Cocker, M: Birds Britannica

Another magnificent achievement, the product of 8 years of research, and a unique work of huge importance - this handsome, easy-to-read, comprehensive cultural study, species by species, of all the birds in Britain is neither an identification guide nor a behavioural study (though both these subjects enter its field). It covers cultural links; social history; ecology; the lore and language of birds; myths; art, literature and music; anecdotes, birdsong and rare facts; migration, the seasons and our sense of place. An attempt to describe the interaction of birds and humans, it captures the essence of why birds matter. Companion volume to 'Flora Britannica'.