The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East: A Handbook of Field Identification (A Volume in the T & AD Poyser Series)

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Summary: All you need to identify raptors in Europe(almost!)
Review: When I heard about this book I knew that I'd end up buying it,as I am a raptor fanatic(unfortunately its use is limited here in Ireland, as only three raptor species are in any way common,and very few migrant raptors occur) All of the regular European species(plus Lappet-faced Vulture) are depicted,with the number of photos seemingly varying in proportion to difficulty of identification.The text is fairly technical,but readable enough,and there isn't an excess of jargon(thank God!)I first used it to age a Marsh Harrier this January as an adult female,and in this respect it was of great use. It also helped me to tentatively age a Buzzard in late Feb. as a 2nd-year bird.I have yet to be confronted by a raptor which I actually haven't identified to species before consulting this book, but if I do I would turn to this book straight away.Also,many of the photos are superb,and whet the appetite for species that I have yet to see (all but eight of them!)The section at the start about moult etc. is extremely interesting also.If you live in Europe and have an interest in raptors,buy this book.Now,about that trip to the continent.......