The Little Book of Garden Bird Songs

A happy marriage of traditional bird identification with a novelty sound bar makes for a wonderfully useful book that will be enjoyed right across the age groups.  Learning to identify individual bird songs is not straightforward.  Many birds have a regional accent or imitate other birds and even machines, but it is a skill that gives huge pleasure and will stay with you for life.  What better way than to start with the young.  The authors introduce twelve of the most common garden birds that you are likely to see at a bird table or feeder.  These range from the familiar robin and thrush to the colourful goldfinch and plain little dunnock (sometimes described as an SBJ – small brown job).  Each photographic profile is accompanied by description highlighting key characteristics, information on nesting and feeding as well as some surprising or unusual facts.  Alongside each page a sound bar allows the reader to hear a snatch of song at the press of a button.  The quality of sound is good, and there is clear information on how to safely replace (and recycle) the batteries, extending the life of the book.  The combination of decorative artwork and photography makes a very attractive package, which would prove a delightful gift for any outdoor-loving child.  An imaginative and inspiring way to bring the dawn chorus to life.