"Irish Birds" Book Review

I was looking for a basic, beginners birding book of Ireland to replace my copy of “Birds in Colour” by Bruce Campbell and illustrated by Karl Aage Tinggaard. My book has become too worn-torn and fragile to transport. I also wanted to find something comparable to the gorgeous illustrations and perhaps a little more contemporary than my 1974 edition.

I came across the title “Irish Birds” by David Cabot on the internet but the only problem was I couldn’t find any reviews or sites that showed sample pages from the book. Instead of blindly ordering the book, I decided to have my local Barnes and Noble chapter order it and I would look at it upon arrival. There was no obligation to buy the book if I didn’t like it. I suppose I could have looked at it and ordered the book elsewhere online for the best price, but there is something to be said about instant gratification and beside I had a gift card burning a hole in my pocket. (Check out this link for printable B&N coupons)

Needless to say, I bought the book and I love it. The book describes 160 most common birds and where they may be found and the illustrations are lovely. It is an introduction to birds of Ireland for the casual bird-watcher. I can’t wait to use it on my next trip to Ireland.

The following photos are from my trips to Ireland.

Starlings flocking outside of the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon.
It was like watching a fireworks display every day- in the mornings and right before twilight.

Wexford Wildlife Reserve, otherwise known as the "Slobs" (mudflats). Note the land is below sea level. This photo was taken from the tower, there are also hides and a visitor center. Admission was free!

We were at the reserve in December (2007) so we saw mostly wintering geese. Although I did see lapwing for the first time! Soo cute.


Tintern Abbey is one of my most favorite places to visit.

We saw Little Egrets in the marshland behind the abbey.

Take time to walk the trails in the woods around the abbey. We flushed a big bird when we walked through, but I didn't get a good look at it to have any description other than it was a big bird.