I've never really been a fan of photo field guides. In the past, I've always gravitated towards the more nuanced interpretation of a skilled illustrator to highlight key features, to help me identify birds/animals/plants in the field. While that still largely holds true, photo-guides have come on in leaps and bounds since I first encountered them, and for many wildlife … [Read more...] about Europe’s Birds, An Identification Guide (Book Review)
Wild Guides
Book Review: How to Be an Urban Birder
One of the best things about birding is that you can do it wherever you happen to find yourself. Whether you're in your own back garden, travelling to the remotest corners of the globe, or simply popping out to the shops, birds are everywhere, and there's always the potential of seeing something interesting. That's why I have three pairs of binoculars in my personal birding … [Read more...] about Book Review: How to Be an Urban Birder
Book Review: Britain’s Habitats: A Guide to the Wildlife Habitats of Britain and Ireland
Understanding habitats is an important part of wildlife watching. Whether you're targeting a particular species or looking to find as much wildlife as you can on a trip to a particular location, knowledge about the various habitats you're likely to encounter, and the species they support, is a key part of a successful wildlife watching expedition."Britain's Habitats -- A … [Read more...] about Book Review: Britain’s Habitats: A Guide to the Wildlife Habitats of Britain and Ireland
Book Review: Britain’s Dragonflies
Dragonflies and damselflies are the all-stars of the insect world. Large, mobile, active predators -- with the possible exception of cephalopods (octopuses, cuttlefish and squid) the odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) are about as exciting as invertebrates get.In Ireland we have 11 species of damselfly and 22 species of dragonfly, and while identifying some of them … [Read more...] about Book Review: Britain’s Dragonflies
Book Review: Britain’s Day Flying Moths
Moths are brilliant.Here in Ireland we have only 34 butterfly species -- including residents and frequently encountered migrants. We have, to date, more than 1,330 recorded moth species on the island. They come in all sorts of shapes colour and sizes and are a fascinating group of oft-overlooked insects that play a crucial role in the maintenance of a healthy, functioning … [Read more...] about Book Review: Britain’s Day Flying Moths
