A Birdwatching Guide to Donana - John Butler (1 Viewer)

[MarkHows]

I have just got my copy of this excellent book, if you are going there get it

A link below

http://www.trafford.com/07-0594

I had the pleasure of birding with John and really like this book and am planning a trip with it. It contains all the best sites with maps and descriptions of how to find them. A good section on the park, accomodation, what to see when and a section on the birds and where to find them.

There is one thing missing an overall map of Donana with all the local sites in.
But that is its only failing.

Mark

 

[Firetail]

I agree with you Mark and have some thoughts as one who has paid far more for copies of other guides to the area.

“In an effort to produce this book so that it can be sold at the most economical price, I have not included pictures of birds or any other superfluous images. The book is all about guiding you to the sites and helping you find birds.” John Butler


So if you want pretty pictures of birds and ‘superfluous’ images go pay almost 10 euros more for other guides to the area and get less site descriptions and less pages than Butler’s guide to the Doñana.

A benefit for the reader of this guide is the in depth site details and as the author says, it also includes help for those requiring details of disabled and wheelchair access. Another advantage to Butler’s account of the Doñana and its great range of important birding areas is his ability to describe not only access, but so many other important details to his readers. For instance, he deals with what facilities each site has, whether or not it is suitable for wheelchairs, if the area contains many facets he tells of those to avoid, what time of year to visit the site and what birds you are likely to encounter. The description of how to find and reach each site is far superior to other guides. In other words he gives the reader a much clearer idea of these sites than other guides to the area.

I reckon this guide is the best value and most informative of its kind for the Doñana and would not hesitate recommending folk to go buy a copy.

:t:

 

[Black Wheatear]

It may sound a little excessive, but I have three books covering the Doñana. Actually four counting John Butler’s latest guide to the area.

1. Portrait of a Wilderness by Guy Mountford
2. Birds of Doñana by Beltrán de Ceballos Vázquez
3. Where to Watch Birds in Doñana by Garzón & Chiclana
4. A Birdwatchers Guide to Doñana by John Butler

The first two books were given to me by the authors, the third and fourth I couldn’t resist buying at the Acebuche visitors centre in Doñana. I have always been struck by the lack of acknowledgement paid to Mountford for his role in establishing the reserve that is Doñana. Without his earlier promotion of the area and his dedication to raising the funding necessary to secure the area, then it is unlikely there would have been any protection given to this important wetland. There is absolutely no doubt he was THE major player in pushing for the areas protection and fund raising to establish the reserve. Yet, if you read any official park history or all of the above author’s account of the park, then little is written of Mountford. Where he is mentioned it almost seems grudging and marginalises his work.

I have found Birds of the Doñana a useful reference to the distribution of species in the park. Each species listing contains distribution and it is very helpful if you go on a quest to see particular birds. Where to Watch Birds in the Doñana is pretty good at giving some prime sites around the Rio Guadalquiver.

I guess the choice of book for finding your way around so many fine birding sites rests with the quality and usefulness of the content. On first appearances, Butler’s book seems stark and simple. I must admit to feeling disappointed at the lack of bird and site photographs. However, reading this book you instantly recognise the author’s intimate knowledge of the best birding areas and his unselfish desire to share his knowledge with one and all. His attention to detail and descriptions on how to find these sites are far superior to other guides. He also had several years experience leading groups of us Northern Europeans around the park and learning what the visitor wanted and needed to know. So I would join the chorus and recommend any person intending to visit the Doñana to buy John Butler’s A Birdwatchers Guide to Doñana.

 

[Jon Turner]

I met John last year, shortly before he died, and he was extremely generous with his information on where to go, what to see etc. The highlight being two juvenile Imperial Eagles on the nest. I also have a copy of his book, and look forward to making full use of it in future visits to the area.
Agree with Black Wheatear, it was Guy Mountfort's book that turned me onto bird watching after my parents bought a copy in the 1950's. It took me a long time to get to the Coto (first visit in 2001), but it has never disappointed.

Jon