kingfisher eats fish, it gives a good description of the different species of fish taken. All round it is a very good book with some excellent illustrations and good up-to-date maps. An excellent addition for anyone with an interest in birds. Well worth the buy!

Extremely accessible and informative, 16 Jan 2003
This is a very impressive all round birdguide. Most guides limit themselves to merely providing details about how to identify species, this book not only perfroms that function perfectly well but in addition offers notes on what makes birds fascinating - their ecology, habitats, conservation status and movements. So, for example, you are not only told how to differentiate between a male and female Grey Partridge but also that they have declined by 84% in the last 25 years and that this is linked to a reduction in suitable nesting cover on farmland and insecticide use. In this way the book gives more of a clear overall picture of British bird species than almost any other book I know. Do not buy this book if you intend to find the definitive identification guide. But for anyone looking for a book that will provide interesting general information about bird species then this is for you.

First class guide to birds found in the British Isles, 29 Jun 2008
I read the reviews and decided to buy the book based on the high proportion of 5* ratings. I was not disappointed!

The book is the size of an average paperback, has a protective clear plastic sleeve, glossy pages, stunning photographs & great summaries on key facts of interest about each bird - definitely the best £7.99 I've spent in a long time!

This is the book you are looking for, 26 Nov 2007
I purchased this book along with the RSPB one .
however the Collins book was more descriptive with full coulour photo's and not drawings as the rspb's it also shows the birds in flight which helps you if you are a beginner less you might not be so quick with the binocc's
So well worth the pounds and five stars

Terrific Photography, 08 Aug 2007
If truth be told most of the birds books for sale these days are excellent for identification purposes. Printing techniques, particularly with the use of colour have improved dramatically and a book that would have cost £100 not many years ago, can now be purchased for a tenth of the price.

This book is full of good quality colour photographs that are ideal for identification. The book also tell you where in the British Isles a particular species is usually to be found. Whether the bird is to be found all year round or whether it is just a visitor to our shores. It also shows the birds in their different plumage: Male and female, juvenile etc.

Modern bird books consciously do not show photographs of eggs and I must admit it is something I miss, although I totally understand the reasoning behind it. All in all this is another of a number of books that are well worth purchasing if you have either a passing interest in birds or are more serious about bird watching.

Highly readible and excellent photographs, 10 Jul 2005
Collins Complete British Birds Photoguide has everything you would ever need in a bird book. It gives a very detailed introduction to British birds and a highly useful section on bird habitats, plumage, migration and movements and conservation at the start of the book without making the text sound too boring.

The photographs in the book are absolutely superb and show birds in every plumage; male and female, adult or juvenile, summer or winter and they are very clear. Each species account gives a description of plumage patterns, voice, where the bird is likely to be found and its status in the country at large, and also (which I found very useful) a bit on where the best place to find the bird is and at what time of year, the distribution maps are very clear and include a calendar bar to show if the bird in question is a year round resident or a visitor.

I found the text very easy to read (unlike most bird books which tend to be very scientific and hard to understand) and is a great book to have. Buy it, I guarantee you will not be wasting your money.

Excellent bird guide, 07 Jan 2005
This is the best bird indentifying book I've seen.
A great layout. Photos (not sketches) of each bird including male, female, juvenile....It also includes information on each bird size, voice, migration, habitat and areas. Also there are pictures of 'uncommon' visitor birds at the back and a lovely general introduction of habitats at the front of the book.

The Best at what it does., 18 Nov 2008
This is beyond any reasonable doubt the best portable field guide.
The other reviewers make that clear.

One of three essential books:

For beginners, or for more detailed information on commoner British Birds I would suggest that the excellent RSPB Handbook of British Birds (Ornithology) is a better choice.
For detailed ID info on rarer birds, Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, The is probably the best.

I use all 3 frequently (the last mainly for birds I haven't seen myself! Sigh!)the RSPB book is also a very reasonable price and pocketable, the Western Palearctic book is neither cheap (good value nonetheless) nor pocketable.

Birds - lots of feathers, 13 Apr 2008
I bought this book to identify the little blighters who hop and fly merrily around my garden. It's a great book with good images and text. The only bird book you'll ever need.

BRILLIANT BOOK!, 25 Mar 2008
I cannot recommend this book khighly enough. I have being birding for 25 years and have amassed a collection of c60 bird books on European birds. This is equal to 50 of them TOGETHER! The illustrations and descriptions are excellent. Many books carry detailed descriptions and photographs on birds in winter plumage and then state that they are summer visitors (or vice versa)! This book is invaluable and ever birder should have at least one copy

First class field guide, 23 Jan 2008
An excellent field guide with brilliant drawings of all the birds in their different plumages. Really does help when identifying rare birds or ones which you are unsure of.

Best bird guide ever!!!!, 29 Oct 2007
The best field guide I have ever owned. Beautiful illustrations and ideal text (plus illustrations and text on opposite pages!!!). It is also comprehensive and features many 'common' vagrants too. If you are a serious European based birder or wildlife enthusiast then quite simply you need this book.
Its scope and detail may prove off-putting to beginners but trust me its worth every penny!

The Best at what it does., 18 Nov 2008
This is beyond any reasonable doubt the best portable field guide.
The other reviewers make that clear.

One of three essential books:

For beginners, or for more detailed information on commoner British Birds I would suggest that the excellent RSPB Handbook of British Birds (Ornithology) is a better choice.
For detailed ID info on rarer birds, Handbook of Bird Identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic, The is probably the best.

I use all 3 frequently (the last mainly for birds I haven't seen myself! Sigh!)the RSPB book is also a very reasonable price and pocketable, the Western Palearctic book is neither cheap (good value nonetheless) nor pocketable.

Birds - lots of feathers, 13 Apr 2008
I bought this book to identify the little blighters who hop and fly merrily around my garden. It's a great book with good images and text. The only bird book you'll ever need.

BRILLIANT BOOK!, 25 Mar 2008
I cannot recommend this book khighly enough. I have being birding for 25 years and have amassed a collection of c60 bird books on European birds. This is equal to 50 of them TOGETHER! The illustrations and descriptions are excellent. Many books carry detailed descriptions and photographs on birds in winter plumage and then state that they are summer visitors (or vice versa)! This book is invaluable and ever birder should have at least one copy

First class field guide, 23 Jan 2008
An excellent field guide with brilliant drawings of all the birds in their different plumages. Really does help when identifying rare birds or ones which you are unsure of.

Best bird guide ever!!!!, 29 Oct 2007
The best field guide I have ever owned. Beautiful illustrations and ideal text (plus illustrations and text on opposite pages!!!). It is also comprehensive and features many 'common' vagrants too. If you are a serious European based birder or wildlife enthusiast then quite simply you need this book.
Its scope and detail may prove off-putting to beginners but trust me its worth every penny!

Watch the disc!, 03 Jan 2009
Obviously, as other reviewers have said, this is a good book for home reference, although it contains very little different or extra to the field-sized book.

The big selling point for me was the CD of bird-song. Brilliant to copy to my mp3 player for reference in the field.

Except the CD details are wrong. 99 tracks I had to rename by hand. Ninety-n