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Books about Northumberland birds and birdwatching in Northumberland

The books are arranged by publication date with the most recent at the top of the page.



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The Birds Of Holy Island

Ian Kerr

NatureGuides

2016

"The Birds of Holy Island provides a comprehensive account of the birds to be found in every season at and aroundLindisfarne National Nature Reserve, one of the United Kingdom’s most enchanting areas of outstanding natural beauty. Ian Kerr’s long-established guide has been completely revised and re-designed for this new edition. The evocative and informative text has been extended, many new photographs have been added and the classified list covering well over 300 species has been fully updated. For anyone planning to visit Holy Island and the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, this book will be an invaluable guide to help appreciate the unique landscape, its special places and the profusion of rare birds that makes the area such a magnet for ornithologists."

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Northumbria Bird Atlas

Editor: Tim Dean, Dick Myatt, Muriel Cadwallender, Tom Cadwallender

Preface: Anne Cleeves

Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club

2015

"The Northumbria Bird Atlas is a 512 page, profusely illustrated document which gives the current status of the birds of the area. Between the rivers Tyne and Tweed there are 200 species of birds which commonly breed or spend the winter. .... The countryside was divided into over 1400 plots called tetrads and 165 observers walked the land in winter and summer for four years recording every rustle of feather and checking every chirp in the bramble patches to provide the base data. These systematic, scientifically valid surveys were carried out throughout the county from coastal marsh, to the heights of Cheviot, to the allotments of Tyneside between 2007 and 2011 in conjunction with the British Trust for Ornithology national scheme. This field-work was followed by extensive analysis by experts over several years in order to produce this impressive document. The Atlas sets a new standard for community records. The superb images of the birds were all taken in Northumberland (with the exception of one species) and provided free of charge by local photographers. Sadly, no one has managed to take an image of the secretive Quail. Every species has an abundance map and a location map giving accurate information. 174 species were recorded as regular winter species and 157 were similarly regular breeding birds. If you want to know if Yellowhammers breed in Netherwitton or Nuthatches are found in Newbiggin this is the reference book for you. Current abundance and location of species is shown on detailed maps, all indicated by easily read symbols. Changes in species abundance and range are detailed since the last Northumbrian Bird was Atlas published some 25 years ago"

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Best Birdwatching Sites: North-East England

Brian Unwin

Buckingham Press

2012

"This latest addition to the Best Birdwatching Sites series is the largest yet produced, reflecting the wealth of birding riches uncovered by author Brian Unwin in all parts of Northumberland, Co Durham and Cleveland. Readers will find details of renowned sites such as the Farne Islands, Lindisfarne and the RSPB's exciting new Saltholme reserve, but Brian also enthuses about many exciting bird walks in inland Co Durham and Northumberland as well as coastal migrant hotspots and the former industrial sites now becoming havens for nature."

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Hadrian's Wildlife

John Miles

Whittles Publishing

2012

"Following the author's previous successful book, Hadrian's Wildlife has been enriched and expanded with additional information on wildlife and Roman history. When standing on the WHO site of Hadrian's Wall, many visitors may wonder what the area would have looked like during Roman times. Bringing the bird remains from Roman digs into view reveals which species were living then as well as what the landscape looked like. Although some species such as White-tailed Eagle and Common Crane are no longer found here, others including Nuthatch, Hobby and Little Egret have colonized the area. Living close to Hadrian's Wall, the author has explored its many habitats from the Solway Firth across to the east coast. Many of these wildlife sites have a Roman influence from old forts to the gathering of pearls from the oysters that are found on the North Tyne. Hadrian's Wildlife will encourage visitors to the area to enjoy and appreciate the wide selection of these habitats on a year-round basis. This invaluable guide to the many and varied attractions of the area will take the reader on a voyage of discovery and will be an essential companion for visitors."

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Wildlife of the Farne Islands: A Guide to All the Major Breeding Species. Includes professional photography tips

Kaleel Zibe

Kaleel Zibe Photography

2011

"Full of stunning photography and engaging text, this gorgeous and entertaining book about the birds and seals of the Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast is perfect for anyone who has even a passing interest in wildlife or photography. The ideal companion for a trip to the Farne Islands or for relaxing with afterwards over a cuppa or a pint, the book also has professional photography tips and behind-the-scenes descriptions in addition to well researched information about the wildlife. Kaleel is a professional photographer and photography workshop leader based in Newcastle, not far from the Farne Islands and has spent the last three years building up an impressive library of images and information for the book. The result is a skilfully crafted, beautifully designed book that will whisk you away to a sea bird and seal paradise, even if you have no intention of visiting the Farnes."

