It's swooping season and if you're like me, you're probably thinking 'I hate those blasted feathered beasts!'. If so, then it's time to hit pause and remember just how beautiful our feathered friends in the sky really are. So, instead of swearing at the birds in the park, have a read through this collection of books that are guaranteed to remind you that you do actually love birds . . .

For the bird watchers . . .

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Enchantment by Birds by Russell McGregor

Enchantment by birds is commonplace. Birdwatchers merely go a step further than others and actively seek to be enchanted. This book tells why they take that extra step. It takes the reader on a series of excursions into birdwatching's past, venturing forward to the present. With an intriguing cast of characters, avian as well as human, its lively narratives explore the emotional and aesthetic impulses behind the pastime as well as its scientific and conservationist components.

Its stories of 22 Australian birds range widely – from wordy squabbles over bird names to the artistic finessing of field guides; from the Paradise Parrot's tragic fall into extinction to the everyday enjoyment of a Magpie's carol; from the evolution of citizen science to the boom in birding tourism.

For the art history buffs . . .

Birds in Art by Tim Batchelor

The natural beauty and diversity of birds have fascinated us for centuries. Since their first appearance in the art of ancient Egypt, birds have proved to be a popular and enduring subject for artists who have sought to capture the majesty of these wondrous creatures. Bringing together a collection of artworks depicting birds from the Renaissance to the present, this book reveals how and why birds continue to captivate. Showcasing the forms, movement and colour of a variety of species, and exploring cultural symbolism as well as concerns around climate change and biodiversity loss, it is not only a delightful visual journey but also a pertinent reminder of our impact on the natural world.

For the bird nerds . . .

The Complete Language of Birds: Volume 13 by Randi Minetor

Expand your bird knowledge with this gorgeous encyclopedia of nearly 400 bird species around the world, unique for its inclusion of both their physical and mythological characteristics.

If you're a nature lover who thrives on bird videos and photography, go beyond the scope of standard field guides with this comprehensive reference. Each entry of The Complete Language of Birds provides not only the bird's name and physical qualities, but also its history, symbolic meanings, and hidden properties from mythology, legends, and folklore.

For those wanting more birds to visit their gardens . . .

Creating a Bird Friendly Garden by Stephanie Jackson

This beautifully illustrated book provides a wealth of information to enable every reader to create their own corner of paradise that wild birds will be eager to share, however large or small their garden. It introduces more than 70 species of birds that routinely visit gardens and provides the details of more than 230 species of plants, including both native and exotic species, which offer food, shelter and a welcoming habitat for birds to guarantee that a garden will become the focus of their attention.There are useful hints on appropriate design features for a garden that's created specifically with the needs of birds in mind.

For the poetry lovers . . .

The Book of Bird Poems by Ana Sampson, illustrated by Ryuto Miyake

The wonder of birds has charmed and inspired poets down the centuries and across the globe. From Shakespeare's 'feathr'd king' to Ted Hughes' 'butterfly lightness', of swifts, this is a collection to stir the soul of any nature lover. Our emotional and cultural connection to the bird world is captured in 60 beloved poems, which include the work of Shelley, Poe, Longfellow and Keats. All of them accompanied by the beautiful bird illustrations of Ryuto Miyake.

This anthology will help us see our flighted cousins in a new light and confirm why they feature so much in our art, folklore and literature. From the common robin to the soaring eagle, from the chattering parrot to the sinister crow, they are indeed, poetry in motion.

For the conspiracy theorists . . .

Birds Aren’t Real by Peter McIndoe and Connor Gaydos

The 'true' story of the greatest conspiracy in U.S. history.

Have you ever seen a baby pigeon? You haven't, have you? No one has, not in many, many years. That's because they come out of the factory as adults. In the 1970s, the United States government killed off the entire bird population and replaced them with robotic bird replicas that are used for mass surveillance. Birdwatching now goes both ways.

In Birds Aren't Real, whistleblowers Peter McIndoe and Connor Gaydos trace the roots of a political conspiracy so vast and well-hidden that it almost seems like an elaborate hoax.

For the young bird lovers . . .

An Anthology of Exquisite Birds by Ben Hoare

From the miniature bee hummingbird that flaps its wings 200 times a second, to the oilbird that navigates pitch-black caves using echolocation, this stunning collection showcases more than 90 of the world's most extraordinary birds. Detailed photography is paired with storybook descriptions that will captivate young readers, whether it's finding out about condors and cuckoos or swans and starlings. Features on eggs, feathers, nests, and other key topics explore the enormous variety of avian adaptations. There is also a visual index packed with reference information, including the size and range of each species.

With foil on the cover, gilded edges, and a ribbon for keeping your place, An Anthology of Exquisite Birds makes a beautiful gift for any child who is fascinated by birds. It's ideal for young readers to explore by themselves or perfect for bedtime stories.

For those who want to have their love of birds on display . . .

A Bird Lover’s Sticker Book by Leana Fischer

A collection of 675+ beautifully illustrated stickers for any bird enthusiast.

This full-colour sticker book features spreads that function as beautifully detailed pieces of art with stickers nestled within. Become immersed in a range of habitats and landscapes (think desert, woodland, ocean) featuring a variety of birds (woodpeckers, bluebirds, chickadees!). Plus, discover unique feathers, delicate nests, quirky birdhouses, colourful eggs, botanical wreaths, and more.

For those who want to share the bird love . . .

All Wrapped Up: Birds & Bugs by Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft

All Wrapped Up: Birds & Bugs showcases Australia's unique wildlife, as seen through the eyes of acclaimed Bundjalung artist Bronwyn Bancroft.

Love the pattern? Rip it out and wrap something up! Includes 20 gift wrapping sheets and gift stickers.

Grab some cards to go with the wrap here!