Hardly in need of a new field guide, I got this today due to  a mixture of curiosity,  an appreciation of good artwork and a bit of retail therapy! The original has served me well since 1999 when I bought it after thumbing through Mick Cunningham's new copy on the dam wall at Ingbirchworth (you occasionally needed a field guide here many years ago, now the Observer's giude to dog breeds will do)). I wasn't blown away at the time but, getting back into birding big style after a few years away, I quickly began to appreciate how good it was.
This updated guide sees many of the sub-species from the original given the 'full monty', including some new to me, ie, Maghreb Wheatear - the N African version of Mourning Wheatear. More expected are the 'full species' status given to several gulls, thrushes and warblers. Many of the plates of long-recognised species have been re-jigged and improved, particularly impressive is Goshawk, and the fun is picking them out when you begin to flick through it. The highlight for me is, of course, the artwork and the already superior standard has been brought up a notch with more fantastic little vignettes - check out the Pharaoh Eagle Owl being investigated by a Red-rumped Wheatear, and the Hume's Owl caught in the beam of a searchlight - brilliant. There's something for every level here - from a new pic of an hunting Sprawk to a new account of Siberian Crane for the dreamers, me included.
To coin a phrase - one day perhaps all field guides will be made this way

Dave,
        Old Moor has loads. The RSPB are flogging them as some sort of special introductory offer. I didn't ask why, but another money spinner for 'em though. Lets hope they invest some of the money on grit salt for the paths of the reserve - anybody fancy teaming up for dancing on Ice?
 
Have agood 'un
Russ

If you look in January edition of Birdwatch mag. they are doing hardback for just over £16
David

Got mine with book tokens from Christmas - so you might say, in a roundabout way, that it cost me nowt!
 
Tha can allus tell a Yorkshireman ...
 
David

Bird Watching magazine have a subscription offer this month. Take out a subscription by direct debit for 12, 6 or 3 months and get a free latest edition of Collins Bird Guide. Taking out a 3 month subscription at £11.65, with the guide valued at £17.99, if I read it right, they are effectively giving you £6.34.
David