North-East Scotland is an area often overlooked by birdwatchers. Many travel to the well-known "honey-pots" such as Speyside, the North-West Highlands or the various island groups, without venturing eastward, or only pass through the area on the way to Shetland or Orkney. Over 150 species are known to breed in the area, and regular winter and passage visitors and vagrants have brought the total list up to 386 by the end of 2013, with three species awaiting acceptance from 2014 (Spotted Sandpiper, Savi's Warbler and Red-throated Pipit) and one (Harlequin Duck) in January 2015.
Even a very brief visit will show the wide range of habitats available, each with its characteristic and sought-after birds. The area covers nearly 7 000 km², with a coastline of over 170 km, farmland, natural and plantation forest, wet moorland and high tops, and even those living and working in the area may not know some of the more hidden sites.
This detailed illustrated guide, covering over 60 sites, shows how to find birds and other wildlife and contains a full checklist of birds recorded. It is the most comprehensive guide yet published on where to see birds in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.