Category: Archive

A Complete Guide to the Birds of Malta

Maurice Skeggs, NHBS customer from the UK, reviews this “superb” book.

“I bought this book after reading some rather flattering reviews and thought, well, if everybody’s praising it, there must be something about it! And what a pleasant surprise, this book exceeded my very high expectations. First of all, it is so painstakingly well researched yet written in such a brilliant and flawless manner. It must have taken ages to gather all that information. It covers everything related to birds like no book I’ve seen has ever done and really raises the bar. Secondly, it shows how deep the relationship between birds and man is, even in an island which is renowned to be hostile to birds, where things are now hopefully changing for the better.

The book comes from the pen of the author of Fatal Flight: The Maltese Obsession with Killing Birds, which in 1992 had exposed the horrific situation of hunting in Malta. This book now shows a chronicle of change, of shifting attitudes, acknowledging what has been achieved and listing what still needs to be done. It also shows the strong British and Victorian influences on Malta, a former colony which saw a lot of development under British rule but which neglected the protection of birds that was taking place back at home here in Britain. So we Brits have a part of the blame too!

The book shows how birds captured man’s thoughts and imagination, how birds pervaded metaphors, led to coining of expressions and proverbs. It shows brilliant photos of birds in everything from Maltese crockery to crochet, from antique embroidery of sacred vestments to illuminated manuscripts and birds in coats-of-arms of Maltese surnames. Brilliant photos of prehistoric bird models as well as the Medieval bas reliefs of falconry and hunting with cross bows are really unique. The book has what I believe is the first real history of falconry of the Maltese Islands, which goes way beyond the annual falcon that used to be given to Charles V as a token for giving Malta to the Knights of St John. This book documents it all, and in a very pleasant way.

The ornithological section, which makes up the second half of the book, is equally brilliant, with many original records and brilliant photos. The text that goes with each species gives old Maltese names that date back to the Middle Ages. Simply brilliant to see how they changed… or remained the same. This section too is infused with a lot of folklore about birds in Malta. The photos of decorated bird calls as well as those dealing with turtle dove trapping, are really beautiful and recount volumes on their own. I can go on and on about this invaluable tome, for with over 900 images and close to 500 pages, this is a veritable tome, an encyclopaedia about birds and man, primarily to do with Malta but saturated with parallels that each and every reader can find in his neighbourhood… So it’s about birds and us as much as it’s about the birds of Malta.”

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Birds of Vanuatu has been out of print for many years, but we have been able to source a very limited amount of stock – order today to avoid missing out on this unique offer.

We really enjoy receiving your feedback on the books and wildlife equipment we stock – here, Pierre, from Switzerland, shares his thoughts on the ‘invaluable’ Biebrza Site Guide by Lukasz Mazurek.

“I had doubts concerning price/quality but I bought this book when we visited Biebrza in May 2010 and I must say it is pretty fantastic. It was so useful and easy to use in the field. Very clear and detailed on bird locations and well laid out. Maps and indexes make it very easy to find what you are searching for. We had some stunning views of everything we wanted including Greater Spotted Eagle, Aquatic Warbler and unbelievable views of male Red-breasted Flycatchers and I am pretty sure we saved a lot of time and hassle. We just wouldn’t be able to see all that without this book.”

Share your views with NHBS customers around the world – click here to create a product review.

Customer reviews can be read in the ‘Reviews’ tab on each product page and here on the Hoopoe

“Putting the spotlight on some hard-to-see warblers”

Keith Betton, chairman of the African Bird Club, shares his thoughts on the recently published Helm Identification Guide to Reed and Bush Warblers.

“In size and feel, this book is closest to the Helm volume on Sylvia Warblers, and similarly it is also an impressive tour de force. At the outset the authors deserve praise for tackling such a challenging group of genera which contain some of the most secretive species in the world! The families covered are Locustellidae, Acrocephalidae and Cettiidae – 112 species in 13 genera, of which 21 are on the British List.

The 42 colour plates by Brian Small are grouped together at the front of the book. These really are excellent, with usually just one or two species per page and a selection of distinctive races being shown with brief descriptions on the facing pages. The main species texts are really comprehensive, giving detailed accounts of structure and plumage and comparisons with similar species. Vocalisations are described and sonograms are shown, although – rather like the text – they are a bit on the small side! In contrast the colour distribution maps are superb – being large and clearly annotated to show the ranges of each race for both breeding and winter distribution. These ranges are also described, as are the choice of habitats. Movements, breeding habits, behaviour and moult are all treated in separate sections, as are in-hand measurements, which are also accompanied by diagrams of the wing formulae. A section on taxonomy and systematics allows for an explanation of recent changes. In my view it would have been helpful to include here the various names that readers may encounter when reading about the species elsewhere. Good colour photographs are included for all but the most obscure species, and helpfully these are positioned at the end of each species text. No detail has been spared in presenting information. The various appendices give information about the type localities and synonyms for each species, as well as body measurements based on fieldwork and museum specimens.

