Abundance of birds

A new book on the status of wild birds in Fife is published today. Mapping the distribution and abundance of birds in the region throughout the year, The Breeding and Wintering Birds of Fife is set to become an important reference work and conservation tool. The atlas is the work of several years’ fieldwork coordinated by the Fife Ornithological Atlas Group.

This publication brings up to date a 2003 book. More than 400 fine-scale maps show where all species of bird in Fife are known to breed, and in what numbers. Significantly, their wintering numbers are also mapped for the first time. Accompanying the maps and text are 240 photographs, mostly taken in Fife by John Anderson, the region’s celebrated bird photographer.

The large format, hardback volume runs to almost 400 pages, text on survey methods, bird habitats, and population details of 213 species written by expert local ornithologists. Covering the years 2007-2013, the maps are based on fieldwork undertaken for the national Bird Atlas 2007-11. They depict new information that highlights the changes in the status of bird populations since the 1990s. As well as a valuable reference source for resident and visiting birdwatchers, the information contained in the book is set, like its predecessor, to become a sound basis for the conservation of bird populations in Fife.

The atlas project was supported by the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club and other organisations in Fife. The price of the book is £35 and it will be available for collection at some events in Fife. To buy the book please contact the Secretary of the Fife Ornithological Atlas Group: Norman Elkins, 18 Scotstarvit View, Cupar, Fife KY15 5DX ; tel. 01334 654348.

In April 1981, greenfingered youngsters at Longforgan Primary School started “overhauling” old folks’ gardens. One of those who benefitted from the pupils’ enthusiasm was Mrs Margaret Ness. Here are some of the pupils hard at work in her garden.