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Can anyone recomend a nice bird book for a novice that will see me through as i learn ? dont want one that shows just a few common birds, would like one that shows male and females habitat ect so i can learn, going to ask hubby for one for xmas :)

Hi FoS,

My favourite Bird book is the Collins Bird Guide, The most complete guide to the birds of Britain and Europe ISBN 0-00-711332-3.

It shows Males, Females and Juveniles except where there is no plumage difference. It also shows birds that have a different plumage either after the breeding season (Duck species in Eclipse) or have a different plumage in the winter (Black Headed Gull loses it's Black Head colouring) and shows the different stages of some Juvenile plumages (eg, most Gulls go through at least 3 changes of plumage before becoming their adult colour) and shows european variations if applicable. It also describes habitats and song/call and has mini-maps of where the birds are likely to be found whether they are present all year, only passing through, Summer residents only or Winter residents only.

I also use the Collins books but this is the updated version of my favourite birding book:

http://www.mitchell-beazley.co.uk/mbeazley/display.asp?K=181261265426100&ds=mainmb&sf_01=ctitle&st_02=birds&sf_02=keyword&sort=%24RANK&m=2&dc=4

The wildflower book is good also:
http://www.mitchell-beazley.co.uk/mbeazley/results.asp?SEARCH_FIELD=KEYWORD&SEARCH_TEXT=wild+flowers&SEARCH_O=CONTAINS+ALL&ds=mainmb

Thanks have just shown hubby what i want  ;D

I have the RSPB book which is marvellous !  It contains everything you will ever want to know about our feathered friends.  :D ;D

If you want something a bit different...

A new one just published is Birds Britannica by Richard Mabey and somebody else. What makes BB so special is it goes deeply into the folklore and myths about each bird. A deeply wonderful book, and one I hope turns up on Xmas morning!

Cheers,
Rob ;)