US visitor to Outer Hebrides and Wester Ross/Sutherland bird guides (1 Viewer)

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b-lilja

Well-known member

• Mar 30, 2012

• #1

Hi,

I will be doing a bicycle tour through the Outer Hebrides, over to Ullapool and up and around to Scrabster and the Orkneys. I won't have a scope, only a pair of 8x32s.

Any recommendations of particularly places to check out, and also, what is the best UK bird guide, hopefully not huge and weighty (something for the handlebar bag).

Thanks!

 

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

Staff member

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Mar 30, 2012

• #2

Hi b-lilja

What a wonderful trip that will be. For information, start off with Opus, then click on the links for the various parts of Scotland you're going to; which would be "North", "Outer Hebrides" and "Orkneys".

The recommended bird book is the Collins Field Guide. Though if space/weight is an issue if you're cycling the Birdwatchers Pocket Guide ISBN 1-85732-804-3 is excellent. Also try and get Gordon Hamlet's "Where to Watch Birds in Scotland" (though you may need to send him a PM - he's a BF member - to get a copy now) - doesn't hurt to ask, does it

Oh and do let us know what time of year it will be.

You'll have a wonderful time.

D

 

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b-lilja

Well-known member

• Mar 30, 2012

• #3

Hi Delia,

I will be there the last week of May and the first week of June.

Thanks for the info on the Collins Guide. I do want a full size guide so that helps.

 

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gordon hamlett

Well-known member

• Mar 31, 2012

• #4

b-lilja said:

Hi Delia,

I will be there the last week of May and the first week of June.

Thanks for the info on the Collins Guide. I do want a full size guide so that helps.

Click to expand...

Hi b-lilja

I second Delia's comments about the Collins Bird Guide 2nd edition - it's the best field guide on the planet! However, it does cover all of Europe, If you want something more specific, have a look at the RSPB Handbook of Scottish Birds (Holden and Housden, published by Helm)

As Delia also alluded to, my book could have been written for people like you. It consists of a series of tours through the Scottish Highlands pointing out all the best birding places en route (mainland only).

It includes all the areas you will want to visit - Inverpolly, Handa, Sutherland and Caithness.

If you are intersted send me a pm and I will send you further details, a sample chapter and comments from various satisfied customers.

HTH

Gordon

 

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b-lilja

Well-known member

• Mar 31, 2012

• #5

I see here I have a 1998 edition of the Collins Guide for Britain and Europe. It is listed as completely revised and updated - "New Edition" on the spine - is this the latest edition?

Also, is the Princeton Guide appreciated? I see many positive reviews on Amazon.

 

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

Staff member

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Mar 31, 2012

• #6

b-lilja said:

I see here I have a 1998 edition of the Collins Guide for Britain and Europe. It is listed as completely revised and updated - "New Edition" on the spine - is this the latest edition?

Also, is the Princeton Guide appreciated? I see many positive reviews on Amazon.

Click to expand...

No, this is the latest edition, which was published in March 2010.

Sorry, can't help with the Princeton Guide, I don't know it.

D

 

Stonefaction

Dundee Birding....(target 150 in 2024).

• Mar 31, 2012

• #7

Not 100% sure but I think the Princeton Guide is the US printed version of the Collins Guide.

 

Capercaillie71

Well-known member

• Mar 31, 2012

• #8

b-lilja said:

Also, is the Princeton Guide appreciated? I see many positive reviews on Amazon.

Click to expand...

The Princeton guide is exactly the same book as the Collins guide - just a different cover. In fact I don't think you can get the Collins version in the US except as an expensive import. Make sure you still get the second edition though:

http://www.amazon.com/Birds-Europe-...3927/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333217008&sr=8-1