birdman
Орнитол&
May I recommend the following selection of books to Forum members. The first is mainly for the Brits, although members who share my interest in languages may also be interested in this themselves. The second will probably only appeal to fellow-Europeans or, again, other language-freaks. The final three might be of interest to anyone, but especially to Gaye who seems to share my love of books!
1. British Birds, their Folklore, Names and Literature. (Francesca Greenoak - ISBN 0-7136-4814-7)
Not only do you get 51 alternative British names for the Dunnock, but also details of the derivation of many British bird names, and the varying ways in which birds have made an impact in British legend. A very interesting alternative to the standard fayre for the bird enthusiast.
2. Guide des Oiseaux de France et d'Europe (R. Peterson et al - ISBN 2-603-00940-0)
This is an excellent French version of the standard European Field Guide. Obviously aimed at French birders, but typically gives the English, German, Dutch, Swedish, Italian and Spanish names along with, of course, the French names.
3. Extinct Birds (Errol Fuller - ISBN 0-19-850837-9)
Superb, if slightly overpriced, book detailing to a greater or lesser extent, the story and history of 80+ species that have become extinct since 1600. Includes perhaps the two most famous extinctions; the Dodo and the unbelievably spectacular demise of the Passenger Pigeon. Food for thought concerning No.4?
4. Threatened Birds of the World.
A superb, pricey(!) and somewhat sobering volume detailing the 1000 or so of the World's bird species considered to be threatened. Rather like an oversized field guide in format.
5. Handbook of the Birds of the World.
The absolute ultimate, in my opinion. This "handbook", for those who don't know, comprises at the moment, 7 HUGE volumes (Vol. 8 is imminent) of a (currently) proposed 18 in total.
It is costing me an arm and a leg - but it is the work I have been looking for since I was a kid. Incredibly detailed, but stops short of the scientific information that, in my opinion, is of interest ony to serious ornitholigists. Only buy this if you share my passion for what it offers - but if you do, buy it direct from the publishers - you'll save pounds (or dollars etc.).
Nos. 1 & 3 were purchased in the UK, and No. 2 in France - but I dare say there's a good chance of finding them on the various Amazon websites.
Nos. 4 & 5 are published by Lynx Edicions in Spain although I seem to recall they have a separate distribution centre for N. America (and perhaps also Australasia). They offer payment by installment, which I have used, and I have experienced absolutely no problems whatsoever with this arrangement. Details can be found at the following web address.
http://www.hbw.com/
These books are my pride and joy. Perhaps they will also be of interest to you.
1. British Birds, their Folklore, Names and Literature. (Francesca Greenoak - ISBN 0-7136-4814-7)
Not only do you get 51 alternative British names for the Dunnock, but also details of the derivation of many British bird names, and the varying ways in which birds have made an impact in British legend. A very interesting alternative to the standard fayre for the bird enthusiast.
2. Guide des Oiseaux de France et d'Europe (R. Peterson et al - ISBN 2-603-00940-0)
This is an excellent French version of the standard European Field Guide. Obviously aimed at French birders, but typically gives the English, German, Dutch, Swedish, Italian and Spanish names along with, of course, the French names.
3. Extinct Birds (Errol Fuller - ISBN 0-19-850837-9)
Superb, if slightly overpriced, book detailing to a greater or lesser extent, the story and history of 80+ species that have become extinct since 1600. Includes perhaps the two most famous extinctions; the Dodo and the unbelievably spectacular demise of the Passenger Pigeon. Food for thought concerning No.4?
4. Threatened Birds of the World.
A superb, pricey(!) and somewhat sobering volume detailing the 1000 or so of the World's bird species considered to be threatened. Rather like an oversized field guide in format.
5. Handbook of the Birds of the World.
The absolute ultimate, in my opinion. This "handbook", for those who don't know, comprises at the moment, 7 HUGE volumes (Vol. 8 is imminent) of a (currently) proposed 18 in total.
It is costing me an arm and a leg - but it is the work I have been looking for since I was a kid. Incredibly detailed, but stops short of the scientific information that, in my opinion, is of interest ony to serious ornitholigists. Only buy this if you share my passion for what it offers - but if you do, buy it direct from the publishers - you'll save pounds (or dollars etc.).
Nos. 1 & 3 were purchased in the UK, and No. 2 in France - but I dare say there's a good chance of finding them on the various Amazon websites.
Nos. 4 & 5 are published by Lynx Edicions in Spain although I seem to recall they have a separate distribution centre for N. America (and perhaps also Australasia). They offer payment by installment, which I have used, and I have experienced absolutely no problems whatsoever with this arrangement. Details can be found at the following web address.
http://www.hbw.com/
These books are my pride and joy. Perhaps they will also be of interest to you.