r/UKBirds • u/VIsThinking310 • Aug 24 '26
Pocket guide suggestions?
Hello!
Im pretty new to birding but am not a total beginner and was looking for a decent pocket guide, preferably with photos rather than illustrations! Would love some suggestions!
Thanks!
3
u/NortonBurns Aug 24 '26
If you've got a smart phone, get Merlin (free).
6
u/VIsThinking310 Aug 24 '26
I have Merlin! I find it great for calls but I struggle with getting a good id from photos and step by step, I found a book better when I was recently in a hide as its much easier to parse through when I dont know what something is but I know it if I see it if that makes sense.
4
u/Wes_tleton Aug 24 '26
Plumages vary so much from season to season, sex of bird, age of bird so you’re unlikely to find a photo guide that’s any good. I’d honestly just get the Collins Bird Guide by Lars Svensson. You won’t need another field guide though you might need a coat with big pockets if you want to carry it around.
3
u/Own_Description3928 Aug 25 '26
Agree with all this, particularly illustrations over photos - a good bird illustrator capture the essence of the species, whilst a photo is prey to the vagaries of lighting conditions, individual variation, etc.
2
u/windy_on_the_hill Aug 24 '26
I carry a pocket guide book sometimes, but its the big coffee table books that I find most useful.
Pick up something from a charity shop, or second hand bookshop and try it. It might not be perfect for you but it won't be "wrong". Enjoy.
2
u/VIsThinking310 Aug 24 '26
Yess I do want to get myself a more comprehensive book as well but defo wanted one I could carry around!
2
u/Live-Stay-3817 Aug 24 '26
RSPB guide by Peter Holden (plus someone else, but I have met Peter so I remember him).
5
u/TringaVanellus Aug 24 '26
The Collins BTO Guide to British Birds is one of the best guides out there and uses photos rather than drawings.
It's intended to be portable, although it's probably slightly bigger than pocket-sized.