Overview

This book takes a personal and reflective look at the history and development of birdwatching in Britain. Part history, part life story, Beguiled by Birds describes the course of British birdwatching, particularly through the 20th century and into the 21st. Over its long history, the study of birds has undergone dramatic changes. As the technological expertise available to us has grown, our understanding and appreciation of the natural world has evolved. No longer the preserve of ‘men of science’ nor a relatively few ‘amateur ornithologists’, birdwatching is now a hugely popular hobby among all sorts of people. Ian Wallace, a much-loved member of the amateur community, witnessed the development of birdwatching first-hand over sixty years. Ian vividly describes the traditions, pleasures and pains of being a purposeful observer, conjuring up the human stories behind the birds in your field guide. His account is interspersed with many anecdotes, which enhance the appeal of his engaging and entertaining text. This delightful book is enlivened with many of Ian’s charming paintings and a wealth of historical photographs. Beguiled by Birds fills a 40-year gap in the interpretation of a great hobby and will appeal to everyone with an interest in birds and birdwatching in Britain.

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9781399421010

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Reviews

For newcomers, the best advice is to seek out a copy of Beguiled By Birds, his history of British birdwatching that is greatly enhanced by numerous personal anecdotes and historical photographs. Ian's writing is sure to make you think a bit harder and maybe contribute a little more to modern ornithology. -- David Cromack * Bird Watching * A colourful celebration of ornithological history. * Birding World * It is, as anyone who knows the author would expect, a wonderfully personal and idiosyncratic work ... For this unique and fascinating book, we should be truly grateful. -- Stephen Moss * British Ornithologists Union * In the last half-century no man has been more beguiled by birds. On the history of ornithology no one could be more beguiling. This is classic Wallacea – passionate, incisive and completely absorbing. -- Mark Cocker Wallace at his best. An early working title was 'The Magic Carpet Ride' and this is what he takes you on, for a history of birdwatching that will delight beginners and experts alike. -- Richard Porter Ian is such a great narrator, and he spans nearly the entire era of 'The Birth of Field Ornithology' – so who could be better fit to describe the British scene? -- Lars Svensson

"""For newcomers, the best advice is to seek out a copy of Beguiled By Birds, his history of British birdwatching that is greatly enhanced by numerous personal anecdotes and historical photographs. Ian's writing is sure to make you think a bit harder and maybe contribute a little more to modern ornithology."" David Cromack * Bird Watching (Feb 2006) * 'a colourful celebration of ornithological history' * Birding World * ""It is, as anyone who knows the author would expect, a wonderfully personal and idiosyncratic work... For this unique and fascinating book, we should be truly grateful."" Stephen Moss * British Ornithologists Union (2006) *"

Author Information

Ian Wallace is a well-known figure in birdwatching circles. He has witnessed many ‘pivotal moments' in British birdwatching and is a sought-after public speaker as well as an author and artist whose regular pieces for the ornithological press (in particular Birdwatching magazine) earned him the affection of the British birdwatching public.

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