Field Guide for Australia (1 Viewer)

[peachykeen]

I have a trip planned to Australia over the Christmas holidays. I don't have a field guide and have no idea where to start looking for one. Could someone give me some direction in finding a good one? Any favorites out there?

Thanks for the help

 

[Edward]

Hi Peachykeen

There have been plenty of discussions on Australian field guides in the past, just do a search in the Books thread. Here's one for example
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=27855&highlight=Australian+field

I prefer the Pizzey & Knight guide personally, one of my favourite field guides anywhere in the world. If I were you I'd order well in advance of your trip so you can start learning, since virtually every bird you see will be new to you!

E

 

[Chris Benesh]

I have a trip planned to Australia over the Christmas holidays. I don't have a field guide and have no idea where to start looking for one. Could someone give me some direction in finding a good one? Any favorites out there?

Thanks for the help

Hi Peachykeen,

There are several out there. My particular favorite is Pizzey & Knight. Another popular one because of its size is the Slater guide. See:

http://www.harpercollins.com.au/global_scripts/product_catalog/book_xml.asp?isbn=0207198217
http://www.newhollandpublishers.com/catalogue/natural_history/view/index.php?id=33

One source in the US:
http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Birds-Australia/dp/0207198217/
http://www.amazon.com/Slaters-Field-Guide-Australian-Birds/dp/1877069000/

Chris

 

[peachykeen]

Hey, thanks for the input. I will check out the suggestions. Really looking forward to the trip!!!

 

[madbirder]

G'day Peachykeen
Several good guides available- I've used most of them and find my individual preference is for Pizzey & Knight and if size is an issue, Compact Morecombe.
There is yet another review here:
http://users.mcmedia.com.au/~stocky/books.html
I'm sure you'll have a great trip.

 

[hampers]

Also prefer Pizzey, check out Amazon. Usually have good prices. I bought a copy in Australia and it was considerably cheaper than UK.

 

[Rose Fletcher]

Like others, I use and recommend the Pizzey & Knight field guide. It serves me better than any other I've tried.

I hope you enjoy your trip - we have some great birds. :t:

 

[peachykeen]

Thanks to all who took time to answer. Th P& K it is, then. I think Amazon will get my business. I've bought quite a few books through them before.

 

[scary-canary]

You need to get hold of a copy of richard and sarah thomas "Complete guide to finding the birds of Australia" too if you can get a copy. it's invaluable for all those little out of the way sites full of birds. i know he works for Birdlife International so you may be able to contact him there.

 

[baj]

Is P&K easy to find in bookshops in Australia, and how much does it cost there?

 

[Edward]

Is P&K easy to find in bookshops in Australia, and how much does it cost there?

Yes it is, at least in Brisbane. It costs around 45 AUD, new edition due in August.

E

 

[swiss7]

Most bookshops have a good collection of fieldguides.. visit a few shops and you'll find them all, giving you the chance to decide which you like best. Personally, I use Slaters because I can keep it in my bag if I ever need to make reference (unfortunately some of the taxonomy is a bit out-dated, but most sub-species are there). My girlfriend swears by Simpson and Day, which I have also learnt to appreciate. Neither of us are a fan of Morcombe, whilst Pizzey & Knight is alright but we haven't got a copy ourselves.

Unfortunately, none of our field-guides stand out above any other, and all have their positives and short-comings. But, they all cover every species well so its just whether you like the layout/plates or not I guess.

Have fun
Damien

 

[swiss7]

PS: I meant to add also:

Bookshops to look for (in all cities) are Borders, Angus & Robertson, and Dymocks.

They have the best ranges.

 

[Big Pix]

I pick mine up at a small book store in a country town where I live...... easy to obtain......