Description
Book SynopsisSince the 1980s the bird life of the Cotswolds has seen significant changes, many of them subtle but some spectacular. This beautifully illustrated and extensively researched book, the product of five years’ field work exposes these changes with the aid of simple and clear colour maps which give not only a detailed but easily understood picture of the breeding distributions of bird species in the area today, but also a comparison with 20 years ago. The maps are accompanied by descriptive accounts for each species, often containing fascinating local information. The book discusses the relative difficulties of surveying the different species, which will be of help to others undertaking the same task elsewhere. It is richly illustrated by colour photographs of the birds and their habitats. Its easy style and clarity will make this book of great interest not only to ornithologists, but to everyone with a concern for the natural environment of the Cotswolds, and to anyone planning a visit to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Trade ReviewThis is an essential purchase for anyone with an interest in the area. I would also recommend it highly to collectors of British avifaunas and atlases as it is an attractive, up-to-date and authoritative work which represents good value for money at the price. * Birding World 23 (2); 87-88 *
Liverpool University Press has published this glossy, 234-pages, £25 hardback that details the numbers and distribution patterns of the various species of birds in the Cotswolds. * Cotswold Journal *
County and regional bird atlases are a really underrated tool for any birdwatcher, and this is a very fine example. For any birder in this outstandingly beautiful area, this is a must, for leisurely browsing as well as more systematic fact-checking. * Birdwatching Magazine *
Recent local atlases have all tended to be of a very high quality, but this one stands out for the sheer level of professionalism and clarity. A beautifully presented atlas covering a beautiful part of the country. * BTO News *
...a model to which other local avifaunas should aspire. * British Birds *
The book is pleasantly designed, with coloured maps; photographs replace the drawings of the earlier work. * British Ornithologists' Union *
Table of ContentsMaps and diagrams Tables Preface 1. Introduction 2. The landscape and bird habitats of the Cotswolds 3. Schematic bird habitat maps 4. Subjective impressions of bird population changes in the Cotswolds since the 1983-87 survey 5. The survey in outline 6. Main species accounts 7. Brief species accounts 8. The survey in detail 9. Compatibility with the 1983-87 survey Appendix A. Species league table Appendix B. Gazetteer Appendix C. Distribution of records by tetrad Acknowledgements Further reading and references Index of species
