WHAT HAS THE GESTATION PERIOD OF A WALRUS (16 MONTHS) AND WEIGHS THE SAME AS A PAIR OF FULLY GROWN PINEAPPLES (2 KILOS)?
“THE DELPHI CLUB GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF ABACO”
A unique bird book is been published and has arrived on Abaco today. Printed in Italy at the end of January, it has made its way from Florence via Bologna, Leipzig, Brussels, Cincinnati, Miami and Nassau. Having spent an unexpectedly long sojourn in Nassau, 2 pallets of books are now safely at the Delphi Club… at last!
The Guide showcases the rich and varied bird life of Abaco, Bahamas and features both resident and migratory species including rarities and unusual sightings. It is available for sale now from the Delphi Club in a limited edition of 500. The main features are as follows:
- 272 pages with more than 350 photographs
- 163 species shown in vivid colour – nearly two-thirds of all the bird species ever recorded for Abaco
- Every single photograph was taken on Abaco or in Abaco waters
- All birds are shown in their natural surroundings – no feeders or trails of seed were used
- Several birds featured are the first ones ever recorded for Abaco or even for the entire Bahamas
- A total of 30 photographers, both experienced and amateur, have contributed to the project
- The book has had the generous support of many well-known names of Abaco and Bahamas birding
- Complete checklist of every bird recorded for Abaco since 1950 up to the date of publication
- Specially devised codes indicating when you may see a particular bird, and the likelihood of doing so
- Specially commissioned cartographer’s Map of Abaco showing places named in the book
- Informative captions intentionally depart from the standard field guide approach…
- …as does the listing of the birds in alphabetical rather than scientific order
- Say goodbye to ’37 warbler species on consecutive pages’ misery
- Say hello to astonishing and unexpected juxtapositions of species
- The book was printed in Florence, Italy by specialist printers on grade-1 quality paper
- Printing took pairs of printers working in 6 hour shifts 33 hours over 3 days to complete
- The project manager and the author personally oversaw the printing
- The book is dedicated to the wildlife organisations of Abaco
- A percentage of the proceeds of sale will be donated for the support of local wildlife organisations
- A copy of the book will be presented to every school on Abaco
The book is published by the Delphi Club (contact details below). The project was managed by a publishing specialist in art books. The author is the wildlife blogger more widely known on Abaco and (possibly) beyond as ‘Rolling Harbour’. Oh! So that would in fact be Mrs Harbour and myself. Well well. What are the chances?
PO Box AB-20006, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas
Tel: +1-242-366-2222
Images by Tom Sheley, Bruce Hallett, Gerlinde Taurer, Tony Hepburn, RH
ROLLING HARBOUR ABACO 
Very exciting . . . congratulations on quite the undertaking and accomplishment. The photos look outstanding and I was surprised to learn 37 warbler species disappeared from your region! All the Best, Kathi
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Thanks so much Kathi, it was great fun to do, though it had its complexities! The feedback has been very positive indeed. So far! No, the 37 warblers still exist as before. It’s just that the format of the book, being in alphabetical rather than in the usual scientific order, removes the need to have flocks of similar birds – all the gulls; all the warblers; all the ducks etc – on consecutive pages. It breaks it up, so you get tiny yellow bird, followed by majestic raptor. The surprise juxtaposition. That’s the idea, anyway… RH
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Oh, I see, thanks for clearing that up! It actually sounds more appealing that way!:O)
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RH what a fantastic achievement! Congratulations!
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Very kind, Lucy. Lots of people involved, without whom etc etc. Not least, Mrs RH who designed the thing! We still speak. RH
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Can you kindly advise the price of the book? I am on Guana and would love to get a copy.
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Hi Norvell, the price is $145 for one of this limited edition of 500. It’s available from The Delphi Club (1/2 south of MH), though I’m sure we can arrange to have one in MH or maybe even in TC by arrangement. If you’d like one, let me know and we’ll put you on the orders list and we’ll work out the details later! All the best from Rolling Harbour
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I have never seen such a great bird book. It is truly superb and my best buy in ages. Thank you for all the amazing hard work
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Thanks Clare! Kind words. ‘Buy’????? RH
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Reblogged this on "OUR WORLD".
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Hi Nancy, many thanks for sharing this post. Much appreciated. All the best from Rolling Harbour
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What a fantastic accomplishment! My heartiest congratulations to you and all the contributors, and best wishes for success. The photos presented here are exquisite, I’m sure the entire book is.
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Hi Jet, thanks for your generous comments and wishes. It’s a small island – or at least a sparsely populated one – but it is a wonderful place for birds. And reef fish. And shells. And empty beaches… All the best, RH
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I’d like two books please. What a wonderful Abaco keepsake!
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Excellent, Cindy, and many thanks! I do hope you will enjoy the book. I’ll ask Peter to put a couple on one side for you. As of yesterday they are now available directly from the Delphi Club – will you collect? Sally and I come out on Mar 8 – maybe we’ll meet when I’m birding near the entrance to BPS, like last year! All the best. RH
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Massive congratulations RH – Bravo!
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Very kind, Mark. I’m so pleased the ‘eagle has landed’ so to speak. Copy Number One with a signed certificate is being auctioned at a Charity Ball for Abaco Friends of the Environment on Saturday, so we got the books there just in the nick of time! I’ll be watching keenly to see how it goes…. RH
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