The first of the new generation.

Things have been fairly slow as far as babies go, in the garden so far. The first brood of Blackbirds that I've seen in the garden were outside my study at 7.00 am this morning.

They always look very Walt Disney to me. This youngster managed to take some water from the fountain, that was only just dribbling until it was topped up. The adults quickly took it off into cover where I could hear them, but not see them.

As I am pretty well confined to a couple of short trips into the garden at them moment this little book is coming into its own. Originally it was to have be authored by Steve Hopkin who was tragically killed in a car crash. Richard Lewington, the main illustrator took over the book and has produced a little gem. The birds are illustrated by his brother Ian, which means that the books has pictures by two of the best wildlife illustrators in the country. It covers all the groups, and of course if it awakens a particular interest you call always move on to a more specialised book for that group. I find it useful and it is suitable for all ages.

Published by British Wildlife Publishing it is well worth the £12.95 price. British Wildlife also publish a superb bi-monthly journal of that name, that is a great read and covers all areas of the natural world.