Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to British Birds

by Bill Bailey

'When herons are spooked they have a habit of vomiting as a defence. Half-digested pieces of eel and water vole skull on your head is not a good look. Just so you know.'

Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to British Birds is all about comedian Bailey's love of birds. A visual feast - it is packed with illustrations, sketches and notes by Bailey - as well as informative, it is funny and insightful, and positively crackles with energy, knowledge and wit as he takes us on a journey around the British isles, zooming in on those birds that enthuse him the most. Whether it's what they eat, where they fly to or how they communicate, these birds are always fascinating, and Bailey introduces us to their weird and wonderful ways in a manner that is always entertaining. If you're a parent who'd like to appear a bit clever when your child asks you the name of a bird; if you want to find a new and healthy hobby that takes you outdoors; or whether, quite simply, you want to understand a bit more about our natural environment and have a laugh at the same time, this is the perfect companion book to have.

Alongside music and stand-up, one of Bailey's favourite pastimes is birdwatching, which he has been doing since he was a child in the West Country. His fondest memories are of family outings with parents, grandparents and cousins, ticking the birds off in his little Observer's Book of Birds. As he has said about those formative years, 'birdwatching gave a purpose to the day and a love of the natural world which has carried on into my adult life'.

A beautifully and originally designed hardback, it will delight Bailey's fans as well as those who like a bit of armchair escapism.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Birds, Humor, Animals, Natural History, Reference

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 20, 2016

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most people know Bill Bailey for his amazing performances where he expertly mixes comedy and music with a large dollop of zaniness, or his appearances on various panel games. What most people don’t know is that he loves all things about the natural world and is a massive fan of birds in particular. For this book, he has taken 51 of his favourite birds, from the generally unloved pigeons and herring gulls to the tiny wrens, deadly peregrines and the cheeky corvid family. Each of the mini-chapters on birds has facts and details of where to find them or in the case of the bittern, where you can go and look and generally fail to see them.

There is not a vast amount of prose in the book, but what there is, is written with Bailey’s impish humour, amusing anecdotes and razor sharp wit. The design of the book makes it feel that you are reading a notebook full of jottings and his own charming sketches. Not necessarily a book for experts, but perfect for someone who is teetering on the edge of discovering the delights of the natural world.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main thing I have learnt from this book is that Bill Bailey has a drinking problem, I’ve never seen so main stains from tea/coffee (I didn’t lick the pages so not sure which one it was), there were splashes and rings from his mug all over the pages. This does remind me of a Mr Bean book I read as a kid, the stains, ripped pages, images stuck to page and funny little illustrations were done by Mr. Bean too.

The layout makes this a fun read, each of Bill’s favourite birds gets 4 pages, you get a photo, a write up about the bird, it’s plumage and reminisces of when Bill first spotted the bird, you also get a bonus fact and a bizarre little illustration. (See blog post for a sample)

When watching Bill perform live I’ve always thought he was very birdlike, he always seems wide-eyed and a bit twitchy. I think he has been influenced by his years of bird watching and it’s nice to hear that when on tour he always finds time to have a look around to see what he can spot.

This is a beginners guide more than anything else, Bill recommends starting bird-watching by try to find a pigeon, so if you know anybody showing an interest in birds then this will be a great gift for them. My youngest daughter is going to read this next and I think she’ll enjoy it mainly because of the interesting gruesome facts included, a bit like the horrible histories books.

Blog post is here> https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2018...

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

seda, kes on Bill Bailey, pidin alustuseks googeldama, sest nimi tundus tuttav, aga kindel polnud, kust. okei, Black Booksi mõnda osa ma olen näinud ja nägu oli ka ikkagi tuttav.

ilmselgelt raamatu valisin lindude, mitte autori pärast, aga eks mind ahvatles küll veidi idee linnumäärajast, mille on kirjutanud niisama linnuhuviline, mitte ornitoloog. lootsin, et asju ei aeta liiga keeruliseks, ja need lootused täitusid täiega. linde oli raamatusse valitud selle järgi, keda Bailey ise näinud on ja kes talle meeldivad, ja neid polnud liiga palju. juurde oli ka kirjutatud... huvitavaid asju. näiteks et haigur lõpetas Bailey tiigist kalade püüdmise siis, kui tiigi kõrvale paigutati krokodilli kuju. või et piiritaja poja esimene lend pesast välja on kohe lõunamaale, ei ole mingit kodu ümber harjutamist.

