Bird Haunts in Northern Britain

Abstract

THERE is a special fascination and charm about the birds of the northern parts of British Isles. The very names, 'whimbrel', 'black-throated diver', 'greenshank', and so on, seem to have a peculiar appeal. In this account of his experiences on the mainland of Scotland and in Shetland, Capt. Yeates conveys this fascination to the reader. He writes of birds and bird matters in a pleasant and informative manner, illustrating his text with many photographs. Bird photographers to-day are legion, and they vary much in skill ; but Capt. Yeates is among the leaders in this branch of the photographer's art, and the 115 reproductions in black and white are good examples of his work, all being excellent, and many fine. In addition there are two reproductions in colour from 'Kodachrome' originals and two plates from paintings by Mr. G. E. Lodge. Colour photographs and paintings do not always bear comparison, the work of the brush generally winning from the artistic point of view ; but in this case all the pictures are admirable, the 'Kodachrome' reproductions being accurate in colour rendering and at the same time soft and harmonious. As for Mr. George Lodge's pictures, it suffices to say that they are what we have long learnt to expect from this skilled painter of birds, fine colour effects being combined with great accuracy of plumage detail. Bird Haunts in Northern Britain By G. K. Yeates. Pp. 175 + 119 plates. (London: Faber and Faber, Ltd., 1948.) 25s. net.