Hilary Aikman

Basics: 2004, softcover, 116 pages, 132 color photos, 72 species, range map for each

This is a well done photo guide to the birds of the Chatham Islands, located 500 miles east of New Zealand. All the birds of these isolated islands are shown in good color photographs; however, many of them are a bit on the small side. Most importantly, the dozen endemic species are afforded multiple photographs.

In addition to identification notes, the authors have done a good job of including natural history, ecology, and conservation efforts for most of the birds, with special emphasis on the endemics. Each of the endemic species and subspecies receive at least two pages of photos and text.

A much appreciated feature of this book is the inclusion of a symbol in the upper corner of the page to quickly draw your attention to the bird being endemic to the islands. I wish more field guides would do something similar. Also, a range map is included for each bird. A nice 14-page introduction covers the history and conservation of these islands.

This photo guide will allow you to identify all the birds normally expected to be found on the Chatham Islands. To help cover vagrants from the mainland, or migrants from the north, you should bring one of the complete New Zealand field guides as a supplement.

Other Related Books:
1) The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand by Heather/Robertson
2) A Hand Guide to the Birds of New Zealand by Robertson/Heather
3) The New Guide to the Birds of New Zealand by Falla/Sibson/Turbott
4) Field Guide to New Zealand Birds by Parkinson
5) New Zealand Birds by Oliver
6) New Zealand's Birds by Moon/Lockley
7) The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Birds by Moon
8) A Photographic Guide to Birds of New Zealand by Moon… (más)