Perfect time to turn over new leaves

BOOKS make ideal Christmas presents and, this year, the outdoors reader is spoiled for choice. Here are a few suggestions.

Eric Dempsey and Michael O’Clery’s The Complete Guide to Ireland’s Birds will appeal to the casual observer and the experienced bird-watcher alike.

Beautifully illustrated and compact enough to be carried in the field, its publication is timely. During the Celtic Tiger era, Europe-wide field guides were all the rage. In those halcyon days, checking out the local Spanish or Greek birds added an extra dimension to a holiday. With the hair-shirt back in vogue, foreign trips are off most people’s agenda. Having to make do with Irish wildlife is no bad thing; this island has so much to offer.