West Midland Bird Club

The new Birds of the West Midlands

Reviewed by Alban Wincott

Considering that you can't get further away from the sea than here in Warwickshire and its adjoining counties, it is amazing that this book contains details of occurrences of over 330 species of birds in Warwickshire, staffordshire, Worcestershire and the former West Midlands County.

The new 500-page publication marks the 75th anniversary of the West Midland Bird Club and not only updates the status of the birds recorded in the area since the publication in 1982 of “The Birds of the West Midlands” for their 50th anniversary, but also contains a brief history of the club, a chapter on climate, and the results of bird-ringing, which places this inland area into a global context.

Graham and Janet Harrison have produced a superb review of the physical features and landscape character of the region along with descriptions of the range of habitats and sites that birdwatchers can visit, including those Trust reserves which are good for birds such as Brandon Marsh. The introductory chapters cover 112 pages, and the systematic list a further 360 pages. The text is enhanced with delightful line drawings by Steve Cale and there are 32 pages of colour photographs of birds and examples of habitat.

This is a book not to be missed by anyone with an interest in local birds and their habitats. I awaited its publication with excited anticipation and I was not disappointed.

[Purchasing details were here.]