Garden Birds

by Stephen Moss

The ideal portable companion, the world-renowned Collins Gem series returns with a fresh new look and updated material.


This is the perfect pocket guide for keen birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to identify the diverse range of birds that inhabit their gardens.


Authoritative text and beautiful photographs show the distinguishing features of each bird, including information on each species' feeding, behavioural habits, breeding, voice and population. An extensive introduction provides information on nesting sites, water, pests and predators.


This new edition builds on the strengths of the unrivalled original, covering all birds most likely to be found in our gardens.

Genres: Reference, Animals, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

About the author

Librarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.

Stephen Moss is a naturalist, broadcaster, television producer and author. In a distinguished career at the BBC Natural History Unit his credits included Springwatch, Birds Britannia and The Nature of Britain. His books include The Robin: A Biography, A Bird in the Bush, The Bumper Book of Nature, Wild Hares and Hummingbirds and Wild Kingdom. He is also Senior Lecturer in Nature and Travel Writing at Bath Spa University. Originally from London, he lives with his family on the Somerset Levels, and is President of the Somerset Wildlife Trust. He is a regular contributor to the Guardian.

Reviews

[Ben Murrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have the exact book listed here, but instead the updated 2021 version, it's just hard to find the properly listed edition which such a niche book, so keep that in mind.

But the book is excellent!! A perfect light pocket guide for beginner bird watchers. The colourful tabs and quick reference index means you can grab a description of the bird before it flies away. Each description is accompanied by a clear photo or two as well, so you can be sure you've spotted the right one.

There's even a brief introduction describing nesting habits and needs for different species.

I can't think of a way I'd improve this little book (it's A7 size), it does exactly what you'd expect it to all whilst slotting in the back pocket.

[pwcresswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

Ideal for my simple needs, identifying birds on the bird feeder. I'm sure the greater details will be of interest to others, but the short Sharp gobbles of information were perfect for the family to quickly look up an interesting finch etc on the feeders.

[for-much-deliberation ... · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good pocket guide on the topic

[Alsjem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to look up a bird I saw on holiday at centre parcs. It was a Jay

[Gav Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love my little book of birds. See loads of the little blighters in my garden daily. This book identifies the little fellas, and now and again a newbie arrives that needs searching for.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little pocket bird book is fab. It has so much info, from what food to feed them, what books you will see each season and all about migration, nesting and lovely pictures of the different birds I might see. As it's small you can take it on holiday or walks and it's great.

[Tiarnán · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive.