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A series of guides to the wildlife of European areas.

The books on this page are ordered chronologically with the most recent at the top.

For further information and to download sample sections of the guides see the Crossbill Guides website

Western Andalucía: Huelva to Málaga, Spain

Albert Vliegenthart, Bouke ten Cate, Dirk Hilbers, Kees Woutersen

KNNV Uitgeverij

2017

"This new title in the Crossbill Guides Series is one of two volumes covering the autonomous region of Andalucia in Spain. This title covers the western provinces. Like all other Crossbill Guide, this title answers two questions: what makes this area so special, and how you can see this for yourself. This book describes the flora and fauna, landscape and traditional land use of this region, plus 18 detailed routes and 28 sites with concrete indications on where and how to find the birds, wildlife and flora."

Eastern Andalucía: Córdoba to Cabo de Gata, Spain

Albert Vliegenthart, Bouke ten Cate, Dirk Hilbers, Kees Woutersen

KNNV Uitgeverij

2017

"This new title in the Crossbill Guides Series is one of two volumes covering the autonomous region of Andalucia in Spain. This title covers the eastern provinces of Cordoba, Jaen, Granada and Malaga. Like all other Crossbill Guide, this title answers two questions: what makes this area so special, and how you can see this for yourself. This book describes the flora and fauna, landscape and traditional land use of this region, plus 20 detailed routes and 18 sites with concrete indications on where and how to find the birds, wildlife and flora."

Lesbos, Greece

Alex Tabak and Dirk Hilbers

KNNV Uitgeverij

2016

"The Greek island of Lesbos is a famous destination for birdwatchers and naturalists. In spring and autumn, the already impressive number of breeding birds swells with the arrival of countless migrants. Less well known but equally attractive are the hiking trails, superb geology and abundance of orchids. The old trails and minor roads between the villages make inviting walks amidst picturesque woodlands, groves and meadows with the blue Aegean never far away. This book covers all these aspects and, like all Crossbill Guides, it answers two questions: What makes this area so special, and how you can see this for yourself. There are descriptions of the flora and fauna, landscape and traditional land use, plus 17 detailed routes and 23 sites with concrete indications on where and how to find birds, wildlife and flora."

Spanish Pyrenees and Steppes of Huesca, Spain

Dirk Hilbers and Kees Woutersen

KNNV Uitgeverij

2016

"There are few areas in Europe with such a diversity of landscapes and of flora and fauna. From the alpine heights of Ordesa to dry semi-desert of Belchite, this guidebook shows you the best sites and reveals their flora and fauna. The geology and local land-use history is fully described in the opening chapters, explaining how the special habitats arose, and how they are all important to the special fauna and flora of the region. The guide covers the wildflowers, birds and all other wildlife routes, where-to-watch-birds information and other observation tips. 21 routes are fully described and mapped, with many adjacent locations identified."

This is a slightly revised edition based on the edition published in 2012.

Cévennes and Grand Causses, France

Dirk Hilbers and Paul Knapp

KNNV Uitgeverij

2015

"This Crossbill Guide covers the Cévennes and Grands Causses which combined, form one of the wildest and most beautiful regions of France. This guide describes the flora fauna and natural history of this remarkable area. With 19 detailed route descriptions, the reader is able to explore the Cévennes and Grands Causses on foot and by car. These routes are carefully designed to cover the widest variety of landscapes and to find the most attractive species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, wildflowers and insects."

This is a slightly revised edition based on the edition published in 2009.

Canary Islands II: Tenerife and La Gomera, Spain

Dirk Hilbers and Kees Woutersen

KNNV Uitgeverij

2015

"This new title in the Crossbill Guides Series covers Tenerife and La Gomera, the two most diverse of the Canary Islands. The flora and fauna of these islands is unique and consists of many species that occur nowhere else in the world. This guidebook describes the nature of these islands from the sun-soaked lava fields on the coast to the lonely snow-capped peak of mount Teide, including all the fascinating life that can be found in these ecosystems. The Canary Islands II: Tenerife and La Gomera gives detailed route descriptions (13 in total) and site descriptions (about 30) for naturalists throughout both islands, covering the best sites for bird watching, finding wildflowers, dragonflies and butterflies; for seeing marine life and the most remarkable geological sites. It also gives detailed information on tracking down the evolutionary processes that shaped the unique ecology of these isolated Atlantic Islands. This information comes with extensive descriptions of the ecology, geology, history and flora and fauna of Tenerife and La Gomera."

