Customer Reviews

Tracks and Signs of the Birds of Britain and Europe (Helm Identification Guide)

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I recently came across this bird identification book and almost passed it by until I thumbed through it a bit. Just because it deals with birds from Britain and Europe ,don't let that sway you because many of the birds covered are also found in North America.
This is one of the most unusual " Bird Books" I have seen;and I own around 1000 of them.It is certainly not the book to get if you are just starting out in identifying birds; although anyone,regardless of their skill level,would find it interesting.
This book will bring a gleam to any Birder's eye;especially if he thinks of the times someone walks up and asks; "What bird is this feather from?" , "What bird made these tracks?"," What kind of bird's eggshell is this?,What kind of owl pellet is this?", What kind of bird made this nest?", "What kind of bird's skull is this?",and on and on. Usually the person asking,thinks that since you "know a lot" about birds;that he is asking a very simple question.When he receives a blank stare and a hunch of the shoulders,he is surprised.
The reason for this is that most Birders that you run across in the field,simply don't pay that much attention to this sort of stuff. The identification marks that Birders look for are those found in guides such a the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America ,and similar field guides. One of the main reasons for this is that Birders are looking for birds and listening for soundsd ;but when you come across the things covered in this book;the birds are usually long gone.
However,this book is still a very interesting source for studying detailed aspects of bird anatomy ,plumage ,evidence and habits.
The book would be fascinating to any Birder with a lot of experience and wants to do some detective work in finding the source of evidence he comes acroos in the field.
On the back of the book is a comment that it "is an essential companion for all birdwatchers" .This is a stretch, because most birdwatchers ,who have spent a lot of time becomming adept at field identification;do so with very little of the details in this book.
If you doubt what I'm saying ;think about this. You're out in the field ,the group leader or guru,is "on" a bird. He is trying to sort out an ID point. He turns to the group and asks;"Does anyone have a Bird Guide with them?" Reach into your knapsack and hand him this book;and watch his expression!
There you go;but it is still a very interesting book to add to your collectioon.

A very good illustrated book, plenty of informations about all the signs you could find in a wood, a beach, a street.. Just open the book and you'll be able to find out which species of bird flown on your garden, which one eat your loved flowers... Very nice and veru useful!