Part of the satisfaction of watching birds is being able to name what you see. Yet, open a field guide, and there are hundreds of species to choose from, some with different appearances for males, females, immature birds, and even seasonal variation. It can be overwhelming. Where to start? The good news is that most people already know more than they realize about birds, and this can greatly simplify the identification process.

These twelve steps start with the basics - such as location, habitat, and season - and then build logically into a manageable framework that can help anyone to identify and appreciate birds.

For those new to bird watching, the book will help them understand the fundamentals of observation and the identification process. For more experienced birders, it helps them step back from years in the field and refresh their thoughts on how to watch and identify birds.

Written in a helpful, conversational style, and illustrated with more than 85 colour photographs, this book outlines a pathway to enable anyone to get into, or get more out of, the world of watching, identifying, and enjoying birds.