The Birds of Blakeney Point

This new book brings together for the first time a complete account of Blakeney Point's long history of birds, and includes a description of its topography and wider natural history, a history of its ornithology, an account of migration and the influence of weather, tales of some 'great days' and a full Systematic List.

Both the authors have been trekking out to the Point in all kinds of weather and at all seasons for many years, and so are ideally suited to write this absorbing account of Blakeney Point. However, it is not simply an account of personal observations; considerable research has been necessary to write the chapter on the Point's ornithological history and the characters involved, from the early days of the gentlemen gunners, through the establishment of the Point as a National Trust reserve, to the present-day birding scene.

The major part of the 240 pages consists of a detailed Systematic List of species, written in a highly readable style and incorporating the often eloquent observations made by the visitors during the first half of the twentieth century, as the authors state in their Introduction: "...as well as the purely 'scientific' recording, we also hope to communicate through the text, photographs and artwork something more intangible - the 'feel' of this special place and its capacity to delight and inspire. Blakeney Point continues to offer an unparalleled year-round birdwatching experience. Standing on the furthest spits one can still feel a real sense of isolation in one of north Norfolk's few remaining areas of true wilderness."

The text is enlivened by over 40 of James McCallum's illustrations, while 16 pages of colour and black-and-white photographs are also included, and the evocative dust wrapper, portraying a spring male Bluethroat at Blakeney Point, is from a linocut print designed by Robert Gillmor.

Published in August 2005 at £25, copies of the book signed by the authors will be available post-free from Andy Stoddart, 7 Elsden Close, Holt, NR25 6JW. Please make cheques payable to Wren Publishing. It will also be on sale at the Bird Fair at Rutland Water.