There are a number of books and reference tools out there whether that be for identification, reference or guides for more detailed information. I often purchase a publication and find that it was not really what I required. I would not go as far to say that all items of the disregarded books were poor or wrong, as I think this is dependant on the level of interest in that particular time on that particular subject. What I would say is that there are some publications that have stood out from the pack, or at least in my opinion.

 When I started bird watching and wildlife gardening I have found these books a great help and with a little time reading some of these I have definately gained some worthwhile information and gained much help with identification. Once a book has been bought and read it may sit on the shelf for a while but it is always a valuable tool for further reference. For met he ID guides are probably the most regularly used as these offer an ongoing education due to new things which are encountered.

I hope that this section may help others choose what I feel are useful publications that are a pleasure to use and that I have not yet tired from.

Bird Guide

Text Lars Svensson & Peter Grant Illustrations Lillian Mullarney &  Dan Zetterstom

ISBN 0 00 711332 3

Collins

This ID reference book is my bible. I often take this book out with me when I am bird watching and is always close to hand when I am at home. It is so valuable on several levels and would recommend this book to anybody( although I am sure many will already own this title) who is interested in wild birds. I suppose that this book is not designed for garden bird watchers as although it covers this area it really looks into bird ID on a greater scale and larger geographcal area. It actually covers Europe, North Africa and a lot of the Middle East so this is also a good guide for bird watching holidays. The book is set out in what is said to be pedagogic or paedagogy which is the art or science of being a teacher. It gives written text made up of Size, Identification and Voice/song. This information is enlarged upon with sex and age variations, habitat preference, confict species analysis, and plates of bird in various pose and or flight. This latter feature is singularly very impressive as not only are the plates very good even as art, they are critically superb at capturing small but essential differences in plumage, colour and general bird appearance.

It also gives you an idea of where that bird would be found in winter, on passage,in summer, breeding places and range. It gives a basic outline of a birds topography which is called  upon with small sketches of a birds feather placement or detail that can make a difference.

As already stated this guide covers a lot of birds in various plumage, sex, age, coupled with non British birds so as you would expect it contains a lot of pictures and text, indeed 400 pages are crammed full of useful info. This might put you off as a begginer as when you open this book it can appear very much "information overload" but don't be put off as when using the book it is set out extremely well with families being grouped together. I cannot imagine myself outgrowing this book as a valuable source for ID so in that respect I guess it could be classed as a very good buy and one that I would say is a must.

Wildlife Friendly Plants

 Rosemary Creeser ISBN 1 84340 093 6 Collins & Brown

This book has been a good source of genuine wildlife plants info and rather that naming hundreds of plants with little detail leaving you undecided, it has a smaller base of plants but each one has a lot of information to help with any choice decisions. It is set in different catergories that cater for different aspects of chosing and caring for the plant along with the qualities it may possess as a wildlife plant. Choosing widlife friendly plants, Creating a haven for wildlife, How to plant and Encouraging and sustaining wildlife are the main subjects which are dealt with by sub catergories. As expected each plant is given the basics like where to plant, size of plant when mature, what months are they at thier best and when they are at their best for wildlife followed by uses for birds, butterflies, moths and bees etc. This also carries right through to when best to prune, caring for it's water and food requirements, what soil it prefers and goes on to give alternatives for the same species but different cutivars.

Wildlife Pond Handbook

Field Guide To The Moths Of Great Britain

Native Trees & Shrubs In Your Garden

The Birdwatchers Handbook

Complete British Insects

Wildfowl