Simon Papps

Birds: Deluxe Series Simon Papps

The second title in the new and lavish ‘Deluxe’ natural history series from Reed New Holland, this book is packed with sumptuous photography of more than one hundred of the world’s most amazing bird species. So many people watch birds, perhaps because they can be seen almost anywhere. Look out of any window and there is a good chance that before long you will see some of our feathered friends.

And while some species can be seen in our gardens, others have very specific requirements meaning that they are restricted to tiny fragments of habitat in remote forests or mountains. Another attraction is the sheer number of species. At the last count there were more than 10,000 bird species in the world.

The images celebrate the astonishing variety and beauty of birds, from swans and flamingos to kingfishers and hummingbirds. And the images have stories to tell, from spectacular courtship displays by frigatebirds, cranes and birds of paradise to specialised feeding adaptations such as the barely believable beak of the Sword-billed Hummingbird. Amazing shots of birds from around the world, including portraits, action pictures and mind-boggling images of flocks, are brought together via a foreword explaining why birds have been such an evolutionary success story.

In short, Birds is a glorious memento of a fascinating subject, brought together in a luxurious book that celebrates the many astonishing species from all around the planet, making it ideal for nature lovers, as a gift, or as an interior-design feature in any home.