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The first ever RSPB-endorsed audio and print guide to enjoying and understanding the birdsong of Britain's best known bird species.

Table of Contents

Part 1: An Introduction to Bird Songs and Calls Introduction How to use this guide What is sound? How do birds make noises? Types of bird sound How to describe bird sounds Reading sonograms What sounds to expect: Where and when? What to expect: Habitats Putting it all together Turning it into learning Part 2: Guide to Common Bird Songs and Calls Towns and villages Woods and copses Upland woodland Farmland Reedbeds and marshes Part 3: Reference Guide How to Record Bird Sounds Glossary References Acknowledgements Sound Credits Photo Credits Track List Index

About the Author

Adrian Thomas is a lifelong birdwatcher and naturalist, and has worked at the RSPB for fifteen years in a wide variety of roles. After contributing for many years to BirdWatching magazine, his writing now regularly features in Nature’s Home and Garden Answers, and has also appeared in the Times Literary Supplement. He is the author of three books; RSPB Gardening for Wildlife (1st Edition) (Bloomsbury, 2010), winner of the national Garden Media Guild award; The Birds of Sussex (BTO, 2014); and Best Birdwatching Sites in Sussex (Buckingham Press, 2003).

Reviews

Adrian’s knowledge of the science and majesty of birdsong resonates from every page as he tells how to recognise the vocalisations of 250 species, opening a new dimension of birdwatching to novice and expert.
*Sunday Express*

Adrian's descriptions of the sounds are excellent - far closer to the real thing and easier to remember than most field guides manage - but his own sonograms are a useful extra touch, and of course the CD (...) adds a very valuable extra dimension.
*Bird Watching*

Thomas's enthusiasm for his subject, as well as the sheer depth of his passionate knowledge, really shines through on every page.
*English Garden*

It's easy to read, clearly illustrated and as someone with no musical knowledge makes essential reading.
*Birdwatch*

It contains the clearest descriptions I have read for understanding pitch, timbre, harmonics and overtones and for anyone struggling to learn bird calls and songs it's a great introduction and I suspect for many it might just be the book they need.
*Birdwatch*