Wildmonths

When choosing a reference book, look firstly for good clear illustrations or photos that show the subject clearly. Illustrations showing various features like what the bird looks like in the winter or in flight or for trees what the seeds look like etc.

Also good descriptive text like what's its behavior, where you might see it and for birds what does its song or call sound like.

For taking out in the field you want something small so that it will fit in a pocket or bag and isn't too heavy.

You can buy big more comprehensive books for the home if you wish but for being out and about you need something small, concise and clear.

Here are a few reference books that I can recommend.

The first is a handy sized pocket book on birds.

RSPB Pocket Guide to British Birds published by Helm

ISBN 978-0-7136-8707-1

Collins Complete Guide to British Wild Flowers published by Collins

ISBN 978-0-00-723684-8

British Insects: A Photographic Guide to Every Common Species published by Collins

ISBN 978-0-00-729899-0

They also publish in the series British Wildlife, British Birds and British Trees.

Another very good book is:

Garden Bird Songs and Calls by Geoff Sample and includes a CD

Published by Collins

ISBN 978-0002202145

This book and CD will go a long way in helping you to identify which bird it is that you can hear and then hopefully spotting it!

Good books are a joy to look through in the evening after a good trek in the countryside and reading up on what you have seen.