|
East Devon birds' guide launched |
|
|
|
|
Saturday, 01 April 2006 |
East Devon birds' guide launched
EAST Devon ornithologists can rely on a detailed annual guide to the area's bird life in their studies.
The Axe Estuary and Seaton Sea Front Bird Report 2005 has just been
completed by David Walters, a birdwatcher with over 40 years of
experience. The book, which features illustrations by renowned bird
artist Mike Langman, is based on weekly records kept by the area's
birdwatching community.
The guide covers the East Devon District Council local nature reserves
at Seaton Marshes and Colyford Common, which now has a new hide to
replace the open viewing platform. An updated section since the 2004
report includes reports from the sea front.
Mr Walters, a retired businessman from Colyford, visits the sites on a daily basis.
Through keeping weekly records in a logbook at each spot, he is able to
compile the guide and monthly reports for the British Trust for
Ornithologists.
Mr Walker said: "It's a long job, but very
rewarding once the guide is out. The weekly records are 99 per cent
accurate - we only ignore entries when people report seeing a crocodile
in Seaton Marshes or something which clearly isn't likely!
"I
think the area is quite remarkable, we see 42 per cent of all British
species in such a small area. I would like to thank Fraser Rush at EDDC
for doing such a good job maintaining the sites."
Mr Rush,
nature reserves officer with EDDC's Countryside Service, said: "David
Walters' third annual report is an extremely useful record of bird
movements and habits.
"The increases in the numbers of some
species recorded are a testament to the improved environment that we in
the Countryside Service are achieving through our management of the
Local Nature Reserves."
The guide carries information on the
location of the birdwatching sites, migration dates of various birds,
and the number of times they have been spotted.
The report
is available from Windsor Books in Seaton and Archway Bookshop in
Axminster, priced £2.50. Copies can also be ordered from David Walters,
with an additional 50p fee for postage and packing. For more
information phone Mr Walters on (01297) 552616. |
Bird News 