The Breeding Birds of North-East Scotland
Edited by Ian Francis and Martin Cook
If you live in the North East of Scotland, and you like your birds, you probably already have this book. If not, you should get it. This new breeding birds atlas showcases the results of 5 years of studying the birds of Moray, Aberdeenshire, and Aberdeen city, and includes around half of the Cairngorms. The distribution of all breeding birds in that area has been mapped (we like maps) and compared with earlier similar atlases. The Breeding Birds of North-East Scotland contains 500 photographs and maps, with 60 authors and 62 photographers, mostly local, contributing to the tome. Almost 350 volunteer observers took part, submitting about 117,000 records. The book was edited by Ian Francis from Alford and Martin Cook from Clochan.
All public libraries and secondary schools in North-East Scotland will receive a free copy of the full-colour, 520-page volume, because of financial support from a number of organisations. The book has been funded by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Forestry Commission Scotland, Cairngorms National Park Authority, East Grampian Coastal Partnership, RSPB and Aberdeenshire Council.
Details are given for each species of habitat, breeding biology, local breeding status, and distribution. This book is 528 pages bursting with detailed information.
Things we learned
- There are just 40 pairs of kingfishers in this region
- 3 pairs of red throared divers were confirmed
- Golden eagle and osprey are relatively common
- Goshawk have increased the most
- Greenshank have decreased the most.
RRP £25 - Available at www.nescotlandbirdatlas.org.uk (P & P £7)
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