ja pildid! igast linnust on foto ka olemas, nii et on võimalik teda selle järgi enamvähem määrata - aga Bailey on ise ka joonistanud neid. nii linde kui muid olulisi tegelasi (Henry VIII, rebased, tema ise mitmes interpretatsioonis), tihti juures ka asjakohased jutumullid, ja nojah, see kõik on küll juba koomikule täitsa kohane. ühesõnaga, need pildid täiendavad juttu hästi.

olin muidugi sunnitud võtma ette eestikeelsete linnunimede andmebaasi ja endale tabeli tegema, sest ega ma ikka ei teadnud küll, et bittern on hüüp ja dipper vesipapp, näiteks. siin sain ka selgust, mis vahe on viul, tuuletallajal, kalakotkal, rabapistrikul ja puna-harksabal (klge, Eestis vist ei ole puna-harksaba? elus pole enne kuulnud seda nime. jääb mulle seega igaveseks meelde kui sõna, mille õppisin enne ära kõmri kui eesti keeles. barcud coch, pole tänu väärt). enne olid nad kõik mu jaoks ühed kullid kõik.

klge aga teate, et vesipapi jalaluud ei ole õõnes, nagu linnuluudele kombeks, vaid... noh, seest täis. et ta paremini vee all püsiks ja saaks mööda jõepõhja jalutada süüa otsides.

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the last few years, I have become increasingly interested in birds. I have not yet reached the status of fully-fledged twitcher, but I have approached the edge of the nest a few times and come close to leaving. One indication of this is the fact that the most exciting thing to happen to me for a long time was when, recently, a group of 8 Waxwings, not seen in my area since 2013, decided to land in the tree outside the front of my house. For a couple of days, until they moved on, my house was the centre of North Wiltshire’s, well, Swindon's, bird-watching community with twitchers standing around the front of my house pointing their binoculars and huge telephoto lenses at the tree containing the birds. I was there with both binoculars and large telephoto lens! Here is one of my pictures:



This book has two things in its favour. Firstly, it is about birds and clearly I am increasingly drawn to these. Secondly, it is by Bill Bailey who has the honour of being one of very few stand up comedians who can make me laugh. I’m a miserable person, really, but both Bill Bailey and Ross Noble can reduce me to tears of laughter. I don't know why I mention Ross Noble when the book is written solely by Bill Bailey.

What this means is that this book feels like Bill Bailey sat down and thought “I think I will write the perfect book for Neil to read - I know he likes birds and I know he thinks I am funny, so I will write about birds but include some comedy as well as some interesting facts.” And that is exactly what you get: a funny but informative book about British birds that is a delight to read (if you are interested in birds - I think it would be a bit boring if you aren’t).

[Kelly Furniss · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Picked by one of my reading groups.
Such a easy enjoyable read. A perfect balance of facts, eg. research, history then a bit of myth/ rhymes & tales weighed with humour. Fun illustrations & captions, scrapbook style pictures & few earn't tea stains!😉.
I think everyone would learn something from this book, even the bird enthusiasts (which you don't have to be to read this) & take pleasure from it.
I will certainly be checking out his other book now.

[Gearóid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice little book to bring on walks to identify and learn a little about local birds.
Nice little sketches and fun facts.

[Nancy O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comedian and musician Bill Bailey turns his attention to the (mostly) common birds of the UK, with comic asides and sketches that suggest that he should stick to his day job, even if they're charmingly rendered. Bailey wonders what the outcome would be if a mute swan challenged 1,400 wrens to a tug of war, and then courteously sketches the result. (Spoiler alert: the swan loses.)

[Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun little book, one to read if you're a fan of the author or quirky British humour rather than if you're a serious birder. Bailey's remit is to talk about his 51 favourite British birds, and talk involves brief descriptions, facts and amusing anecdotes relating to said species. I did find myself learning various little facts which proved quite interesting - like kestrels not building their own nests and dippers having solid legs - while the artwork that adorns the book is amateurish but funny. A slight but warm book.

