RARE BIRDS IN DORSET. By Stephen Morrison.

1997 1st edition. 8vo (160 x 240mm). Pp192. Maps, charts, tables. Maroon boards, spine titled in gilt.

"This book was originally intended to be a short paper on the occurence of scarce migrants in Dorset. It turned out to be a complete review of the status and distribution of all scarce and rare birds in Dorset since records began". "Although not as well positioned as the Shetlands, East Anglia or the Isles of Scilly, Dorset can boast a remarkably long list of rare birds including Britain's only Brown Thrasher, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Yellow Bittern, a potential first for the county, and many more. Its geographical situation still allows the rarity hunter to expect a Parula Warbler in an autumnal westerly gale, a Pallas's Warbler on a misty north-easterly, early in November, or even a flock of Bee-eaters flying off the sea on a balmy day in late May. Above all, many of these birds can be found in scenic valleys and headlands, secluded coastal bays, natural lakes and unspoilt heathland and downland providing pleasure no matter what birds are found. So any birder wanting the best of all worlds should look no further than Dorset".