In creating this book the authors have taken advantage of molecular analysis based on DNA comparisons. These studies have turned some of our understandings upside down. For example, research strongly suggests that two accepted races of Aberrant Bush Warbler are in fact races of Sunda Bush Warbler. Also who would have thought that Grasshopper and Lanceolated Warblers were not closely related? It appears that that they are seated in different clades, and Grasshopper Warbler is actually more closely related to Chinese Bush Warbler – and therefore is likely to be a Bradypterus and not a Locustella!

A number of these taxonomic issues are discussed in the introductory chapters. The authors have adopted a pragmatic approach and have been flexible in deciding the scope of the book to ensure the inclusion of the most challenging genera. Among their decisions is the adoption of Iduna as a sister genus to Acrocephalus for four species usually accepted as being in the genus Hippolais (Eastern and Western, Sykes’s and Booted Warblers), while Thick-billed Warbler is put in the genus Phragamaticola. Similarly Chestnut-headed Tesia is on its own in the genus Oligura. The recent splitting up of Spotted Bush-Warbler is only partly followed, with the authors recognising the creation of Baikal Bush-Warbler (Bradypterus davidi), but not West Himalayan Bush Warbler (Bradypterus kashmirensis). Similarly Anjouan Brush-Warbler (Nesillas longicaudata) is lumped into Madagascar Brush-Warbler.

When it comes to the use of English names, the choice stays fairly close to the IOC List, although occasionally the Clements name is favoured instead, and on some occasions the authors have adopted names that are used by neither – such as Kinabalu Bush-Warbler (for Bradypterus accentor) and Kiritimati Warbler (for Acrocephalus aequinoctialis). One species that followers of Clements will find missing is Victorin’s Scrub-Warbler. Although treated as a Bradypterus in that list, it has been renamed as Victorin’s Warbler by IOC and placed in the genus Cryptillas next to the Crombecs and Longbills in the family Macrosphenidae. Those who are interested in the choice of races will again have plenty to discuss – although space does not allow details to be listed here.

It would be a mistake to think that there is little left to learn about these Old World families. For example, how did we overlook the Large-billed Reed Warbler? Identified from a single specimen collected from India in 1865, it was 140 years before it was detected again – and yet since 2006 three have been trapped in Thailand. Similarly Timor Bush Warbler was described from two specimens collected in 1932, and then not seen again. But just a year ago it was rediscovered in good numbers, while nearby on the island of Alor this or perhaps another species has now been discovered. Recognising that the relationships between the species in this book will probably change before a second edition is printed, the authors have wisely included an appendix which summarises some of the likely revisions likely to result from recent research. For example Little Rush Warbler and Evergreen Forest Warbler are both likely to be split into several new species, while Javan Bush Warbler and Russ et Bush Warbler may be lumped, as may also Styan’s Grasshopper Warbler and Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler.

An amazing amount of work has gone into this volume, and it certainly gets my personal “book of the year” award.”

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We love to hear your feedback on the books and wildlife equipment we stock – here, Mike Nelson, from the USA, shares his thoughts on Phillips’ Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo: Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan.

“I went to Sabah, Borneo in August of 2009 before this was published and I wish I would have had it then. I did take the The Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Bali, which was sufficient, but as it was published in ’93 some of the info was out of date and not specific to the area I was birding. The art work for that guide was done by Karen Phillipps who has done the art work for this new book. This guide is set up like most with a plate on the right and info and range maps on the left. The range maps are a plus over the older version. Also the first two pages are a quick guide to the plates with a representative bird pictured with the corresponding page. Helpful for looking up birds quickly. The next several pages are filled with graphic indexes of birds common to specific habitats. Several pages follow about the layout of the book, Bornean endemics and helpful info about vegetation, birding sites, climate and migration. Then comes the heart of the book with all the species accounts. The info about each bird has a range map, character of the bird, size, call, range, occurrence and info about habits and habitat. On several of the pages are yellow boxes with other information about the birds on that page from migration to plumages and even local lore. At the back are 11 pages of info about birding in specific parts of Borneo with maps and where to find what birds. Overall this is a great book not just as a guide but also, with all the other small bits of info about birding in Borneo, it’s interesting to read. The art work might not be as sharp as the Myers book but this has more of the soul of Borneo in it.”

Share your views with NHBS customers around the world – click here to create a product review.

Customer reviews can be read in the ‘Reviews’ tab on each product page and here on the Hoopoe

Important Bird Areas (IBAs) form a worldwide network of sites for the conservation of birds. When complete, this global network is likely to comprise around 15,000 IBAs covering some 10 million km2 (c.7% of the world’s land surface) identified on the basis of about 40% of the world’s bird species. The effective conservation of these sites will contribute substantially to the protection of the world’s biological diversity.
IBAs are:

• critical sites for the conservation of birds and biodiversity
• places of international importance
• practical targets for conservation action
• selected according to internationally recognised criteria
• used to reinforce existing protected area networks
• used as part of a wider approach to conservation

Data collection and analysis play a highly influential role in underpinning the conservation and management of IBAs. Useful for conservationists, ornithologists, governmental and non-governmental agencies, policy-makers, researchers, consultants and planners, the data managed in the World Bird Database (WBDB) are intended to inform and guide practical management and actions at IBAs and to target political and legal mechanisms to achieve the adequate protection of IBAs.

Contributions have been made by a vast network of ornithologists, birdwatchers and conservation experts around the world. Many thousands of individuals have been involved in the collation of data. In most countries the relevant BirdLife International Partner has co-ordinated the work nationally, and this has generally involved substantial collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organisations.

As of March 2006 over 10,600 IBAs have been identified, mapped and documented in 234 countries (or territories/autonomous regions) and at sea by BirdLife. There are 115 National or sub National IBA Inventories and Five (six if you count Pacific CD) regional directories (Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Americas) published. A CD for (most of the) the Pacific has just been produced. Antarctic and marine directories are still in production. Most of these IBAs are available through NHBS, BirdLife’s global distribution partner – this catalogue is a summary of IBAs, key ornithological conservation books, and background reading on habitat and species protection.

We have put together a global guide to IBAs, featuring all the books – many published by BirdLife International – and field equipment necessary for those interested in, or working in, bird conservation.

Browse our IBAs buyer’s guide here

This weekend NHBS are heading up to Loughborough for the Bat Conservation Trust’s annual National Bat Conference. We are proud to be involved with bat conservation through the provision of the latest books and equipment for everyone from ecological consultants to amateur bat lovers. Our range is always expanding to keep up with developments in technology and research, and our wildlife equipment team are always chasing the most up-to-date information to help kit out those working in bat conservation.

Our catalogue is a guide to everything you’ll need for bat detecting and conservation. We’ve included information about choosing the right bat detector and accessories, as well as a comprehensive list of the field kit and reference books we think you will find most useful. You can read it in the window below, or click here to view it as a pdf.

We are always coming across new innovations and updating our stock so don’t forget to check our bat equipment pages on the website.

NHBS | Explore the World of Bats

First up, our Editor’s Choice of the Top 10 Best Wildlife and Natural History Books of the year, followed by Customer Favourites – the most popular books of 2009.

Editor’s Top 10 Books of 2009

1. Vegetative Key to the British Flora
Nothing short of a revolution in plant identification

2. Field Guide to the Birds of Brazil
The first serious field guide to Brazil’s avifauna

3. Bats of Britain, Europe and Northwest Africa
Comprehensive and beautifully illustrated

4. Colour Identification Edition of Moths of the British Isles
Welcome new edition of Skinner’s classic

5. Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Volume 1: Carnivores
The first volume in a stunning series… can’t wait for the next instalment

6. On the Origin of Species: The Illustrated Edition
The best of too many Darwin books published for the double anniversary

7. Lichens of Great Britain and Ireland
A colossal undertaking – keys to 1873 species

8. Atlas of Wader Populations in Africa and Western Eurasia
Essential conservation info (for Ramsar/CMS) in a format accessible to serious birders

9. Sustainable Energy without the Hot Air
Clearly written and clearly costed solutions to our energy/climate conundrum

10. Biology of Coral Reefs
Brilliant academic overview of this threatened habitat

Customer Favourites
These are the most popular books of 2009 at NHBS by subject, as chosen by our customers: Birding, Bird Conservation, Botany, Mammals, Natural History and Zoology (including Entomology bestsellers). You’ll find an eclectic mix of geographic and taxonomic interest, with books from publishers all over the world. We’ve also included the Top 10 wildlife equipment from our rapidly expanding range of field kit.

Enjoy browsing, and please feel free to add your own recommendations for Top Titles in the comments section at the end of this post.

Birding
1. Wildfowl – New Naturalist Volume 110
2. Handbook of the Birds of the World, Volume 14
3. Field Guide to the Birds of Brazil
4. Field Guide to the Birds of East Asia
5. Shorebirds of the Northern Hemisphere
6. Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo
7. Field Guide to the Birds of the Horn of Africa
8. Field Guide to the Birds of South America: Passerines
9. Birdwatching Guide to Oman
10. History of Ornithology

Bird Conservation
1. Atlas of Wader Populations in Africa and Western Eurasia
2. Bird Ringing
3. Best Practice Guide for Wild Bird Monitoring Schemes
4. Ultimate Site Guide to Scarcer British Birds
5. Raptors: A Field Guide for Surveys and Monitoring
6. Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland
7. Bird Conservation and Agriculture
8. Rare Birds Where and When, Volume 1: Sandgrouse to New World Orioles
9. Important Bird Areas in the Caribbean
10. Avian Invasions

Mammals
1. Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Volume 1: Carnivores
2. Bats of Britain, Europe and Northwest Africa
3. Mammals of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East
4. Field Guide to the Mammals of South-East Asia
5. Guide to British Bats
6. British Mammals (Audio CD)
7. Lesser Horseshoe Bat
8. Field Guide to Indian Mammals
9. Mammals of the British Isles
10. Living with Dormice

Zoology
1. Field Guide to the Larvae and Exuviae of British Dragonflies, Volume 2 (Volume 1 also available)
2. Key to the Identification of British Centipedes
3. Collins Butterfly Guide
4. Britain’s Reptiles and Amphibians
5. RES Handbook Volume 4 Part 2: The Carabidae
6. New Holland European Reptile and Amphibian Guide
7. Insects of Britain and Western Europe
8. SBF Volume 58: Centipedes
9. Dangerous Marine Animals
10. Diversity of Fishes

Botany
1. Vegetative Key to the British Flora
2. Grasses of the British Isles
3. Collins Flower Guide
4. Lichens of Great Britain and Ireland
5. Sedges of the British Isles
6. Montane Heathland Lichen Guide
7. Water-Starworts Callitriche of Europe
8. Funga Nordica
9. Orchids of Britain and Ireland
10. Mountain Flowers and Trees of Caucasia

Natural History
1. Dartmoor: New Naturalist Volume 111
2. Art of Peter Scott
3. Art of the New Naturalists
4. Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Portfolio 19
5. Living Britain DVD
6. On the Origin of Species: The Illustrated Edition
7. Wild France
8. Nature’s Great Events – DVD
9. Wild Life
10. Life – DVD (David Attenborough)

Top 10 Equipment
1. Opticron Hand lens, 18mm, 20x magnification
2. Crushable Pocket Butterfly Net
3. Magenta Bat 5
4. WeatherWriter A4 Portrait
5. Bug Box Magnifying Pot
6. Batbox Baton
7. Collecting Pot (Bundle of 5)
8. Pooter
9. 5-Hole Small Bird Ringing (Banding) Pliers
10. One-Man Wildlife Photography Hide

Check out this You Tube video clip from Sharks in British Seas – available on DVD at NHBS.

Sharks in British Seas is the first film to be made about the top predators with whom we share our seas. Names like Blue Shark, Thresher, Great White, Porbeagle, Basking Shark and a host of others are brought to life on this fantastic shark journey around Britain.

Award winning videographer Simon Spear teamed up with Richard Peirce to film the launch of Shark Cornwall. The result was the first footage of Blue sharks shot in UK waters, another first followed when they got quality footage of free swimming Porbeagle Sharks. The quest then continued – taking in the North Sea, the English Channel, Wales and Scotland in pursuit of sharks in British seas.

Order a copy of Sharks in British Seas – DVD today

Browse the companion book Sharks in British Seas by Richard Peirce of Shark Cornwall

Browse other Sharks & Rays titles at NHBS

Jhal, our Customer Services Manager, explains:

We order books from publishers, scientific institutions and conservation organisations based all over the world. It can take just a day or two, or up to several weeks for books that are out of stock to arrive … if we order more stock from a supplier in Europe it tends to be quick; but it can take longer for interesting, locally produced field guides to reach us from around the world.

We keep you up-to-date with an order status report sent out once a month by email for any outstanding titles you have. We endeavour to get your books to you as soon as possible – but for really rare or exotic books, it can take a little time. Our Customer Services team are always on hand to provide extra information.