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Exploring Woodland: The North East and Yorkshire

Editor: Graham Blight

Woodland Trust / Frances Lincoln

2008

"Discover the woods of the North East and Yorkshire with this practical guide - helping you make the most of every woodland visit. Colourfully written entries capture each wood's atmosphere, describing historical features, seasonal interest, its setting and the wildlife to look out for. Fully illustrated with maps and photographs, directions to each site plus symbols illustrating the facilities you will find on arrival, are all provided for easy reference. This reprinted edition features a wide variety of public and privately-owned woods (all easily accessible)."

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Birdwatching on the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast

Editor: Tom Cadwallender

Northumberland County Council

2007

"This 28 page guide is the perfect accompaniment to a birdwatching trip on the Northumberland Coast. The guide breaks the coast in a bite-size sections, each providing detailed information about the area and what birds can be expected there throughout the year as well providing information on access, transport and placed to stay and eat."

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The Birds Of Holy Island

Ian Kerr

Ian Kerr/Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club

2007

"An essential and definitive guide to the birds of Holy Island and Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. This publication was recently updated to include all species seen up to the end of 2006. It now incorporates recent colour photographs and also attractive line drawings provided by club members."

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Birdwatching in the North Pennines

Rebecca Barrett and Mike Langman

North Pennines ANOB Partnership

2005

A guide to the birds and birdwatching sites in the North Pennines AONB.

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Where to Watch Birds: North East England

Dave Britton & John Day

Christopher Helm

2004

"The sparsely-populated northeast of England, comprising the counties of Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and Durham, has much to offer birders. Its coastline includes some important seabird cliffs, as well as tidal estuaries which are highly attractive to wintering and migrating wildfowl and waders. The Farne Islands are famous for their spectacular tern colonies and other breeding seabirds including Eider. The entire coastline is good for seawatching and also highly attractive to migrating passerines with many rarities recorded. Inland, the rugged and spectacular scenery of Northumberland hosts a range of upland species, and there are important reservoirs and wooded areas in the region. This second edition has been extensively revised and updated, with several new sites added and some existing site accounts considerably expanded. It is the essential tool for anyone birding in this rewarding region."

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Northumberland

Angus Lunn

New Naturalist 95

Collins

2004

"A definitive natural history of Northumberland, from its ecological history, geology and climate to its naturalists and conservation issues. Drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience of the region, Angus Lunn gives a comprehensive account of several types of habitats and geographical areas, including woodlands, the Kielder Forest, moorlands, other inland terrestrial habitats such as montane and limestone habitats and lowland mires, rivers, lakes, reservoirs and ponds, and the coast. The book examines the history and ecology of each of these habitats, and describes the rich variety of flora and fauna to be found living there. Illustrated with over 100 black-and-white line drawings and photographs, plus a colour photographs, this is a comprehensive guide to an area of great natural history and interest."

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Exploring the Shore in Northumberland and Berwickshire

Jane Lancaster

Northumberland County Council

2004

"A guide to the seashore life of the Northumberland and Berwickshire coastline, from the Coquet estuary to St Abb's Head. For each section, there is a map, information about the type of shore, advice on where to find interesting sea life, accompanied by pictures and guidance on access, safety, transport and local services."

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The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Northumbria

Editor: John C. Day and Mike S. Hodgson

Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club

2003

"A landmark publication, it includes full details of all species found in the club's recording area during the three winter periods of 1996/97 to 1998/99 inclusive. It is the most comprehensive analysis so far of the birds which spend their winter months in the region. For most species a full account, including details of numbers found, distribution, and, where appropriate, comments on the historical, local and national significance, are given. In addition three maps have been provided showing the distribution by tetrad and 10km squares for the latest survey and also the distribution by 10km square for the 1981-84 winter survey. The introduction outlines the major habitats within the area and also the region's winter weather."

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The Birds Of Holy Island

Ian Kerr

Ian Kerr/Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club

2003

"Holy Island and the surrounding Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve are part of the Northumberland Coast designated an AONB because of its high quality landscape. Thrusting out into the North Sea, Holy Island provides a landfall for many migrating birds, while the reserve is an important area for wildfowl and waders. The first part of this publication presents what is known historically about the islands birdlife, the second part gives details of geography, habitats, climate and the best bird watching areas, the third part comprised seasonal accounts with emphasis on spring and autumn migration and rare species. The fourth section contains details of the 312 species so far found in the area."

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Northumbrian Birds, Their history and status up to the 21st Century

Ian Kerr

Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club

2001

Systematic list covering all the species recorded in Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside up to the end of 1999.

