This book takes a personal and reflective look at the history and development of birdwatching in Britain.

Over its long history, the study of birds has undergone dramatic changes in ideology and methodology, as the technological expertise available to us has grown and our understanding and appreciation of natural systems and the natural world has evolved. Birdwatching is no longer the preserve of ‘men of science’, but is a hugely popular hobby among the general public. The mainstream birdwatching magazines are increasingly tackling complex issues such as phylogeny and speciation as well as publishing extremely sophisticated identification articles and raising the profile of great birdwatching destinations around the world.

Ian Wallace’s account of the history of birdwatching in Britain is interspersed with numerous (and sometimes controversial) anecdotes which enhance the appeal of his engaging and entertaining text. This delightful book is enlivened throughout with the author’s own charming colour paintings, and will appeal to everyone with any interest in birds and birdwatching in Britain.