Collecting together interviews with 20 birders of renown - including the two authors - this engaging volume provides a unique insight into what makes birders 'tick'. Interviewees span individuals born in the 1930s through to those born in the 1970s, making the book a valuable reflection on the development of birdwatching over the best part of the last century. Without following the same set of questions slavishly, each of the interviews manages to cover some common ground, including: first memories of an interest in birds; first pair of binoculars; early education and influences; career development; and thoughts on the likely future of birdwatching. Interviewees are, however, given sufficient latitude to wax lyrical about their own personal experiences and viewpoints. This means that whilst the book holds together well as a whole, each of the individual interviews can also be enjoyed in its own right. Reading the book as a whole, some notable unities become apparent within the diversity of contributions. The Observer's Book of Birds,The AA Reader's Digest Book of British Birds, and the Peterson, Mountfort and Hollom field guide are all cited frequently as having informed early adventures in birding. Almost all the interviewees acknowledge the significance of a mentor figure; someone who encouraged and nurtured their passion for birds at a young age.

And many recognize the importance of the freedom they enjoyed as youngsters to get out and about in search of birds; though they also observe that it is a freedom now denied many children in the West. There is less agreement when it comes to the question of twitching, with attitudes ranging from enthusiastic championing of the cause to a complete lack of interest, and everything in between! The interviewees have different ideas about how the future of birding will develop, but all apparently expect that human fascination with birds will be undiminished. Behind the Binoculars is a thoroughly charming celebration and affirmation of that fascination.