By John Hague
John moved to Leicester in 1993 to start out coaching as a psychological well being nurse and not too long ago retired after 30-odd years within the NHS to start out Shrike Birding Excursions. His ardour for birds extends into writing and utilizing the facility of phrases and birds to attempt to interact with folks to benefit from the wildlife that’s throughout them and in addition to make use of this connection to nature as a manner to enhance their psychological well being.
Nils van Duivendijk’s ID Handbook of European Birds is a masterclass in creating an ID information for the ages. It’s an indispensable companion for each seasoned birders and people simply beginning out. This meticulously crafted information, replete with beautiful illustrations and detailed descriptions, gives a complete overview of the avian inhabitants of Europe.
This information replaces two, massively influential and groundbreaking editions of Superior Chook ID that featured the important thing textual content ID however lacked any plates. Now following a collaboration with prime wildlife pictures consultants Marc Guyt at AGAMI (photos) we have now the genesis of a fowl information for the long run. The unique Dutch has additionally been brilliantly translated by prime British birder, James Lidster. James was instrumental on this version being largely primarily based in The Netherlands now and a daily over right here.
The e-book’s systematic method makes identification a doddle. Every entry offers important data, together with bodily traits, habitat preferences, and vocalizations. Key ID options are arrowed so you’ll be able to clinch an ID rapidly. The creator’s eager eye for element and his potential to seize the essence of every species are evident all through the pages.
What units this handbook aside is its emphasis on sensible identification strategies. Van Duivendijk gives invaluable tips about observing conduct, and habitat clues, enabling readers to confidently distinguish even probably the most difficult species. The species household introductions are a ‘should learn’ because it talk about molt technique to help getting older and, in some instances, sexing birds. It’s as if the creator has distilled years of birding expertise right into a concise and accessible information.
Whereas the ID Handbook of European Birds could appear worlds away from the realm of sports activities, there’s an intriguing parallel to be drawn between the meticulous consideration to element and systematic method discovered within the e-book and the Dutch “complete soccer” philosophy that revolutionized the sport within the Nineteen Seventies.
Simply as van Duivendijk’s handbook breaks down the complexities of fowl identification right into a methodical framework, the Dutch nationwide workforce beneath Rinus Michels pioneered a method of play that emphasised fluidity, versatility, and collective effort. Every participant was anticipated to know and carry out a number of roles, making a dynamic and unpredictable workforce.
Each the handbook and the Dutch workforce’s method share a standard aim: to make the advanced appear easy, to show seemingly insurmountable challenges into achievable targets. By offering a structured framework and emphasising the significance of understanding the underlying rules, each the birder and the soccer participant can obtain outstanding outcomes.
The 2 volumes actually aren’t low-cost however they actually are price the fee. The 2 volumes aren’t actually appropriate for the sector both until they keep within the automotive they usually’re not a lot use there. Is there an answer? Sure, there may be, the e-book can also be out there as a downloadable PDF file and I’ve a replica on my smartphone and pill. These are excellent for the sector and sit in a folder alongside my Collins Chook Information app, my Sibley app, and some butterfly, moth and dragonfly ID Guides.
