The way all birding will be

The Isles of Scilly Bird and Natural History Review 2002 is, quite simply, an awesome publication that deserves a place in every birders library irrespective of whether you visited the islands in 2002. I, for one, did not but that only heightened my appetite to wade into what is now a hefty, authoritative annual review of the islands fauna and flora. Sponsored by Swarovski and London Camera Exchange we are surely not many years away from a bird report winning bird book of the year. Certainly this report ought to be a strong contender. Jam packed with facts and presented in a format that holds you as you turn every page this report is more than just another bird report. Indeed it's title "Bird and Natural History Review" tells you there's more than just a bird list. With articles on dragonfly records, cetacean and other pelagic species, plants and even underwater Scilly, these are only eclipsed by the fascinating article on Scilly Stick Insects !

We will all have our personal favourites but the artwork by Stephanie Thorpe of the Lesser Kestrel on the inside cover makes the £9 price tag worth every penny. Indeed the many artistic contributions from a wide variety of artists, particularly those of Ren Hathway, are a delight.

The bulk of the report covers the bird list for the year, followed by personal reports from finders of some of the best birds of the year. Read Gary Bellingham's account of a reluctant day trip for the Lesser Kestrel and with just two hours to go no sign of the bird. Gazing out to sea, as others scanned the island with growing desparation, Gary sights a familiar image coming in off the sea. What was it - another first for Scilly of course. Or read how Doug Page nearly discounted a report of a big black and white bird. Whatever made him change his mind he'll never know but the decision to trudge out to Wingletang was rewarded with an albeit brief Little Bustard. Or how Ed Parnell almost tripped over a Gray-cheeked Thrush within minutes of disembarking from the Scillonian. But my favourite was Doug Page's account of finding Lanceolated Warbler - another first for Scilly - after a local had described finding "four Willow Warblers and a very small, very dark warbler running around at my feet".

But if that's not enough then enjoy the selection of photos that cover all the 2002 rarities, the 'pelagics' plus a fascinating selection of images of mega-rarities from the past.

Put simply, make sure you have a copy of two bird reports each year - your own county report and this one.

Copies are available from the Isles of Scilly Bird Group (Price £9 plus £2.50 postage)

Send cheques to:

Nigel Hudson
Post Office Flat
Hugh Street
St. Marys
Isles of Scilly
TR21 OLL

Alternatively for an extra 50p you can become a member of the ISBG (annual subscription £12) and you get the bird report for free, two newsletters plus other on-island benefits.

Visit their website at www.scillybirding.co.uk