'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Monday 8 January 2024

Review: Getting To Know The Birds In Your Neighbourhood: A Field Guide

Who knew that a pocket-book of Australian birds could even be considered sumptuous? By its very nature a pocket-book should be small and quiet – yet sumptuous is the word that keeps popping into my head to describe this compendium of city birds.

Brilliantly informative and brimming with tid-bits you didn’t know you needed, Getting To Know The Birds In Your Neighbourhood contains something for everyone – young and old alike.

Interested in birds but don’t know where to start? Overwhelmed by the bird guides? Want to know more about the birds you see around you? Then this is the book for you!

Getting To Know The Birds In Your Neighbourhood is friendly and conversational, with an abundance of information at your fingertips. Although not specifically written for children, it’s very relevant to them.

Described as the first complete beginners’ field guide to the birds you are most likely to see in the towns and cities of Australia, this book shines a light on the habits and behaviours of our feathered neighbours.

The book’s various sections have colour-coded pages, with information about each bird’s home, food, active zones, identification, breeding, interaction with humans and so on. And my personal favourite – an intriguing Did You Know? fact for every single species listed. 

The book is chock-full of delightful, coloured photographs which show birds feeding, preening, singing and watching the world go by. It concludes with a fascinating discussion on whether bird watching can make you happy, along with ideas for next level bird watching, and protecting birds within city habitats.

What I truly love about this book – apart from its incredible photography and accessibility – is that it’s all about birds in Australian cities. You can know diddly squat about the birds in your backyard, from Hobart to Cairns to Perth and everywhere in between, and this book will still bring you closer to understanding, enjoying, protecting and encouraging them.

The perfect bookish gift for curious people of all ages.

An absolute delight.


Title: Getting To Know The Birds In Your Neighbourhood. A Field Guide
Author/Illustrator: Darryl Jones
Publisher: Newsouth Book, $34.99
Publication Date: 1 November 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781742238050
For ages: All Ages
Type: Non-Fiction