Michael Webster (1)

For a pocket guide, this does a reasonably good job. The photographs are clear and the color register is pretty good. Page corner icons indicate the birds' group. The descriptions emphasize the birds' habits and physical characteristics. It's no substitute for a larger and more technical volume, but is serviceable for the casual viewer out on a walk.

I bought this on Khao San Road in Bangkok when I was in Thailand in February because there were large numbers of Asian Openbilled Storks (Anastomus oscitans) and Chinese Pond-herons (Ardeola bacchus) in the areas near my hotel, plus a number of other birds with which I was unfamiliar. It was 425 baht (about $12) from Asia Books; New Holland Publishers has it for a little over $8 from Amazon.uk.… (more)