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Blyth Birds

Steve Holliday

Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club

2000

"A comprehensive history of the birds of Blyth in the 1990s compiled by club member Steve Holliday. This A5 sized publication contains not only a full Classified List of all species that have been recorded in the area but also accounts for Purple Sandpipers and Gull numbers."

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A Visitors Guide To The Birds of Coquetdale (Including Coquet Island)

Mike Fielding

Powdene

2000

A guide to the birdwatching sites of the area plus a checklist of species recorded there.

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The Top 50 Birds of Northumberland and the Borders

G. Bell

1997

Describes 50 of the commoner, mainly coastal, birds found in Northumberland and the Borders. 51 pages with b/w photographs.

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Atlas of Breeding Birds in Northumbria

Editor: J.C. Day, M.S. Hodgson and B.N. Rossiter

Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club

1995

Atlas describing all breeding birds recorded in the county between 1988 and 1992.

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Where to Watch Birds: North East England

Dave Britton & John Day

Christopher Helm

1995

"This provides information on birdwatching sites in Cleveland, Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, detailing the major and minor sites for each county, and a listing of the birds to be found throughout the year."

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County Checklist for Birds in Northumbria

Nick Rossiter

Northumberland and Tynside Bird Club

1994

A checklist for Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside including all records to the end of 1992.

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Birds of St. Mary's Island

Ian D. Moorhouse

1986

71 pages. Full systematic list.

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Northumberland's Birds, Part 3

Bryan Galloway and Eric R. Meek

Natural History Society of Northumbria

1983

195 pages. Last of three short books list all species recorded in the county.

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Northumberland's Birds, Part 2

Bryan Galloway and Eric R. Meek

Natural History Society of Northumbria

1980

62 pages. Second of three short books list all species recorded in the county.

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Northumberland's Birds, Part 1

Bryan Galloway and Eric R. Meek

Natural History Society of Northumbria

1980

49 pages. First of three short books list all species recorded in the county.

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The Birds Of Lindisfarne

Ian Kerr

Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club

1980

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Natural History of Northumberland and Durham

Henry Tenger

Frank Graham

1972

"This highly informative booklet contains details of 39 of the premier birdwatching sites in the County, with location, access and site details as well as information on birds to be seen and the best times to visit. A gazetteer lists a further 60 sites, with descriptions ranging from a line or two to a paragraph. The booklet contains eight colour photographs of bird species, and line drawings by Chris Gibbins and Chris Donald, as well a regional, site and a county map."

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Birds of the Kielder Forest

W.L. McCavish

Frank Graham

1971

56 page booklet.

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A Guide to the Birds of the Bamburgh Area

J.M. Bayldon

H Hill

1970

"This highly informative booklet contains details of 39 of the premier birdwatching sites in the County, with location, access and site details as well as information on birds to be seen and the best times to visit. A gazetteer lists a further 60 sites, with descriptions ranging from a line or two to a paragraph. The booklet contains eight colour photographs of bird species, and line drawings by Chris Gibbins and Chris Donald, as well a regional, site and a county map."

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The Farne Islands: Their History And Wild Life

Grace Watt

Country Life

1951

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A Naturalist on Lindisfarne

Richard Perry

Lindsay Drummond Ltd

1946

"From the earliest times Lindisfarne has been a place of pilgrimage for naturalists and wildfowlers. It is particularly rich in bird life and Mr Perry describes such exciting species as the Auk, the Osprey, the Puffin, and the Fulmar. He has studied them in fair weather and in foul and his book is a very distinguished contribution to the natural history of our sea birds.He has observed their most intimate habits with meticulous care and his records are probably the fullest yet of these birds.A sensitive writer as well as an indefatigable field naturalist, Richard Perry is able to present his observations in an attractive and readable style which will appeal to all lovers of the writings of our great naturalists."

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Birds of Northumberland and the Eastern Borders

George Bolam

H.H. Blair

1912

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The Book of Migratory Birds

Met with on Holy Island and the Northumbrian Coast, to which is added descriptive notes of Wild Fowling on the Mud Flats, with Notes on the General Natural History of this district

W. Halliday

John Ouseley Ltd

1909

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A Catalogue of the Birds of Northumberland and Durham

John Hancock

Natural History Transactions of Northumberland and Durham Vol 6

Williams & Norgate

1874

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The Natural History And Antiquities Of Northumberland

J. Wallis

W. and W. Strahan

1769

Two volumes. Volume 1 is Natural History and Volume 2 Antiquities. Chapter 9 in volume 1 is Of Birds and describes The most curious and uncommon, both native and migratory.

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Last updated August 2013