By John Hague
John moved to Leicester in 1993 to begin coaching as a psychological well being nurse and just lately retired after 30-odd years within the NHS to begin Shrike Birding Excursions. His ardour for birds extends into writing and utilizing the ability of phrases and birds to try to interact with individuals to benefit from the wildlife that’s throughout them and in addition to make use of this connection to nature as a method 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 gorgeous illustrations and detailed descriptions, presents a complete overview of the avian inhabitants of Europe.
This information replaces two, massively influential and groundbreaking editions of Superior Hen 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 (pictures) we’ve got the genesis of a chicken information for the longer term. The unique Dutch has additionally been brilliantly translated by prime British birder, James Lidster. James was instrumental on this version being largely based mostly in The Netherlands now and an everyday over right here.
The guide’s systematic method makes identification a doddle. Every entry supplies important data, together with bodily traits, habitat preferences, and vocalizations. Key ID options are arrowed so you possibly can clinch an ID rapidly. The writer’s eager eye for element and his skill to seize the essence of every species are evident all through the pages.
What units this handbook aside is its emphasis on sensible identification methods. Van Duivendijk presents invaluable recommendations on 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 old and, in some instances, sexing birds. It’s as if the writer 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 guide 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 chicken identification right into a methodical framework, the Dutch nationwide workforce underneath Rinus Michels pioneered a method of play that emphasised fluidity, versatility, and collective effort. Every participant was anticipated to grasp and carry out a number of roles, making a dynamic and unpredictable workforce.
Each the handbook and the Dutch workforce’s method share a typical 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 exceptional outcomes.
The 2 volumes definitely aren’t low cost however they definitely are value the price. The 2 volumes aren’t actually appropriate for the sphere both except they keep within the automobile and so they’re not a lot use there. Is there an answer? Sure, there may be, the guide can be obtainable as a downloadable PDF file and I’ve a replica on my smartphone and pill. These are good for the sphere and sit in a folder alongside my Collins Hen Information app, my Sibley app, and some butterfly, moth and dragonfly ID Guides.
