Where to watch birds in Ethiopia
Published by Christopher HelmBy Claire Spottiswoode, Merid Gabremichael & Julian Francis
Ethiopia's dramatic geography Has proved a hotspot of endemism, with some 30 endemic birds species (and plenty of near endemics and endemic mammals and others). I once took a trekking group to the Bale Mountains and the keen birders in the group had recorded some 350 species f bird after 1 week. We then had a week visiting other areas of Ethiopia, and I remember very clearly sitting outside our hotel in Lalibela (Home of the world famous rock hewn churches) as around 2 dozen Lammergeiers circled around our heads. And it was also in Ethiopia that I first came across the Bare-faced go-away bird, still one of the best names in zoology.
This book isn't a bird guide, though there are descriptions and images of the most 50 sought after species. Most people going birding in Ethiopia will already be dedicated birders, and will have the relevant field guides in their pocket. This book is designed to point you in the right direction to find the birds you want to see. It is really more of a travel guide based around birding, with advice on where to go and how to get to there, and how to see the birds you want to see, though it doesn't ignore mammals either.
If you do go Ethiopia, don't ignore the cultural and historic sites, as they are some of the most spellbinding anywhere in the world. The churches at Lalibela, the cliffs and Gelada baboons of Debre Sina are a must, even for people who suffer from churchaphobia and are terrified of heights.
RRP £19.99 To buy from Amazon (for around £12-15), click Where to Watch Birds in Ethiopia
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