Bill Oddies Little Black Bird Book

This book ranges from mildly amusing to hugely amusing, while managing to be very informative at the same time. It is strewn with pictures and cartoons drawn by the author, has a very 'matey' or intimate-friend atmosphere, and is rooted in a deep personal knowledge of the subject. North Americans may miss some of the English pop-culture references, especially since this book first came out in 1980, but they will not miss much: the bulk of the book is accessible to anyone with an interest in birds and the sometimes crazy behavior that surrounds them (human behavior, that is). It occurred to me while reading this that it ought to be one of a series: Oddie's treatment of birders could be applied just as well to fly-fishermen (or any fishers), tennis players, skiers, runners, cyclists, and so on. It could be called the Is This YOU? series. Reading Oddie's book, many people will nod their heads and grin (perhaps sheepishly). Or they may say: that's not me, and thank god! If you have a dull journey ahead of you, or your spouse is travelling and the house is lonely, or you just want to crease up with laughter while learning a thing or two, I recommend this book.