This RSPB-licensed A5 fold-out ID guide features 105 artworks illustrating 49 of Britain's most common wetland bird species. Artworks are printed on one side of the fold-out chart with species grouped taxonomically and helpfully labelled to assist with species identification. On the reverse of the artworks, informative and engaging text is provided on the featured species, as well as tips on the UK's best reserves for watching wetland birds. Interesting revelations unveiled by tracking studies are also included, as well as details of the RSPB's work, past, present and future, on restoring wetlands for birds and other wildlife.
Stephen Message is one of the UK's foremost bird artists as well as an experienced birdwatcher. He studied Graphic Design, then specialised in natural history illustration at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and has worked as a freelance artist ever since. Stephen has twice been runner up for the Bird Illustrator of the Year, and he was the Birdwatch Artist of the Year in 2017. Stephen painted the beautiful cover artworks for all four editions of the RSPB Handbook of British Birds. He has illustrated many books in his career, including Waders of Europe, Asia and North America, Bill Oddie's Birds of Britain and Ireland and the Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia.
Marianne Taylor is a freelance writer, illustrator and photographer. A passion for all wildlife, but especially birds, has always been a driving force in Marianne's life. Marianne worked in publishing for seven years before taking the plunge as a freelancer in 2007. Since then, she has written more than 25 books for adults and children on a range of natural history subjects.