[Pete Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantastic book was a Christmas gift from my mother.

I’d consider it a must-read for anyone in the UK. In today’s world, it’s essential that we learn to coexist with the remaining wildlife around us. Birds, in particular, offer an incredible diversity that we’re fortunate to experience. The birds in the UK tend to be subtler in their colours compared to some of their foreign cousins, but amongst the muted tones there is beauty waiting to be discovered.

The book was a joy to read, and its light-hearted humour kept me engaged from start to finish. A solid 9/10.

[Mat Greener · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of pages on most common British birds with interesting & amusing facts about them. This was enjoyable read & definitely learned new things about the birds but shouldn't be read as a bird spotter book although could be fine supplementary information to a spotters guide

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bar Tailed Godwit can absorb its own organs! And Ravens can talk as well as parrots.

[Jayne Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book really enjoyed it interesting facts presented with humour, wit, and brilliant illustrations.

[Dirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book for amateurs like me

[Daedalus Luxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spiffing

[Paul Feetham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun and illuminating book. Learned lots, including:

Magpies hold funerals.
If you hear an owl at night it's a Tawny Owl.
Farmers have been messing with the environment and destroying birds either indirectly through their actions or deliberately culling for centuries.

[Tamsin Barlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, smart and not nearly long enough.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick but rewarding read, Bill Bailey's endearing and light-hearted sketches, anecdotes, and reflections on his top 51 birds of Britain make Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to British Birds as amusing as it is informative (his observation that the Pied Wagtail has claimed the motorway services as its playground, for example, was particularly astute and diverting!)

The scrapbookish format adds a comforting aesthetic, along with colour photos and bonus trivia. I read the hardback version, but it is worth noting that the paperback "Pocket Version" has some pages for notes, recommended birding sites by region, and a bird-spotting checklist at the back, which is a nice touch.

I was a little saddened to find that my favourite British bird - the swallow - didn't make the cut, but in general there was a good spread of seabirds, waterfowl, raptors, and wee garden birds, and all the common corvids were given due consideration, too. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to spotting some of the more unfamiliar species on future hikes in the British Isles.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this was a thoroughly pleasant, enjoyable but not 'amazing' experience. It doesn't need to be. Take one seemingly jolly decent chap with an agreeable line in gentle, slightly surreal stand up humour, combine with his personal interest in birds, mix in his own illustrations and cartoons, and a design to make it look like a very scruffy notebook/coaster with photos taped in. And it works.

He takes a selection of birds, birds he *likes* and writes about them in various ways - sometimes with little tips that came as pretty novel and useful to me, bits of ornithological knowledge, sometimes with anecdotes about where he has seen them and sometimes completely crazy musings (eg the swan tug of war with its own weight in wrens, and how unfair it is that robins are always depicted on spade handles when they might like to appear perched on a jetski sometimes. Considering its his favourite bird I thought his implication that peregrine numbers plummeted and recovered due to the culling programme in WWII to protect carrier pigeons was misrepresenting the science, but otherwise it was all time well spent in good company.

[Benjamin G Delve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this swift (pun unintended) guide to British birds. Caveat: it is not a comprehensive guide, and is not designed as a compendium for keen bird watchers. Bill Bailey has crafted a simple, and easy-to-read, list of popular (and some not-so-popular) birds that live in, or frequent, the British Isles.

Bill Bailey love of all things ornithological leaks from the pages and his passion for bird-watching is clear to see and a joy to read. With each bird he provides a photograph, some basic (but interesting) information and then, typically, an anecdote. The book was an absolute pleasure and, for a budding birder, very welcome.

[Dei Mur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrth fy mod yn gynharol newydd i'r maes gwylio adar, roedd hwn yn berffaith imi. Fel arfer mae llyfrau 'rhestr' fel hyn yn dueddol o fynd yn undonnog a difas. Dim hwn. Falch o weld bod yr enw Cymraeg, 'Sgrech y Coed' yn cael ei gynnwys. Mae'r lluniau'n wych hefyd :)

As a newcomer to birdwatching this book was ideal for me. A perfect mix of anecdote and fact with hilarious sketches. Book's of this format, I find, become tiresome. This one did not. Highly recommended for newbies like me.

