The Natural History of Cape Clear IslandPainos 1

Cape Clear Island, the most southerly point of Ireland apart from the nearby Fastnet Rock, has been the site of a bird observatory since 1959.

This account of the island, its flora and fauna, its inhabitants and history, is weighted in favour of the birds but this is, perhaps, inevitable since the island offers so much of exceptional ornithological interest. Even so, a glance at the book's contents will show the wide range covered - from Killer Whales to the rare Kerry Slug and the Lusitanian flora that south-west Ireland shares with Iberia. Anyone with a general interest in natural history will find chapters on a variety of topics, each written by an acknowledged expert. The authors' enthusiasm for their subjects is always apparent; some sections are lighthearted but scientific accuracy is always maintained.

For the bird-watcher the book, like the island, is rich in fascinating material - not least the detailed list of species (accompanied by many maps and a unique set of more than 130 histograms), sections on sea-watching and seabird studies, and an account of the ornithological year.

The observatory has made important contributions to migration studies and, although it is perhaps best known as a vantage point for the study of some of Europe's largest sea bird movements, the island also receives many rarities and vagrants, from Asia and America as well as Europe. To whet the reader's appetite, Robert Gillmor's characteristically evocative pen- and-ink illustrations are liberally mingled with the text.

Those who already know the island's varied charms will have memories reawakened by this eminently readable book - those who have yet to visit this unique yet accessible place will surely be enticed to do so.