Product Description

This book presents the most complete and up to date guide to the recognition of the diurnal raptors of Europe and the Middle East yet published. It is written by an acknowledged expert, the author of many definitive identification articles and veteran of countless tours and expeditions. Over 700 high quality colour photographs have been specially chosen to show the plumages of each age and sex class of every species found in Europe and the Middle East, back up by a detailed text enabling birdwatchers to get to grips with even the most difficult species. The photographs are complemented by almost 100 drawings focussing on particular identification details, and the whole is fully referenced with a list of nearly 300 key papers and articles. This book sets a new standard for raptor watching and identification in Europe and further afield.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #110036 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-24
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 608 pages

Review
'Each species is treated similarly in a feast of over 700 colour photographs. Many raptors are glimpsed only briefly or at considerable height in poor light but Mr Forsman's book should make identification possible. The new, paperback format of the most comprehensive raptor guide makes it easy to handle in the field.' Wild Times (Autumn 2007)

About the Author
Dick Forsman is a freelance ornithologist who runs his own bird-watching tour company. His never-ending search for raptors often takes him abroad, Spain and the Middle East being his favourite destinations.

Customer Reviews

The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East : a Handbook to Field Identification.
PERHAPS TOO HEAVY TO CARRY IN THE FIELD BUT DICK FORSMAN'S BOOK OVERWHELMINGLY SURPASSES ANY OTHER BOOK WHICH I HAVE SEEN ON THE IDENTIFICATION OF BIRDS OF PREY .
NOT ONLY IS THE THE TEXT IS WELL WRITTEN AND COMPREHENSIVE BUT A WHOLE SERIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING AGE & SEX PLUMAGE FEATURES ARE PRESENTED FOR EACH SPECIES. THE ONLY ASPECT WHICH MIGHT BE A DOWNSIDE IS THAT AT TIMES THERE IS EVEN TOO MUCH DETAIL

Excellent
Having always found raptors difficult and confusing, I found this book a revelation. They are still difficult and confusing but now I understand why, and can better make sense of what I am seeing in the field. Pages and pages of text, diagrams and photos describe and illustrate each species, with identification summaries in flight at a distance, in flight closer-up and perched, together with sex and age differences. There is also a very useful section on understanding moult patterns and how this helps in aging a bird. The book is a bit heavy to carry in the field, but certainly one to refer to at the end of the day or before going out to look for a particular species. Excellent.