10,000 Birds

MARCH 29, 2024

Here in the Brecks – an area of poor, sandy soils on the borders of Norfolk and Suffolk – we have a small but important breeding population. They favour the old heaths, but a number of pairs also breed on farmland. Brettenham Heath National Nature Reserve holds the highest density of nesting Curlews in the Brecks.

Fox 186

Fox Finland Badgers Eggs 186

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 4, 2016

It also makes it a little intimidating to be doing a review of Britain’s Birds: An Identification Guide to the Birds of Britain and Ireland. The book’s organization reflects the authors’ goal of making this a guide accessible to birders of all levels and skill. The chapters, however, offer very good introductions to each bird group.

Ireland 140

Ireland Birds Groups Falcons 140

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 3, 2013

Fortunately, I had T he Crossley ID Guide: Britain & Ireland by Richard Crossley and Dominic Couzens on my desk. I knew I would not be seeing the bird in its rosy-breasted breeding plumage, but somehow seeing the bird in all its forms helped crystallize its appearance in my head. I studied it.

Ireland 170

Ireland 2013 Breeders Ducks 170

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 7, 2017

This is how, I think, the “Crossley technique” works best—coverage of specific bird families that pose identification challenges to birders at all levels of skill. And Hybrids: Waterfowl tend to hybridize to a greater degree than most other bird families, and the guide does an excellent job of covering hybrids. Sullivan, 2013, PUP).

Ducks 114

Ducks North America Geese Hunters 114