John Cantelo
Well-known member
Helm Guide to Bird Identification – Vinnicome, Harris & Tucker &
It arrived this PM so here's my initial thoughts: -
Thoroughly updated & revised version of the 'MacMillan Field Guide to Bird Identification'
Better selection of species (for British birders) than in the original “MacGuide” (now including Yellow-browed Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Arctic Redpoll, etc). Some illustrations imported from the later “MacBirders' Guide”, but others seem to be new. Inevitably, a few disappointments – for example no illustrations of Iberian Chiffchaff or River Warbler (in the original) – although both had ID texts.
Irritatingly, the text of species covered only descriptively did not note that there were no illustrations of the relevant species.
More thorough treatment of difficult complexes – e. g. shrikes, large gulls (esp. Caspian).
Larger format means individual illustrations larger & points easier to see.
Generally better printing than the original, but some plates too dark – not usually an issue, but Pallid Swift so dark to be un-identifiable as such.
Up to the minute taxonomy.
Good current 'status'commentary for UK
Text in a single block, not in columns as before – I found this less easy to read. Annotations now in clearer typeface
Whilst the text was clearly largely based on the original, it had obviously been reviewed and amended where needed.
Better and more comprehensive than the recent 'Birds ID Insights' from New Holland
An absolute must by for those without the original who should order it NOW. Those who do have it will need to be fairly laid back not to do so, but should certainly have it on their birthday/Christmas pressies list.
It arrived this PM so here's my initial thoughts: -
Thoroughly updated & revised version of the 'MacMillan Field Guide to Bird Identification'
Better selection of species (for British birders) than in the original “MacGuide” (now including Yellow-browed Warbler, Cetti's Warbler, Arctic Redpoll, etc). Some illustrations imported from the later “MacBirders' Guide”, but others seem to be new. Inevitably, a few disappointments – for example no illustrations of Iberian Chiffchaff or River Warbler (in the original) – although both had ID texts.
Irritatingly, the text of species covered only descriptively did not note that there were no illustrations of the relevant species.
More thorough treatment of difficult complexes – e. g. shrikes, large gulls (esp. Caspian).
Larger format means individual illustrations larger & points easier to see.
Generally better printing than the original, but some plates too dark – not usually an issue, but Pallid Swift so dark to be un-identifiable as such.
Up to the minute taxonomy.
Good current 'status'commentary for UK
Text in a single block, not in columns as before – I found this less easy to read. Annotations now in clearer typeface
Whilst the text was clearly largely based on the original, it had obviously been reviewed and amended where needed.
Better and more comprehensive than the recent 'Birds ID Insights' from New Holland
An absolute must by for those without the original who should order it NOW. Those who do have it will need to be fairly laid back not to do so, but should certainly have it on their birthday/Christmas pressies list.
