THE KIT

Binoculars an nd a good field guide are e invaluable accompaniment ts. The RSPB Handbook of British Birds

by Peter Holden and Tim Cleeves or the Collins BTO Guide to

British Birds by Paul Sterry and Paul Stancliffe should more than suffice to help you identify and read up on your sightings.

However, it can be tricky to learn birds’ songs and calls from a book. Some apps have been developed to help you clinch an aural identification too. The Birds

of Britain & Ireland app (iOS) includes vocalisations of nearly all UK bird species and gives you access to a range of recordings andChirp! Bird Songs & Calls of Britain and Europe

(iOS) tests your birdsong memory with a series of fun quizzes. Other apps are available.