I recommended the following books in a recent article for Kingfisher - the Hampshire Ornithological Society’s magazine, in response to a question about what 5 books I would want with me if stranded on a desert island!
Why Do Birds Suddenly Disappear? 200 birds, 12 months, 1 lapsed birdwatcher by Lev Parikian
A delightful book about Lev's quest to see 200 UK bird species in one year. Finding an old bird ID guide, Lev realises the list of species he claimed to have seen as a child might not have been entirely accurate. He decides to rectify this by challenging himself to actually find those bird species.
But this wonderful book is not just about birds. Lev shares memories of his parents who fostered his love of the natural world and stories about the people he meets during his quest, all told with Lev's characteristic wit and humour.
I've chosen this book as it brings back fond memories for me of a day spent birding with Lev. Reliving his charming style and gentle humour will comfort me on the island.
[Sidenote: The bird outing with Lev is one of my favourite podcast episodes and contains my first introduction to a Cetti's Warbler - listen to that episode here]
Fledgling by Hannah Bourne-Taylor
After moving to Ghana for her husband's work, the terms of the visa did not allow Hannah to work. She struggled to adjust to the way of life, and found herself feeling isolated. She took solace in the big skies and the natural world.
After a particularly bad storm, she found a fledgling bird. Abandoned by its parents, Hannah took on the task of caring for the young bird. From the struggle of the intense feeding regimen for the young chick to the moments of joy as this young bird became independent and ready to rejoin its flock, Hannah's story is both uplifting and emotional.
Back now in the UK, Hannah has become a passionate voice for the provision of Swift bricks in new homes to bolster the loss of nesting spots that modern living has brought.
I've chosen this book as it is filled with compassion and strength, and it’s good to read the stories that make us smile through our tears.
Collins Bird Guide. The most complete guide to the birds of Britain and Europe - 3rd edition by Lars Svensson, Killian Mullarney, Dan Zetterström
For me, this book is an absolute must. It will remind me of all the birds that I have seen back home and those that I might yet see if I ever leave the island. Perfect as a reference book with its detailed descriptions and drawings, it is also a great book to just open at random and learn about a new species.
The final two books are from my recent visit to Australia.
Curlews on Vulture Street - Cities, Birds, People and Me - Darryl Jones
An intriguing insight into the birds living and thriving in urban and suburban environments in Australia.
The author is an ecologist and lifelong bird lover. Following his studies on Brush-turkeys he became an expert on the courtship behaviour and life cycle of these large birds, which led him to consider how we can live in harmony with the birds that share our spaces.
Using his own personal experiences, Darryl discusses key examples of how birds and humans co-exist and interact. It includes stories of the famous Australian Magpies protecting their nests and the Brush-turkeys, which build mounds of earth to incubate their eggs, dismaying some gardeners.
His writing style is accessible and informal, and the entertaining stories would be a great distraction on the island.
100 Australian birds - Georgia Angus
Gifted to me by the host of the Weekend Birder podcast, this is a beautifully illustrated and fascinating guide to birdwatching in Australia.
It is ideal for beginner birders, providing the essence of 100 of Australia's key native species through simple descriptions and the personal observations of the author. It explains where to look for each species, what to listen for and how to filter out other similar-looking birds.
The book includes contributions from First Nations people on the names used for particular species.
On the desert island this book would keep me entertained while making me yearn for the birds I never got to see on my vacation to Australia.