Already the author of a dozen books, renowned ornithologist and naturalist Dr Tim Sharrock has been observing and writing about wildlife for over 60 years. From his adopted county of Bedfordshire, his travels have taken him all over the World, west to Mexico, east to Thailand and south to New Zealand. Wildlife Through the Year follows, season by season, Tim's observations, discoveries, excitements and speculations. From gardens in England to gorillas in Rwanda and whales in the Sea of Cortez, his enthusiasm for the natural world shines forth.
Wildlife Through the Year is the ideal bedside book, ready to be consumed in fifty bite-sized chapters. There are also 52 wildlife-themed puzzles and quizzes – one for every week of the year. TV presenter and wildlife expert Bill Oddie says: "Watching wildlife is of course about looking and listening, but it is mainly about being aware. It helps to have a guide or a companion, an expert and a storyteller. Tim Sharrock is perfect for the job. Read Wildlife Through the Year, and then go and see for yourself."
"This book provides colourful and informative anecdotal commentary on British nature and wildlife in a series of short articles that are a short and easy read over breakfast or a cup of tea. The stories on everyday (and some more unusual) observations from a natural historian out in his local countryside are perfect for reinvigorating the enthusiasm of the casual natural historian or introducing newcomers to some of the spectacular or hidden natural gems to be found in their nearby patch of countryside. Even accomplished natural historians may find the book engaging, as a different eye lends a new perspective on even commonly observed phenomena. As a newcomer to the UK, the chronological progression of wildlife observations provided me with a great deal of perspective on ‘what it used to be like’: the noticeable declines of species such as Willow Tit, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker punctuate the timeline of articles, interspersing the narrative with rather melancholic notes. While the articles are rather heavily focused towards the nature and wildlife of Bedfordshire (all have appeared in the Bedfordshire County Life magazine), those out in their wood or patch elsewhere in the country can still gain insight into the wonders of their local nature and wildlife from the observations of this experienced natural historian."
- Samantha Franks, BTO book reviews