Beguiled by Birds

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.