Beautiful Oranje: The ID Handbook of European Birds by Nils van Duivendijk

By John Hague

John moved to Leicester in 1993 to start training as a mental health nurse and recently retired after 30-odd years in the NHS to start Shrike Birding Tours. His passion for birds extends into writing and using the power of words and birds to try and engage with people to enjoy the wildlife that is all around them and also to use this connection to nature as a way to improve their mental health.

Nils van Duivendijk’s ID Handbook of European Birds is a masterclass in creating an ID guide for the ages. It is an indispensable companion for both seasoned birders and those just starting out. This meticulously crafted guide, replete with stunning illustrations and detailed descriptions, offers a comprehensive overview of the avian inhabitants of Europe.

This guide replaces two, hugely influential and groundbreaking editions of Advanced Bird ID that featured the key text ID but lacked any plates. Now following a collaboration with top wildlife photography consultants Marc Guyt at AGAMI (images) we have the genesis of a bird guide for the future. The original Dutch has also been brilliantly translated by top British birder, James Lidster. James was instrumental in this edition being largely based in The Netherlands now and a regular over here.

The book’s systematic approach makes identification a doddle. Each entry provides essential information, including physical characteristics, habitat preferences, and vocalizations. Key ID features are arrowed so you can clinch an ID quickly. The author’s keen eye for detail and his ability to capture the essence of each species are evident throughout the pages.

What sets this handbook apart is its emphasis on practical identification techniques. Van Duivendijk offers invaluable tips on observing behavior, and habitat clues, enabling readers to confidently distinguish even the most challenging species. The species family introductions are a ‘must read’ as it discuss molt strategy to aid aging and, in some cases, sexing birds. It’s as if the author has distilled years of birding experience into a concise and accessible guide.

While the ID Handbook of European Birds may seem worlds away from the realm of sports, there’s an intriguing parallel to be drawn between the meticulous attention to detail and systematic approach found in the book and the Dutch “total football” philosophy that revolutionized the game in the 1970s.

Just as van Duivendijk’s handbook breaks down the complexities of bird identification into a methodical framework, the Dutch national team under Rinus Michels pioneered a style of play that emphasized fluidity, versatility, and collective effort. Each player was expected to understand and perform multiple roles, creating a dynamic and unpredictable team.

Both the handbook and the Dutch team’s approach share a common goal: to make the complex seem simple, to turn seemingly insurmountable challenges into achievable objectives. By providing a structured framework and emphasising the importance of understanding the underlying principles, both the birder and the football player can achieve remarkable results.

The two volumes certainly aren’t cheap but they certainly are worth the cost. The two volumes aren’t really suitable for the field either unless they stay in the car and they’re not much use there. Is there a solution? Yes, there is, the book is also available as a downloadable PDF file and I have a copy on my smartphone and tablet. These are perfect for the field and sit in a folder alongside my Collins Bird Guide app, my Sibley app, and a few butterfly, moth and dragonfly ID Guides.