[Brian Gormley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 out of 5. A gentle introduction to some of the most interesting birds in Britain, done with Bill Bailey’s characteristic style and wit. Experienced birders won’t learn much from this book, but might get a few chuckles. I was expecting something more like Mark Cocker’s Birders, Simon Barnes, How to be a bad birder, or Bill Oddie’s Little Black Book of Birds. Those books are a wry look at birders with all their quirks and spikiness. This book provides a short description of the birds, with little commentary on birders.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bill Bailey remains the best sort of gently hilarious intellectual observer in his love letter to the birds of the British isles. As a recent convert to birding, I too have been taken by these spritely, feathered cartoon characters as they chatter, squawk and sweetly sing around my garden. Bill knows you can learn a lot from just paying attention and his drawings and pre-stained pages will brighten any bird outings. There’s even a handy checklist and notes section. Great book for a clever older child or a locked down adult.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww, nice! Lightweight and a lovely combination of mildly interesting and mildly amusing. It didn’t have me laughing out loud but it made me smile every time I opened the kindle app on my iPad and found it there waiting for me. Loved his drawings and was disappointed that the ‘cigarette cards’ taped into the book turned out to be mock ups from Shutterstock images rather than real ones from a boyhood collection. I like to hope he does has such a collection, but that copyrighting or not wanting to promote the tobacco industry was the reason for not using the originals.

[Keep Flying · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining little bird guide. I was mainly reading it for the fun trivia and anecdotes, but I can also see beginners learning ID easily from this book, as it’s easier to read than some of the more professional ID guides. Very enjoyable.
One bone to pick with Bill Bailey would be the stories of hand rearing wild birds. He mentioned many bird conservation organisations, code of conduct etc, so I would have appreciated little note/info on wildlife rehabilitation and attempt to discourage readers from rehabbing themselves.

[Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly charming. The illustrations are delightful and the Bill's descriptions and opinions of the various species are insightful and obviously designed to inspire an interest in ornithology.

I'm no slouch when it comes to birds but even I learnt something! (apparently, the wren isn't the smallest bird, and the golden eagle isn't the biggest. I expect everyone knew that...)

If anything, I'd like a sequel to cover some of the species that sadly didn't make the cut!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great fun read. Written in the style of a bird book, albeit not as comprehensive, this brings together some fascinating information about British birds with the wit and humour of Bill Bailey. The pages are designed to resemble a well worn notebook. There's four pages dedicated to each bird, with a good quality photo included, together with some excellent sketches and cartoons drawn by Bill himself.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is written as an introduction to the charms of British birds for non-birders, but it is a pleasant amusing read for anyone with an interest in that subject (including this long-time birder), and it is genuinely informative. Bill Bailey's distinctive, friendly voice comes at you from every page. I imagine that he is a splendid birding companion.

Good for encouraging anyone to take up birding in Britain.

[Pippi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short guide to some of the more common British birds that you are (mostly!) likely to be able to spot. A light-hearted but informative page on each, with a few interesting facts. It’s not an in-depth guide by any stretch of the imagination, but an entertaining book for a short read (I read it ona coach journey in under 2 hours), or to dip into. Ideal for beginners or those with a passing interest. Plus, the version I read is pocket sized, with a tick list and room for personal notes.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book! Bill Bailey writes 3 or 4 pages on each of his favourite British birds including some of his personal experiences with them. I would recommend to buy the actual book instead of the Kindle version as the drawings are also quite amusing.

Bill Bailey is an experienced birdwatcher and effortlessly throws in some interesting facts along the way. Great book!

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bill Bailey and birds wrapped together in a pocket sized book - for a handy pick-me-up you can't get better than this.
Such gems include plenty of wrens, a man-size Goldfinch illustration, super gobbits of information that make you raise an eyebrow, including information on the awe inspiring Bar-tailed Godwits.
End contains lots of useful birding and conservation information too