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Reviews and opinions (page 3 of 3)
What makes this book so exciting is that Kazakhstan is such an exciting place for birders. As Richard Porter points out in the introduction, what it lacks in endemics (surprisingly, there aren't any) it more than makes up for in the number of 'birder's birds'. This book capitalises on that by including mouth-watering photos of many of these: Black Lark, White-winged Lark, Caspian Plover, Sociable Plover, White-tailed Rubythroat, Eversmann's Redstart, Sykes' Warbler, Mongolian Finch, Red-headed Bunting, White-browed Tit-Warbler and many more. Wow! Who could fail to be captivated by such beauties?
Having been tempted in by these glossy photos, the reader is then given a very comprehensive picture of the birdlife of Kazakhstan. There is a brief introductory section describing the main habitats (again, with tempting photos) but the main body of the book consists of a systematic list of species, giving details of the status of each. Where relevant, the entries for each species include a simple chart to show in which months they occur plus a map of Kazakhstan to show which regions that species is found in. The text covers Status, Habitat, Distribution and Migration, describing where they are found, listing the records of the rarer birds and detailing the migration periods for each species. The authors are to be congratulated on this major undertaking, which presumably included reviewing all the known records for this huge country. For anyone who has been to Kazakhstan, or is wanting to go, this is an invaluable reference and a book they really must buy.
Dave Gosney, BirdGuides
Your most attractive looking book has been sitting on my desk for some weeks now, while I get on with a variety of projects, most of which have deadlines attached to them - something you are familiar with I am sure. I've only had a cursory glance at it so far but I am most impressed by the design and the excellent photographs. The introductory chapters on the habitats are fascinating and in due course I will compare my trip report with aspects of your systematic list.
It must have been a labour of love. Many congratulations.
Don Taylor
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