Harriers: Journeys around the world

Don Scott is an amateur ornithologist who is hooked on harriers – big time! Don set himself a personal goal to see all of the claimed world species of harriers, and by doing so, become the first person to achieve this distinction. The book tells the story of this feat, of the author’s travels to some of the world’s remote locations and of the sixteen harrier species and single sub-species he found and observed. In the prologue, theauthor hoped that readers would find the book informative, easy to digest and provide an insight into the world of harriers. This he has achieved. After an introductory chapter, the various species and an account of his journeys to see them are dealt with in eleven chapters cumulating in a Finale and Afterthoughts chapter. Don’s beloved Hen Harriers breeding near his home in Co Antrim receive the longest accolade with 31-page long chapter describing his observations and the history of the remarkable tree-nesting colony he discovered. The remaining chapters are much shorter, and at times, the text finds you craving for more details on the harriers being described and less on the author’s endeavours to observe them. A brief scientific summary of each species in an annex may have enhanced the account, but overall, this is a book that no harrier fan should ignore. Moreover, for raptor enthusiasts, there are crammed into the 180 pages probably the greatest photographic collection of the world’s harriers (every species is covered) ever compiled under one cover. And what a feast of stunning images are assembled, with enough ‘wow’ factor to wet the appetite of even the most hardened ‘raptorphile’. The male Pied Harrier on page 86 and the Spotted Harrier on 136 were just two of my favourite photographs. But you don’t need to be passionate about raptors to enjoy this book, but if like most BTO members you are, Don Scott’s tale makes great reading.

Book reviewed by Brian Etheridge