Welcome to Rare Bird Books
Rare Bird Books is the website of author Russell Slack whose forthcoming book is due for release in July 2009:
"Rare Birds, Where and When: An analysis of status and distribution in Britain and Ireland. Volume 1: sandgrouse to New World orioles"
by Russell Slack with historical perspectives by Ian Wallace
ISBN 978-0-9562823-0-9
**Publication date 14th July - For all of those that have pre-ordered, many thanks for your patience.** This work is an essential reference for anyone seeking a book about the status, distribution and vagrancy patterns of rare species within the UK and Ireland, together with a comprehensive overview of Western Palearctic records. It pulls together the records for all species presently treated as 'rarities' by the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) and the Irish Rare Birds Committee (IRBC).
Great Offer
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The book will receive a limited initial print run on July 14th. The pre-publication offer may now closed but act quickly to secure a copy at the great price of just £29.99. A must for anyone with an interest in birding books, click on Rare Birds, Where and When right now to order this comprehensive reference of rare birds.
For each species there is an overview of:
And a discussion of trends, patterns and why species arrive (or not) and numerous finders accounts.
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What are others saying about the book?
Roger Riddington, Editor of British Birds, says:
"This book will become a definitive reference work for anyone interested in
rare birds in Britain & Ireland. The inclusion of not just British & Irish
but all European rarity records is particularly valuable when it comes to
linking individual records, establishing the context of notable arrivals and
examining trends - something which is increasingly important in the light of
climate and other environmental change. As well as this, by splicing the
analyses with narrative extracts, Russell Slack has provided a damn good
read. The compiler is seriously well-qualified to write this book, and it
shows."
Guru of the British birdwatching scene for over 50 years, Ian Wallace, commented:
"Want an industrious, inspiring account of rarities, their origins and
occurrence patterns? Look not to the committees or journals, ask instead
Russell Slack, total enthusiast and ace analyser of British and Irish
records and European backdrops. It's two decades since anyone got the whole
miracle of avian vagrancy together in one book. Order your copy of his
wonderful digest now!"
Tim Melling, keen birder, BOURC member and aspiring rarity finder:
"Whenever I see a rare bird I always like to read everything I can about it afterwards. This fantastic book will provide a one-stop shop for doing just that. This is the first time that anyone has combined a detailed analysis of British and Irish rarity records with those of the rest of Europe. A well-researched section on the taxonomic status is also amazingly helpful for those with an eye on potential future splits. A definite must for the bookshelves of all rare bird enthusiasts and aspiring rarity-finders."
Pictures:Graham Catley
What About Volume 2?
Due to the size of the book it was not possible to analyse all species in one volume. Therefore volume 1 deals with Sandgrouse to New World orioles and is due for publication on 14th July 2009. Click here for more details of what will be in Volume 2 - the expected price of Volume 2 will be £15 (to be confirmed).
A donation from sales will be made to the Fair Isle Bird Observatory (FIBO) appeal.