RSPB Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Birds ...But Were Afraid to Ask

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Basic But Informative - Rated
As an ornithological advisor, assistant author, and programme producer to Bill Oddie, there is no doubting Stephen Moss's literary or avian credentials. So not surprisingly this book is well written, presented and researched. Moss has extensive knowledge British and international bird world, and is able to keep the reader entertained through what could be a rather dry subject matter.

There are about 500 questions each with a short paragraph in answer, split into ten chapters. The questions are interspersed with small grey boxes containing 'record-holders' such as longest migration and largest egg, as well as genuinely funny captioned sketch-drawings to go with some questions dotted here and there. As it is designed as a 'dip-in' book rather than a cover to cover read there are many parts which are repeated in different questions which can become irritating.

Be prepared for the fact that although you get occasional statistics and anecdotes there are no questions aimed at particular species. Instead questions relate to birds as a whole with individual species referred to within answers. So if you are looking for info on a certain species you may be disappointed unless you stumble across it in an answer to a more general question.

Although the book claims to be aimed at anyone with an interest in birds, it is most suitable for young or beginning bird enthusiasts who want to learn the basics. For this group the book is superb but for anyone with a few years experience of birding there's not much that will be new to them except perhaps for the more obscure facts and figures.

Ultimately the value of this book will depend on the reader. For beginners its great, for the more experienced and knowledgeable it is a little basic and repetitive, albeit still entertaining.