Helm – serie

Identify migratory birds with this book, containing detailed text on flight and contact calls, annotated sonograms and QR codes to the calls themselves. Every spring and autumn, millions of birds fly over us to en route to their summer or winter quarters, with these migratory flights occurring both day and night. A profusion of sounds fills the air, making it possible to put a name to these fleeting silhouettes - because the best way to identify these migrants is by their calls. Often neglected in traditional identification guides, these calls are described in this book with precision. Annotated sonograms make it possible to visualise, identify and better memorise the flight and contact calls of British and European migratory species.* Describes 450 species, with detailed text, photographs and sonograms.* Features essential criteria for effective identification of calls in the field.* Covers migratory behaviour and where and when to encounter each species.* Contains QR codes linking to more than 1,000 downloadable sounds to listen to at home or on your smartphone.

Having trouble separating your screech from your scops owls, Tawny Owl from Tengmalm's, or Spotted from Collared or Jungle Owlets? Then this is the book for you.Owls of the World is the ultimate photographic resource dedicated to the identification of these charismatic, largely nocturnal birds of prey. This book contains lavish and spectacular photography from dozens of the world's finest natural history photographers, covering all of the world's 255 species of owls; particular attention is given to subspecific differences, sexing and ageing. The photos are accompanied by concise text on the identification, habitat, food, distribution and voice of these birds, along with accurate range maps.Ten years on from the previous edition, much has changed in terms of taxonomy, and this is fully reflected in a completely updated text, improvements in the maps, and a fresh and improved series of photos (including some species that had never been photographed in the wild previously), giving this book an unparalleled level of coverage as well, of course, as being a work of great beauty in its own right.Heimo Mikkola's magnificent work is the definitive work on owl identification – no birder's bookshelf should be without it.

The essential guide to getting the most out of birding in your local area.For birdwatching thrills and excitement, why not look closer to home? You don't need to rely on hours of travel to reach remote locations – choose a local ‘patch’ that you can visit regularly instead. Cut out the car and become familiar with the resident and visiting birds that can be found in your chosen spot, their habits and behaviour, and the subtle changes that occur there throughout the seasons.In The Complete Guide to Patch Birding, you'll find out how to make the most of local birding, including how to identify and pick a patch, the best times of day to try to find different birds, the essential kit, how to record sightings, understanding the impact of weather, and how to find rare birds, as well as information about migrant and breeding species.Whether it’s spotting a charm of goldfinches lighting up a gloomy January day, a robin gathering leaves and moss for its new nest in March, the uplifting sight of migratory swallows arriving to signify the start of summer, or hearing the call of young little owls on mild October nights, there are many joys to be had in simply watching and enjoying the birds on your doorstep. This practical guide contains all the information you need to get started.