Flight Identification of European Passerines and Select Landbirds: An Illustrated and Photographic Guide (WILDGuides)

Just got this book so haven't had chance to fully test it out. I've had a good look through all the introductory chapters, and am impressed by the years of observation the author has managed to consolidate into this book. It's quite weighty, not a field guide but more one to study before and after going bird watching. The author recommends making notes or taking photos and then referencing the books. Its much harder to identify small birds in flight, and with the many drawings and photos that have been included I am already learning new ID techniques.That all said, perhaps it wasn't possible, but not all positions of each species are included and some of the photos don't contribute much as they are "action shots" and not all in focus. It's a brand new publication and I expect a few revisions in the future. In the mean time I'm looking forward to many happy hours between this book and the field.

Wonderful.Sublime.Bit big, but wish it was bigger.Soundbites aside, this is how bird identification should be done. It is, I should stress, not just for hardcore vismiggers or 'serious birders' or whatever, this is a book that will benefit anyone who looks at a bird and goes "what's that?" The size and silhouette comparisons alone are a wonder [and plug a huge hole in all other guides].I want one for raptors, one for seabirds - oh if only they would do a seawatchers' guide like this! Not just 'proper' seabirds but gulls and terns and ducks and waders and hirundines and all the glorious array that fly past a watchpoint...Putting that dreaming aside, this is a wonderful guide, works for perched birds too [just imagine the legs], and should be owned by everyone who already has the Bird Guide.

I love this book. I have the paper copy but also bought it in Kindle so I could take it anywhere. It contains an extraordinary amount of close observation, built over a lifetime, full of practical hints for the birder. One of the very best bird books I have seen.I struggled to read the Kindle version at first because it is a facsimile of the paper version, to preserve the layout. I found the type impossibly small. Then I discovered Orientation Lock on the Kindle menu and I coulr read it in landscape, and all was well.

Agree with most of the reviews but my only criticism is the action shots I think shutter speed springs to mind otherwise a great reference book.

I thought this would be useful and it is. What I’m surprised by is how enjoyable and easy to read this is (I.e. not only useful as a field guide). Recommended.