22 NOVEMBER 1997, Page 38

Tuneful twitchers

Sir: It was unwise of Michael Portillo (Books, 15 November) to assume that just because the John Major Cabinet was divid- ed ideologically between bird-watchers and opera buffs, the same gulf exists in the real world. Many of my friends in the RSPB share my love of opera; and we should be delighted to show Mr Portillo around our reserves and demonstrate to him that the two interests are not exclusive.

Mr Portillo invited readers to recom- mend a guide to Botswana's Okavango swamp, one of Africa's great birding experi- ences. May I suggest that he purchase the Illustrated Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa (New Holland, 1993)? He will not be disappointed.

Julian Pettifer

RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire