Seabird Populations of Britain and Ireland
Seabird Populations of
Britain and Ireland
by P. Ian Mitchell, Stephen F. Newton, Norman Ratcliffe & Timothy E. Dunn. A&C Black 2004
ISBN:
0713669012
Written with results from
Seabird 2000 (a major initiative to census all breeding seabirds of Britain and Ireland) and compared to two surveys
carried out in the last 30 years, this book provides very comprehensive status details of all Britain & Irelands
seabirds.
After a thorough and well-written introduction, the book gives some in-depth information as to how the census was
carried out. Including Duration, coverage, assessments etc. and then goes on to explain how the, vast amounts of data were processed
and analysed, before moving on to a systematic account of each bird species. Such detail will, no doubt, be lapped up by serious
ornithologists whilst it is a bit heavy going for lowly birders.
This is where the book
gathers speed for me. Each section is written by an expert in the field, and gives an introduction, Census methods, current state and
trends, causes of any changes and summarises these figures in an international context. It includes maps, charts and some superb
colour photos (albeit some are a little shocking, such as in the case of a Fulmar caught on a long-line fishing hook). If this was
not enough, the authors then go on to give probable causes of all seabird population changes in a very extensive final chapter.
Overall I would say this book is exceedingly well written, with some very interesting facts and figures, and is, therefore, a
must for all true seabird enthusiasts.
Ashley Beolens
Created: 15th Jul 2004
