Field guides are rubbish?

Question

Hi guys, 
 How about a list of good field guides for our struggling visitors ? 
 
 S

TeeJay · Answer

Of course field guides are invaluable but they are not the complete answer. I personally use the Collins Bird Guide but I am sure there are many other good guides available. Incidentally, a new edition of that guide is about to be republished so I'd hold off buying the current edition for the moment. 
 The beauty of this forum is that it brings together contributors with a wide range of experience and abilities. I think its very interactive nature and exchange of experiences and views is an equally valid if not a more important learning tool as looking at a book. 
 I put my abilities in the middle ranking (probably an over estimate) but since I've been on the forum I feel I've learned a lot. I think it would be a pity if the less experienced were inhibited from asking what to some may seem trivial questions. We've all got something to learn. It's good to talk.

Highland McHale · Answer

Well said TeeJay, No one can claim to be or will ever be an expert on all birds. It is not only of use to the less experienced, in that bird/s, to ask questions that are known to some. It is very helpful to refresh and or update knowledge. That way we are less likely to get stuck in our ways with outdated ideas. 
 I say! have as many guides/books as you can. If there are guides out there that are seen to be incorrect or start debate, then thats ok to. Remember depending on one guide is the same as depending on the information of one person. People make mistakes, thats all of us, like it or not. The moment we feel expert in this life, we become over confident and have a fall. 
 Oops sounds like I'm on a soap box again, down boy. 
 John :-)