223463By David K. Ballance Privately published by the author, 2015; pbk, 145pp; no illustrations ISBN 978-0-9552787-8-5 £20.00 Available from the author at Flat 2, Dunboyne, Bratton Lane, Minehead, Somerset TA24 8SQ Birds in Counties was published in 2000 and gave details of the ornithological literature of every county in England, Wales, Scotland and the Isle of Man, but not Ireland. First and second supplements appeared in 2001 and 2009, and contained corrections and updates, including some information on Ireland. This third (and final) supplement adds yet more references published up to November 2014, and includes many amendments to information in the previous supplements. Just 100 signed copies of this final supplement are available and, as might be expected from the previous works, it is meticulous in its detail. The author has taken great care to include as much information as possible about each reference, with the result that abbreviations have been used rather extensively. An interesting and useful element of this supplement is a 42-page alphabetical index to the 5,300 authors whose works are covered in the original volume and the supplements. This enables rapid checking of sources, but also reveals that the author catalogues only papers and publications that report on all of the birds of an area - whether a small wood or the entire county. So you will not find references to papers on the status of a single species or family, although (as in the main book) exceptions have again been made for waders and wildfowl - which are included. Those wanting to buy a copy of the original book and the first supplement can obtain these for £25.00 and £15.00 respectively (from Isabelline Books, 6 Bellevue, Enys, Penryan, Cornwall TR10 9LB). The second supplement is now out of print, but the author is willing to copy specific references for a small charge. Since David Ballance has firmly stated that he is not publishing further updates, the challenge is there for someone to carry on this work. Ideally such an effort should be made available online, and perhaps include papers on all aspects of county and local ornithology. Keith Betton
Volume: 
Issue 9

Stay at the forefront of British birding by taking out a subscription to British Birds.

Subscribe Now