Category: Book review

Yet another county avifauna piggybacking on the back of the BTO/BWI/SOC Atlas? Of course, and how lucky we are to be deluged with such a large number of these excellent works. Some chap writes at the front of this book ‘Everyone, who has contributed to this splendid work, deserves the highest praise.’ and he is…

This is a wonderful book. It might not appeal to everybody but it is right up my street and it will be a book to which I return, often, over many years. It’s about the study of birds, and the contribution made by ornithologists (and birds!) to our understanding of evolution, population regulation, sexual selection,…

Although this is described as the 2nd edition of the book of 1993 it is much, much more than just a revamp.  This edition includes data from the recent atlassing frenzy and so it is pretty much up to date (and was published in 2012). Buckinghamshire is one of those mysterious counties as far as…

I really wanted to like this book but I couldn’t quite do it. It’s about restoring habitats – a subject on which I am very keen – and I have the feeling that I would enjoy a couple of beers with Mr Woodworth, but his book didn’t move me or thrill me.  I’ve had it…

Prof Ian Newton FRS has been described as the UK’s greatest living ornithologist and there is nothing in this book to dent that assessment. In his clear and precise way, Ian Newton explains the factors that affect, determine and regulate bird population levels.  There are plenty of examples which illustrate the general principles. As Ian…