United States
£ GBP
Please note that this is an unmodified reprint of the 2004 original without updates.
Beguiled by Birds 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.
Ian Wallace is a well-known figure in birdwatching circles. He has witnessed many 'pivotal moments' in British birdwatching. He is a sought-after public speaker and also an author and artist whose regular pieces for the ornithological press (in particular Birdwatching magazine) have earned him the affection of the British birdwatching public.
Reviews of the original edition:
"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)
