The Book of Birds (a dazzling celebration)

The Book of Birds is a collaboration between artist Jackie Morris and writer Robert Macfarlane, who wrote the giant book The Lost Words on treasuring words from the natural world.  With quieter dawns and spring, this is designed to bring back our birds, we still have time.

Find a compendium of 49 bird species (all in danger) – from avocat to yellowhammer. From Dipper to Dunnock and Kestrel to Kingfisher. The book shows readers how to identify each bird, in any habitat.

You’ll learn about each bird’s habits and habitat, patterns of flight and song, how they hunt, nest and raise their young. And how we can help them thrive. Each page is mesmerising with art in watercolour and gold, to inspire. Explore the ‘seven wonders’ of birds: Nest, Egg, Beak, Song, Feather, Flight and Migration.

Tips to Help Our Garden Birds

• Keep cats indoors at dawn and dusk, and avoid wooden tables.
• Avoid feeding stale/crusty/mouldy bread to birds (nor salt or buttered bread, as fat can affect insulation/waterproofing of feathers).
• Choose RSPB-endorsed plain wooden ones (sited between north and east to protect from sun and rain. Avoid coloured or tin ones, as these can attract predators and overheat.
• Keep bird baths clean with boiled water, rinse and fill again (or use a shallow non-glazed dish with flat stones so bees and butterflies can drink safely).
• Read more on safe havens for garden birds (includes tips on how to site feeders and nest boxes safely). Natural food like shrubs with berries are best.
• Read how to stop birds flying into windows (turn off lights when not in use, avoid facing  indoor foliage to give views from outside, and site feeders less than 1.5 feet (or more than 10 feet) away from windows, to avoid them ‘building up momentum’ to strike windows.