Iceland

Dirk Hilbers

KNNV Consignment Books

2015

"Iceland is famous for its stunning landscapes, unique geology, and rich birdlife. There are few places on Earth where volcanism has resulted in such a multitude of different landscapes, and where such vast numbers of birds are easy to watch and photograph. The Crossbill Guide: Iceland shows everything Iceland's nature has to offer, and contains 16 detailed itineraries for the best places to go. The guide also describes close to 50 sites with tips for visitors interested in geology, birds, marine mammals, flora, and history of the landscape."

Canary Islands I: Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, Spain

Dirk Hilbers and Kees Woutersen

KNNV Uitgeverij

2014

"The Crossbill Guide: Canary Islands, Volume 1: Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, Spain is the first of a series of guides covering the Canary Islands. It contains nine detailed itineraries and a large number of sites with observation tips. The guide describes the best sites for walking, birdwatching, and finding, butterflies, dragonflies and flowers; geological sites, scuba diving sites, and sites that reveal the unique evolutionary processes on the islands."

Extremadura, Spain

Second edition

2013

"Extremadura is a remote region in south-western Spain, bordering Portugal and has great things in store for all sorts of travellers. If you enjoy bird watching, Extremadura offers you skies filled with eagles and vultures, and steppes alive with Little and Great Bustards. If you love to search for beautiful wildflowers, the high number of Mediterranean species will dazzle you, especially in the mountains. Remote regions invite you for a hike, and in the evening you can quietly enjoy a wonderful meal in an old plaza while watching the geckos hunt around the streetlights attached to medieval houses and palaces. This guidebook will introduce you to the natural splendours of this beautiful region, explain the mechanisms behind them, and direct you to the best places to witness it all for yourself."

Eastern Rhodopes: Nestos, Evros and Dadia: Bulgaria and Greece

2013

"This new title in the Crossbill Guides Series is the first nature travel guidebook to cover the stunning region of the Eastern Rhodopes on the border of Bulgaria and Greece. This book covers this wild, rugged mountain range in Bulgaria together with the adjacent National Park of Dadia, the Evros Delta and the Nestos Delta in Greece. Like any other Crossbill Guide, this title answers two questions: what makes this area so special, and how can I see this for myself. This book describes the flora and fauna, landscape and traditional land use of this region, plus 18 detailed routes and many sites descriptions with concrete indications on where and how to find the birds, wildlife and flora. The Eastern Rhodopes and adjacent areas is only recently discovered by nature travellers, which now come from all over Europe to enjoy this authentic and wild mountain range and rich flora and fauna. From wild orchids to wolves, and from pelicans and vultures to wild tortoises and scores of butterflies - the Eastern Rhodopes has it all."

North-East Poland: Biebrza, Bialowieza, Narew, and Wigry

2013

"This new title in the Crossbill Guides Series cover the famous National Parks of Biebrza and Bialowieza, plus the Eastern Masurian Lake district and several less known areas such as Augustow, Wigry NP and Narew NP. Combined they form one of the top destinations for birdwatchers and naturalists alike. Like any other Crossbill Guide, this title answers two questions: what makes this area so special, and how can I see this for myself. This book describes the flora and fauna, landscape and traditional land use of this region, plus 20 detailed routes and many sites descriptions with concrete indications on where and how to find the birds, wildlife and flora. The Biebrza marshes in North-east Poland are well known as the most pristine lowland river ecosystem. Likewise, Bialowieza National Park is similarly well-known as the last primeval lowland forest left in Europe. These areas together with the many other natural areas nearby, form one gigantic nature-rich region, in which wild bison, wolves and elks roam, and many rare birds, dragonflies, butterflies and wildflowers can be found."

