Gerard Gorman's new handbook WOODPECKERS OF EUROPE (Bruce Coleman Books) is out now! Browse the three reviews below:

Format: Hardback
No. of Pages: 176pp.
Release Date: July 2004
ISBN number: 1-872842-05-4
Order this book at NHBS.

A GUIDE TO BIRDWATCHING IN HUNGARY (Corvina, Budapest) was published in 1991 and was the result of 5 years research by author Gerard Gorman. This is a site guide and was the first book of its kind not only on Hungary but to any Eastern European country. Though pocket sized it has 95 pages packed with information on 24 of the best birding sites in Hungary. The country is divided into three convenient geographical zones (Transdanubia, the Great Plain, Budapest & the Northern Hills) and there are details on site location, directions, bird species, status and seasonal differences for each site. There is also a bird check-list and a useful dictionary of bird names in English, scientific name and Hungarian, numerous maps and black and white drawings of some key species.

"This excellent pocketbook is of great help for the foreign birdwatcher and ornithologist who visits Hungary." M.D.F.Udvardy, The AUK.

WHERE TO WATCH BIRDS IN EASTERN EUROPE (Hamlyn, London) was published in 1994 in association with BirdLife International. This was another pioneering site guide by Gerard Gorman covering 6 countries in Eastern Europe from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Black Sea in the South (Poland, Slovakia, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria). A total of 144 accessible sites are covered for these countries are there are 10 further pages on European Russia and the Baltic States. There is also a general Introduction, Index of birds names, a main map for each country, and each individual site has a general description and map reference followed by paragraphs on Calendar, Species and Access. There are numerous sketch maps, attractive line drawings by Mark Andrews and 8 stunning colour pages illustrating 80 of the special birds of the region. This important book detailed many sites for the very first time and is widely regarded as indispensable to the birder visiting Eastern Europe.

"The concise opening paragraphs of general information are gems for the first time visitor to these countries. The standard of each country's entry is remarkably high, and I can vouch that the book describes with vivid accuracy those sites I have visited". Mike Blair, BTO NEWS.

THE BIRDS OF HUNGARY (Christopher Helm, London) by Gerard Gorman is the status handbook on Hungarian birds. Introductory sections cover Nomenclature, Geographical Background, Land Use, Habitats, Climate, Conservation, Reserves & Parks, and Migration. The bulk of the book is taken up with a species by species status review and each species has a range map (this is the first time ever that maps have been produced and published for all the birds occurring in Hungary). As well as Status data notes on Distribution and Timing indicate the areas and periods where and when each species is present. There are also very useful tables and charts covering such topics as Aquatic Warbler numbers and trends and the Status of Breeding Birds of Prey. The book's cover is a stunning colour shot of a Rock Thrush by photographer Sandor Vadasz. Visiting birders using this book with one of the above site guides will be well equipped with all the information needed to plan and execute a successful visit. ISBN number: 0-7136-4235-1

"The Birds of Hungary is an important book in the history of Hungarian ornithology... I recommend it to everybody interested in European birds" Dr. Tamás Székely. IBIS.

"The advantage to non Hungarians is, of course, that the text is not only in English, but is also in very readable English. This book is invaluable as an up-to-date work of reference..." Dr. J. T. R. Sharrock, BRITISH BIRDS.

These books have sold like hot-cakes and may be hard to find, but try amazon.com for new and used copies.