It looks like this winter will be good one for the species with reports coming from Bare, Bolton-le-Sands, Torrisholme, Carnforth, Arnside, Galgate and Scale Hall.

This week I'm taking my annual pre-Christmas look at some of the latest bird books to have appeared on the shelves and I hope that I will offer some help to those readers either struggling to come up with a special Christmas gift for the birdwatcher in their lives or maybe for those looking for something to add to their own wish list!

Rather excitingly, we are also offering one lucky reader the chance to win a copy of the terrific RSPB Guide to Birdwatching by Mike Unwin, a review of which can be found below.

The books described here my well be available from the well-stocked shop at the RSPB's Leighton Moss reserve visitor centre near Silverdale or can be ordered from your local bookshop or over the internet, see acblack.com for discounted prices on a wide range of books.

The Wisdom Of Birds by Tim Birkhead. Bloomsbury £25.

Yet another book published in recent years looking at the history of ornithology as folklore, science and modern-day pastime, The Wisdom Of Birds is an absorbing and highly readable account of our relationship with birds over the centuries and the discoveries that have consequently been made.

Birkead's style, while certainly authoritative, exudes enthusiasm for his subject and the narrative is easily understood and consistently fascinating. From the mysteries of migration to the often complicated matters of reproduction, Birkhead takes us on a journey of discovery and delight.

This beautifully illustrated book will hold great appeal both for the serious student of ornithology and equally for the keen amateur naturalist.

Where To Watch Birds in Yorkshire by JR Mather. Christopher Helm £16.99
This latest updated title in the hugely popular series offers the reader well over one hundred sites to visit in our neighbouring county, including a number in the nearby Ingleton and Settle areas.

Ever wanted to see a puffin? Well, this handy guide will give you all the information you need to be in with a chance of locating one or any other bird that makes England's largest county its home.

As is always the case with these useful books, each site includes vital descriptions including a list of the species one may encounter, access details and clear maps to ensure the visitor makes the most of any day out.

Owls Of The World by C König & F Weick. Helm £45

When first published, this landmark tome was welcomed by many of the world's active birders and field ornithologists.

And while the text was unsurpassable, I personally found many of the illustrations a little untidy and unrealistic.

Well, I'm delighted to say that this new second edition has improved greatly and the plates have been enhanced by the inclusion of a number of new illustrations and notably a darker print which has improved the images no end.

On closer inspection the book also includes all the modern splits meaning that, for example, North American Barn Owl is now treated as a separate species from our own and what was previously considered the Middle Eastern race of Little Owl now enjoys full species status as Lileth Owl. Added to these and other taxonomic changes are the newly discovered species meaning that a further 38 owl species are now recognised by the authors since the first edition was published in 1999.

Another improvement sees the duplication of the distribution maps as thumbnail illustrations alongside the brief descriptions facing the plates.

RSPB Guide to Birdwatching by Mike Unwin. A&C Black £12.99.

Aimed squarely at the beginner, or at least those with a passive interest in our birdlife, this attractive new publication sets out to point those wishing to learn more in the right direction.

This book not only deals with finding and identifying birds but also gives handy insights into the vast array of field guides, binoculars and such, that are available plus tips on understanding bird behaviour and habitat choices.

The layout and design of the book is modern and generally pleasing throughout, although a few low-resolution photographs have surprisingly managed to sneak through the editorial process.

On the whole, this is a highly informative and useful book that is ideal for anyone who enjoys birds but knows little about them, this potential stocking-filler could change their perspective and send them off on a path of discovery that will last a lifetime!