The Lincolnshire Bird Club

I take my ex-library hardback copy of the “Collins Bird Guide” with me virtually everywhere I go, even if I am not bird watching, though it is soon to be demoted by a new copy of the 2nd edition, as of Christmas day (if I have played my cards right with Father Christmas!) but I find an easily accessible pocket guide book absolutely invaluable. I am eagerly anticipating the release of the “Collins British Bird Guide (Collins Pocket Guide)” in April 2016 but wondered whether there is a better pocket guide book available currently than the one that I am using. I have had a fair few (giving most away, finding them not very helpful in the field) and definitely prefer the illustrated versions, rather than the guides using photos for reference. I have the RSPB “Pocket Birds of Britain and Europe” but the one that I currently favor is “The Birdwatcher’s Pocket Guide to Britain and Europe” (Hayman & Hume). Any recommendations would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Ben.

Hi Benjamin,
Collins have recently released an app version of their Bird Guide which is receiving great reviews. Only for iPhone/Pad at present but hopefully (for me at least) an Android version will follow soon. If using good old hard print (still the best) 2 I could recommend are:

RSPB Pocket Birds of Britain and Europe (Third edition, Revised) published by Dorling Kindersley.

A Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe by Habitat by Mark Golley published by the Wildlife Trusts

Hope this helps.
Ian

Hello Ian, thank you very much for taking the time to reply. The Collins app sounds like it will be excellent, but being a bit of a technophobe, I only have an extremely basic phone (Nokia 105!). I actually have the RSPB Pocket Birds of Britain and Europe, I forgot to stipulate that it is the third revised edition. I will definitely be looking out for the Wildlife Trusts book though on your recommendation.

Thanks again,

regards,

Ben.