Birds of Gambia
Birds of The Gambia and Senegal
By Clive Barlow & Tim Wacher, with illustrations by Tony Disley. Published by A C Black.
Click Field Guide to the Birds of The Gambia and Senegal to buy this book.
Gambia is one of the smallest countries in the world, at just 11,000 KMS2, yet some 550 species of bird have been recorded there, with another 120 or so in neighbouring Senegal. The Gambia is centred on the Gambia River as it snakes inland. The story goes that the borders of the Gambia were demarcated by sailing a gunboat up the river, and firing its guns either side of the river, and where the shells fell marked the border. True or not, it gives you an idea of the shape of the country, and the fact that the habitat is dominated by the river, and the associated coastal mangroves and mud flats; there are also some extensive wetlands, riverine forest, a little savannah and plenty of farmland and villages.
On a recent visit I could see 6 different species of stork and heron, and an osprey, through my binoculars at one time, and curlews seemed to be 10-a-penny in the mangroves, and vultures are common in downtown Banjul.
There is really only 1 book you need if you are visiting Gambia, and interested in birds. As well as illustrations and descriptions of every bird and their habits, status, voice, breeding habits and more, there is background on the habitats, geography, climate and vegetation.
Click Field Guide to the Birds of The Gambia and Senegal to buy this book.
Read about "Cricket birdwatching in Gambia"
RRP £24.99
ISBN 978-071367549-8
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