The Birdwatcher's Yearbook 2012 begins with a general roundup of 2011's biggest ornithological headlines; although these may be old news to some it is remarkably up-to-date (including the Slimbridge Spoon-billed Sandpiper project and migrant Common Cuckoo tracking amongst others) and, in the future, will inevitably serve as an excellent reminder of the year's top stories. The features section also doubles up as a review; a roundup of some of the best books and websites that 2011 have had to offer provides readers with plenty of entertaining literature to explore.

Next up is the diary section; each month is given a double-page spread with one page illustrating a diary and the other a page for notes.

The British list is complete and up-to-date, and offers plenty of columns to record a wide range of lists. In addition, the inclusion of British dragonfly and butterfly lists is a nice touch, and reflects the increasing numbers of British birders whose interests broaden from just birds during the less-productive summer months.

Also updated is the guide to Britain's more productive nature reserves and observatories; this encyclopedic walkthrough of over 400 sites is wonderfully accurate, providing readers with a potential wealth of new places to explore.

The exhaustive directories included are perhaps the most impressive feature of The Birdwatcher's Yearbook. In addition to a trade directory, which lists recommended outlets to purchase anything from optics to software to holidays, there is also an excellent directory for artists, photographers and lecturers. Towards the end of the book is another directory that lists important contacts at county, national and international levels, ranging from county bird recorders right through to the biggest international organizations.

As a resource, The Birdwatcher's Yearbook 2012 is second to none for anyone with anything from a passing interest in British birds to the keenest among us.