A Bad Birdwatcher's Companion by Simon Barnes. H/C. 281 pp.

When you read that the song of the experienced older blackbird says: “I’m gorgeous, I’m tough, I’m a blackbird’s blackbird. I’m the sort of blackbird that becomes an ancestor - and you can’t get sexier than that” and that the sky is the most widespread habitat for birds, you know you’re in for an enjoyable time.

This is not your very serious, intimidating field guide that might have would-be birdwatchers throw up their hands in despair. This is the antidote, the relaxed way to get to know 50 birds that you’ve probably seen before, like the robin, sparrow and swallow, a personal introduction about what they are doing and why, why some are bold and some shy, some fierce and some fearful, some bright and some dull.

First published in 2005 by Short Books, London. Dust jacket and inside pages in immaculate condition, as good as new.

Please add delivery fee of R60. We use Paxi, PEP’s courier service. Let us know at which PEP branch you want to collect your parcel. You will receive a SMS and PIN when your parcel has arrived. Take this PIN and your ID to your PEP branch to collect. Delivery time 7 to 9 business days, plus 2 additional business days for outlying and rural areas (60 km or more from a main city). Info: www.paxi.co.za

• Your PEP bag (45 x 37 cm) has space for 3 to 5 additional books - still only R60 for delivery.