I was very happy to receive a copy of the second edition of Birds of East Africa for review. It is a fine guide that benefits immeasurably from the combined East African experience of Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe. It would not be an exaggeration to claim that between the two of them there rests more knowledge of the avifauna of the region than in any other two people alive today.
The text is supported by high quality illustrations by John Gale and Brian Small, with consistent meticulous accuracy. The pictures do exactly what good field guides seek to accomplish, i.e. to display the bird as you will see it in the field. The combination of the description of the species, highlighting key features in bold text, with these illustrations, ensures that a first time birder in the area will have a real boost to his birding experience. Veterans will benefit too from a revised and fully updated version of their familiar reference.
The format follows the established practice of text on the left hand page and images on the right.
The introductory section is fairly perfunctory but does contain important information and should be read thoroughly.
At the end of the species accounts vagrants are accorded proper attention, and Appendix 1 lists the species endemic to East Africa with their current conservation status. A sobering number fall into the Vulnerable, Endangered and Critically Endangered categories. Appendix 2 is titled Threatened Bird Species in East Africa - again far too many species are in serious jeopardy. Appendix three is a country-by-country review of the important bird areas of East Africa with accompanying maps.
Most of us are presently confined by COVID-19 and its mutants and variants, with little prospect for travel in 2021. When you are able once again to board a plane for East Africa, however, this is the guide you will want to take with you. In the meantime it will be a great companion for armchair birding from the comfort of your home!
Birds of East Africa - Princeton Field Guides
Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe
Paperback
Published: 8 December 2020
US$39.50 - ISBN: 9780691158259
640 pages - 289 colour plates comprising 3,500 colour illustrations and maps - 5.37" x 8.37"
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This seems to be another great book, thanks for the review. Have a great day, it's very cold and snowy here! Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteSounds like a bird-watchers delight! Traveling curtailed, the imagination can take us anywhere and it seems this book will inspire, educate and prepare eagle-eyed adventurers for future trips.
ReplyDeleteWhen I cancelled travel to Australia last year, little did I imagine that I would be unable to visit there this year either.
DeleteQue de beaux livres, oui cela permet de voyager en restant chez soi.
ReplyDeleteBonne journée
It looks like another great book, David. Very nice review.
ReplyDeleteI guess birders would have to content with armchair birding for now and the book sounds like the perfect companion.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the review, David!
Omg the animals are amazing! Loved the photos! <3
ReplyDeletewww.pimentamaisdoce.blogspot.com
Great review David! Armchair everything is going on I guess huh? Nice to see your face in your new avatar! :))
ReplyDeleteEste también parece un gran libro querido amigo. Yo de África solo conozco las aves que viajan aquí en primavera, como el cuco, el Chota cabras y varios cernícalos y rapaces. Abrazos y muchas gracias. Cuidaros mucho.
ReplyDeleteUn libro para pasar un buen cofinamiento amigo. Esperemos que pase este 2021 y podamos volver a viajar.
ReplyDeleteBuen lunes David. Cuidaros.
Un abrazo.
So many birds, so many wonders...
ReplyDeleteToday I love the term avifauna!
ReplyDeleteMore to read and learn about birds, they are so fascinating.
ReplyDeleteOtro gran libro de gran reseña querido amigo David. No soy gran conocedor de aves de África, simplemente de aquellas que se quedan en verano por la zona del levante español. Un buen libro para aprender más no cabe duda.
ReplyDeleteUn fuerte abrazo querido amigo y compadre David.
I'm sure, from your review that it is a great book, David, but this one will not be gracing my bookshelf any time soon as I can confidently say that a visit to East Africa is not on the agenda, and I have enough more relevant material waiting to be absorbed by my few remaining grey cells! Stay safe - - - Richard
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a terrific book, David.
ReplyDeleteI've been spending quite a bit of time, in a literary way, in East Africa recently, so I'm happy to read of a book that explores the birds of the region.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely to see them in print, at least!
ReplyDeleteAre you on Facebook? I know someone who takes startlingly beautiful photos of birds and posts them there. I can provide her name, if you're interested.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Hi Janie: I am not on Facebook but send me the link anyway; my wife is, and I will ask her to check it out and share with me.
DeleteYour charming bride can look for Shelly Morales in Texas. If she doesn't find Shelly, I'll be more explicit.
DeleteWe found her. Thanks!
DeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteI would like to take a trip to Kenya for some birding and a safari. Great review and thanks for sharing this book. Take care, enjoy your day and week ahead!
I notice the vivid colors of the birds.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much David for sharing your impressions of this fantastic revised guide "East African Birds". Personally about Africa, I have the guide: Birds of Kenya & Northern Tanzania (Helm field guides) and Birds of Southern Africa (Princenton field guide)
ReplyDeleteYou are well equipped, Julio. I am familiar with these guides and they are both of high quality. I have numerous guides covering most of the continent. The last time I visited Africa was in 2014 and I was well served by "Birds of the Horn of Africa (Princeton University Press).
DeleteHi David, beautiful book of the birds in Africa. Greetings Caroline
ReplyDeleteParece una buena guía de aves, me encantaría tenerla. Abrazos.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a well written bird guide book. I like the cover illustration.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for identifying the Dark-eyed Juncos on my bird feeder. I looked in my National Geographic bird book, but I had "Bunting" in my head. I saw they weren't that, but couldn't figure out what they were (even though I see them here all of the time, so I knew they were a native).
Ciekawa informacja. Mam książki o afrykańskich ptakach i są to moje ulubione! To jest dla mnie trochę bajka więc trochę powrót do dzieciństwa!
ReplyDeleteFantastic book...In Spain we have quite a few birds from Africa ... We are waiting impatiently for them soon. :-)))
ReplyDeleteSaludos...
Won't be long now, Ana.
DeleteThis book looks as though it would contain gorgeous illustrations, judging by the cover.
ReplyDeleteIt will enable you to identify every bird found in the region.
DeleteMany thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Hi David - the Princeton books appear to be always exceptional and very professional in their publications. This is the kind of book to have out on an indoor day ... and just browse through admiring the avifauna of the area. Cheers - Hilary
ReplyDelete