Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to British Birds

Book reviews on this blog are akin London buses, there are none and then there are two (although you would not normally wait two months for a bus!).

Bill Bailey is a famous comedian, and one of Britain's most famous "twitchers". His book on the most commonly seen, and some of the less seen birds of the UK (his favourite 51) is one that he has written and illustrated himself in a personal and comedic manner. He has made all notes, illustrations and cartoons himself, and includes interesting facts about all species he features, such as, "It is said that gulls are the spirit of old fishermen. Old fisherman who liked nicking chips", and on voles, a staple diet of the kestrel, "voles are the all-purpose snack, the buttered toast of British wildlife" (best read with his West Country accent in mind).

He is passionate about the subject, and his passion shows through in all the sections of the book, not just the more exotic species (such as the red-throated diver) but even the common species such as the house sparrow, and as with everything he does, his passion is infectious.

However, Bill does not tell you that the scientific name of the house sparrow is Passer domesticus. He also does not explain that the UK bird population is in rapid decline, and have been since 1980. This is specifically poignant with regards to farmland birds, such as the grey partridge. He also does not explain how this can be fixed (not that you would expect him to in a light-hearted book such as this).

These are things that can be learned through study. Education is intrinsic in helping to remedy the decline of UK bird populations, and in turn to create a more sustainable planet for the species to thrive on. To be part of the solution, please feel free to come along to the Moulton College Open Day on Saturday February 4th between 08:00 and 12:00. Alternatively, you can email us at enquires@moulton.ac.uk, or telephone us on 01604 491131. We look forward to seeing you!