Spanish Pyrenees and Steppes of Huesca, Spain

2011

"Huesca (Spain) is the northern, and most diverse, of Aragon's three provinces. It covers both the wild High Pyrenees, their wooded foothills and the steppes in the basin of the Ebro. There are few areas in Europe with such a diversity of landscapes and of flora and fauna. From the alpine heights of Ordesa to dry semi-desert of Belchite, this guidebook shows you the best sites and reveals their flora and fauna. The geology and local land-use history is fully described in the opening chapters, explaining how the special habitats arose, and how they are all important to the special fauna and flora of the region. The guide covers the wildflowers, birds and all other wildlife routes, where-to-watch-birds information and other observation tips. 21 routes are fully described and mapped, with many adjacent locations identified."

Loire Valley: Loire, Brenne and Sologne

2011

"The Loire valley (roughly the administrative region Region Centre) lies right in the heart of France. The grand river Loire flows right through the centre of the region. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its high concentration of stunning castles and stately homes. This part of France is gentle in its topography, its scenery, its climate and, with the aid of fine wines and food, its general pace of life. Perhaps less known is the fact that this region also supports a mouth-watering flora and fauna .... The Crossbill Guide to the Loire Valley - Loire, Brenne and Sologne shows you the most beautiful nature reserves and aids you in finding the most interesting, birds, plants, butterflies and dragonflies."

Finnish Lapland: Including Kuusamo

2010

"Lapland is Finland's northernmost province and lies almost entirely above the Arctic Circle. Large parts of the province are wilderness. Most of the land, particularly in the north, is in a pristine state. A visit to Finnish Lapland is an experience that is hard to capture in words. The land is vast and roads are few. The National Park of Lemmenjoki is, together with adjacent reserves in North Norway, the largest area in Europe without roads or drivable tracks. Deep in this wilderness, enigmatic animals, such as Brown Bear, Wolverine, Wolf, Lynx and Elk, lurk. Yet at the same time, the Lapland experience unique wilderness induces reflection .... The Crossbill Guide to Finnish Lapland and the Kuusamo area introduces you to a fascinating northern wilderness and provides you with itineraries to discover the area at your own pace."

Cévennes and Grand Causses

2009

"In the south-eastern part of the Central Massif in France lie the Cévennes and Grands Causses; a remote and mountainous region of great natural beauty. The mountains are covered in forest, mixed with extensive mountain heathlands, limestone grasslands, secluded river valleys and Mediterranean scrublands, thus creating a pleasantly varied landscape. Deep, rocky gorges (such as the famous Gorge du Tarn) add a drama to the landscape .... The Crossbill Guide to the Cévennes and Grands Causses provides a beautifully illustrated and detailed guide to this fascinating region. Carefully selected itineraries allow you to discover the area at your own pace."

Hortobágy and Tisza River Floodplain

2008

"The Hortobagy is Hungary's most famous National Park, and covers a large area of marshlands and Puszta, the Hungarian version of the steppes. Hortobagy is also Hungary´s first National Park and is one of the westernmost protrusions of the essentially central Asian steppe ecosystem, thereby holding the promise of exotic, eastern species of plants and animals .... The Crossbill Guide to the Hortobagy and Tisza River introduces you to this fascinating region and provides you with itineraries allowing you to discover the area at your own pace."

Andalusian Sierras

2007

"The southern part of the Iberian peninsula is characterised by a rugged mountain chain called the Betic Cordillera. The western part of this chain, between Málaga and Gibraltar, is an area of exceptional natural beauty. This entire region is attractive and the most beautiful areas are protected in a number of famous national or regional parks, such as the Sierra de Grazalema, Los Alcornocales, Torcal de Antequera and the Sierra de las Nieves .... The nature guide to the Andalusian Sierras - from Málaga to Gibraltar - provides a beautifully illustrated and detailed guide to this fascinating region. Carefully selected itineraries allow you to discover the area at your own pace."

