“This guide is fabulous – informative and very
easy to use.”
The fact that Mark Cawardine knows his stuff is indisputable – he is a zoologist, seasoned presenter, and author of more than fifty wildlife books. That knowledge runs through every single sentence in this book, which has been updated and upgraded in this fabulous second edition, which will be published on 25 February. It is packed with information. It isn’t simply a guide to places to see whales, dolphins and porpoises in Britain and Europe, it is also incredibly though-provoking.
For example, why does Iceland continue to hunt whales? Cawardine sets out a factual and well-reasoned answer that is frankly astonishing: because tourists who go whale watching then decide to sample whale meat “just once.” But when so many people try “just one” the result is catastrophic for the very mammals they have just paid to see feeding and playing in the waves.
I very much hope that anyone who reads and enjoys this book makes the most of it to watch whales – and isn’t tempted to snack on any afterwards.
But, I digress. Because of the clever way this guide had been put together, it really is incredibly easy to find the information you want quickly. So it’s great to use out in the field, as well as something fascinating to flick through in the privacy of your own home.
Sections include:
How to recognise whale and dolphin behaviour, and what it all means.
Information on the issues cetaceans now face.
A focus on each type of whale you are likely to see, which gives a great overview for the beginner, or refresher for the more knowledgeable. There is also a very handy ‘surface profile’ silhouette, so that you know exactly what to look for among the waves.
Finally, the bulk of the book features the best places to visit, and what species you are likely to see when you get there.
This guide is fabulous – informative and very east to use. I would definitely recommend.