Birding is becoming one of the fastest growing outdoor activities, especially in the UK. Adrian Riley provides with his book entertaining and highly illuminating insights into the obsessions – and passions – when he set out to become the nationally recognised ‘Birder of the Year’.

Here is a classic tale, set amidst the beautiful British countryside, involving a rivalry so strong that all else is forgotten – save the birds and the desire to see them, despite the many costs both mentally and physically.