Camargue: La Crau and Les Alpilles

2006

"Before entering in the Mediterranean Sea, the River Rhone branches out into a delta to create a large coastal marshland called the Camargue. As one of the most diverse, bird-rich and accessible wetlands of the Mediterranean basin, the Camargue is deservedly a classic destination for naturalists. With the stony steppes of La Crau and the white limestone hills of the Alpilles only a few kilometres away, it would be hard to find a greater natural diversity in such a relatively small area ..... The Crossbill Guide to the Camargue, La Crau and Les Alpilles introduces you to this fascinating region and provides you with routes to discover the area on your own."

Extremadura

2006

"Extremadura is dominated by dehesas, a unique landscape of extensive open oak woodland and pasture that seems more in keeping with an African savannah than part of Europe. Dehesas cover hundreds of thousands of hectares of the rolling Extremaduran hills, their expanses occasionally broken by sudden, rocky mountainous outcrops or steep river gorges. Other areas are devoid of trees, and covered instead by a type of steppe of herbs, grasses and tough retama brooms. The Extremadura landscape is wild and open, but, especially in spring, also has a very attractive face, with flower-lined streams and a profusion of wildflowers in the dehesas .... The Crossbill Guide to the Extremadura introduces you to this fascinating region and provides you with itineraries to discover the area at your own pace."

Coto Dońana and surrounding coastal lowlands

2005

"The Coto Dońana is a large, wild wetland at the southwestern tip of Europe. It is situated in Andalusia just south of Seville and at the mouth of the Guadalquivir river. The Coto Dońana is a dynamic region of shifting salt marshes, shallow freshwater lagoons, fringed by baking hot, sandy lowlands. On the western fringe of the Coto Dońana National Park, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, lies a highly active system of mobile sand dunes. The sands are swept up by the wind into massive dunes which move implacably inland smothering trees wholesale in the process. However, this impressive natural phenomenon is not only destructive, but also creative as the new depressions are quickly colonised by specialised plants and wildlife. Thus a unique and highly dynamic ecosystem is constantly evolving .... The Crossbill Guide to the Coto Dońana and surrounding coastal lowlands introduces you to this fascinating region and provides you with itineraries to discover the area at your own pace."

Bialowieza Primeval Forest

2005

" The Bialowieza primeval forest is one of the most famous National Parks in Europe. Despite appearing to a modern visitor as a huge wilderness, this is but a remnant of the vast and forbidding forest that once stretched across much of the continent. Bialowieza lies on the border between Belarus and Poland. In fact, the border divides the forest complex into two roughly equal parts (the Polish part being only slightly smaller). Of this massive forest, only a small part is strict reserve and can truly be called a primeval forest ..... For a visitor the Bialowieza forest can be an overpowering place. It is attractive by virtue of its extraordinary wildlife and yet dauntingly vast. Armed with our guide you will be able confidently to explore this area and maximise your chance of a truly magical experience. The Crossbill Guide provides a beautifully illustrated and detailed guide to the Bialowieza primeval forest. It both introduces you to the area and provides you with itineraries that allow you to discover the area at your own pace."

Biebrza Marshes

2005

" The marshes of the Biebrza river in northeastern Poland form one of the most intact lowland river ecosystem in the whole of Europe. The Biebrza itself is a fairly small river that meanders through a very wide valley in the gently undulating landscape of the Polish province of Podlasia. What makes this area so special is that the river is almost completely unregulated. The water courses, both from spring to mouth as from the river bed to the glacial moraines, follow their natural cycle. Along its entire length, the river is scarcely troubled by the hand of man. In spring the wide valleys are submerged by the floods, creating a massive and highly varied marshland. As the river water retreats, it leaves behind a marshland which is home to a bewildering variety of flora and fauna. The Biebrza is a relict of a landscape, huge flat wetlands, that once dominated the coastal margins of the Northern European Plain .... The Crossbill Guide to the Biebrza marshes introduces you to this fascinating region and provides you with itineraries which allow you to discover the area at your own pace "