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How to Be an Urban Birder
The first guide to urban birding in the UK, from The Urban Birder himself, David Lindo
Urban birding is fast becoming ornithology’s new rock ’n’ roll. Birds and birding have never been cooler―and urban birding is at the cutting edge.
How to Be an Urban Birder is the world’s first guide to the art of urban birding―which is so easy and great fun! Here, urban birding pioneer David Lindo tells you everything you need to know about birds and birding in towns and cities in the UK.
Urban birding is fast becoming ornithology’s new rock ’n’ roll. Birds and birding have never been cooler―and urban birding is at the cutting edge.
How to Be an Urban Birder is the world’s first guide to the art of urban birding―which is so easy and great fun! Here, urban birding pioneer David Lindo tells you everything you need to know about birds and birding in towns and cities in the UK.
232 pages, Paperback
Published August 28, 2018
8 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 19, 2018
One of the really neat things about birds is that they are very adaptable creatures and they can be found almost everywhere on Earth. There is virtually no place you can go where there will not be at least a token presence of feathered flying critters.
Of course, some places are birdier than others. I am fortunate to live in Southeast Texas which much of the North American population of birds passes through at some time in the year, either headed to more northern climes in the spring or to Mexico and Central and South America in the fall. Many of them do, in fact, linger with us throughout the year. So, I'm never at a loss of birds to watch in my own backyard.
One might assume that the urban areas of the world would be unlikely places for people who enjoy watching birds, but one would be wrong. David Lindo in his recent book, How to be an Urban Birder, shows his readers just how wrong that assumption is.
Lindo is a U.K. birder and most of the birds that he discusses in his book are European species, but they all have counterparts in North America (and indeed on every continent except possibly Antarctica) and the lessons that he gives on the art and science of birding, where to find birds in the urban landscape, how to attract birds, what to look for at various times of the year, and the helpful tools of the trade are applicable no matter in which urban setting you happen to live.
I found the chapters on gardening for birds and on the tools of the trade especially interesting. Cultivating a wildlife-friendly garden, particularly if one is able to include a water feature, such as a pond or bog garden, is a wonderful way to bring the birds in close so you might not even need binoculars to view them. But, really, binoculars are perhaps your most important tool of the trade and Lindo's section on how to choose binoculars for your hobby is quite helpful, especially for the novice.
Overall, the book is written in a conversational and easy-to-understand style. Lindo never talks down to his readers and his enthusiasm for the hobby of birding - or twitching, if you prefer - is infectious. It would be most recommended for the person living in an urban area who is new to this leisure pursuit and wants to learn more about finding a greater variety of species of birds beyond House Sparrows, European Starlings, and Common Rock Pigeons.
(Disclaimer: A free copy of this book was provided to me by Princeton University Press for the purpose of this review. The views expressed here are entirely my own.)
Of course, some places are birdier than others. I am fortunate to live in Southeast Texas which much of the North American population of birds passes through at some time in the year, either headed to more northern climes in the spring or to Mexico and Central and South America in the fall. Many of them do, in fact, linger with us throughout the year. So, I'm never at a loss of birds to watch in my own backyard.
One might assume that the urban areas of the world would be unlikely places for people who enjoy watching birds, but one would be wrong. David Lindo in his recent book, How to be an Urban Birder, shows his readers just how wrong that assumption is.
Lindo is a U.K. birder and most of the birds that he discusses in his book are European species, but they all have counterparts in North America (and indeed on every continent except possibly Antarctica) and the lessons that he gives on the art and science of birding, where to find birds in the urban landscape, how to attract birds, what to look for at various times of the year, and the helpful tools of the trade are applicable no matter in which urban setting you happen to live.
I found the chapters on gardening for birds and on the tools of the trade especially interesting. Cultivating a wildlife-friendly garden, particularly if one is able to include a water feature, such as a pond or bog garden, is a wonderful way to bring the birds in close so you might not even need binoculars to view them. But, really, binoculars are perhaps your most important tool of the trade and Lindo's section on how to choose binoculars for your hobby is quite helpful, especially for the novice.
Overall, the book is written in a conversational and easy-to-understand style. Lindo never talks down to his readers and his enthusiasm for the hobby of birding - or twitching, if you prefer - is infectious. It would be most recommended for the person living in an urban area who is new to this leisure pursuit and wants to learn more about finding a greater variety of species of birds beyond House Sparrows, European Starlings, and Common Rock Pigeons.
(Disclaimer: A free copy of this book was provided to me by Princeton University Press for the purpose of this review. The views expressed here are entirely my own.)
September 25, 2018
As an avid urban birder myself, I appreciate just how thorough this book is without being at all "know it all." Lindo's voice is like that of a cool friend whose passion for birds and showing them to you is infectious and productive. Super productive--he covers all the ways to find birds, attract birds, or apply other skills like photography or illustration to the pastime. His tips can be used in any urban environment; only the birds will be different. Its content and presentation assures I'll be referencing it for years in gleaning ideas for birding in cities. I recommend this book as a companion "how-to" and a pleasure read for smart suggestions and funny anecdotes. It is not a field nor travel guide but more of a lifestyle and open your eyes guide.
Full disclosure: I received a review copy of the book in order to interview David Lindo for National Audubon online. The Q&A does not include a review of the book so I was eager to impart my enthusiasm for it here.
Full disclosure: I received a review copy of the book in order to interview David Lindo for National Audubon online. The Q&A does not include a review of the book so I was eager to impart my enthusiasm for it here.
August 5, 2025
It's a wonderful book packed full of practical information on birdwatching in urban areas.
An inspiring read with great advice
An inspiring read with great advice
June 28, 2023
Brilliant. Packed with facts, inspiring and motivating
July 12, 2023
"...just get out there and give it a go - and don't forget to look up!"
I absolutely 100% loved this book! From the moment I read the first page until I read the last line. The wit, the humour, and the positivity just kept me keen! I was/am an avid birder, "was" because I had more time in the past, but "am" because I still listen and watch out for birds wherever I go even though I don't always have the opportunity to sit and engage for long. I found Lindo's approach to birding so refreshing and inspiring! And the artwork is also just fantastic. Highly recommend!
I absolutely 100% loved this book! From the moment I read the first page until I read the last line. The wit, the humour, and the positivity just kept me keen! I was/am an avid birder, "was" because I had more time in the past, but "am" because I still listen and watch out for birds wherever I go even though I don't always have the opportunity to sit and engage for long. I found Lindo's approach to birding so refreshing and inspiring! And the artwork is also just fantastic. Highly recommend!
December 11, 2023
A great introductory guide to beginning birding, with lots of tips and tricks for seeking out birds, especially in urban contexts. The style is approachable but authoritative, with enthusiasm for birds dripping from every page. When Lindo describes birding as "sexy", you almost believe him.
October 3, 2019
This was good, I enjoyed it! Lots of interesting info- including some new stuff for me- as well as good background information for any novice birders reading.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews