Can you recommend a guide? (1 Viewer)

[Janshorty]

Hi all, I am off to Greece for 2 weeks pretty soon and am in need of a guide!

It takes me all my time to ID most British birds ( being a newbie ) so I will be lost without one. The best I have is a collins, although it is the 'Complete British Birds' guide, so I don't suppose it will be much good in Greece!! Or will it?? :h?:

 

[Hanno]

Hi Jan,

I am not familiar with the "Complete British Birds Guide". but I do believe it indeed only covers Britain, meaning that many Greek species would not be in there. I also suggest you do not rely on a photographic guide, they might look nice, but often make ID'ing birds very difficult. I suggest "Collins BIRD GUIDE: The Most Complete Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe by Lars Svensson", arguably one of the best books you can buy. It has many useful hints for both newbies and more experienced watchers, and can be used anywhere in Europe.

 

[Bluetail]

As Hanno says, the Collins Bird Guide is the best you can get - no birder should be without it! Available in Hardback or paperback.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0002197286/202-0742007-4499021

Lars Jonsson's Birds of Europe with North Africa and the Middle East is also excellent. The paintings are larger, too, which might possibly make it easier to identify unfamiliar birds.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0713652381/qid=1091247223/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_3_1/202-0742007-4499021

 

[pduxon]

Hi Jan

never been to Greece but the obvious choices are:

The Collins Bird Guide - Svennson et al
or
The Birds of Britain Europe and North Africa - Lars Jonsson

Most folk rate the Collins as the best bet but the Jonsson has many fans.

Hope you have a good holiday.

 

[Janshorty]

Thanks for the replies,


The COLLINS BIRD GUIDE was the one I requested (birthday present) but ended up with the BRITISH version. I will now invest in the other, which was originally shown to me by Helenol. I didn't realise it covered so much!!

Thanks again.

 

[helenol]

Hello Jan, long time no see!

I thought I had shown you the Collins book, but couldn't quite remember.

Buy it, you won't regret it.

Regards

 

[Janshorty]

Hello Jan, long time no see!

I thought I had shown you the Collins book, but couldn't quite remember.

Buy it, you won't regret it.

Regards

Hi Helen,

I am off to the Trafford Centre to pick up my tickets this week, do you think I will be able to get the guide from WHSmith? It is a reasonably large shop but at Christmas I couldn't even get an Oxford school dictionary for my eldest!! If not where is most likely to have it IN STOCK?

 

[Janshorty]

P.S. Have you talked him into a new DSLR yet?

 

[pduxon]

P.S. Have you talked him into a new DSLR yet?

is this at the same time as she buys the Leica bins?

Smiths should have the Collins as should Waterstones

 

[helenol]

P.S. Have you talked him into a new DSLR yet?

ahem.... err, no. Well, I keep hinting, but it doesn't seem to be working. Give me time.

As Pete says, I need bins too. I have no gear whatsoever :-C

Donations gratefully received.

 

[Janshorty]

ahem.... err, no. Well, I keep hinting, but it doesn't seem to be working. Give me time.

As Pete says, I need bins too. I have no gear whatsoever :-C

Donations gratefully received.

I got some bins for my birthday. They were recommended by o forum member, from 7dayshop.com £27.49 from £134.99. Eyetx 10 x 42 they are great, but then you saw the others that I have so anything would be really!!! :bounce:

 

[helenol]

but then you saw the others that I have so anything would be really!!! :bounce:

At least you have a pair! I have some 8x21's. As one member (who shall remain anonymous) commented one day "Like looking through loo rolls!" I'm almost inclined to agree.