With Nomads of the Strait of Gibraltar, the author aims to inform ornithologists, botanists, naturalists, photographers, and, in general, all those people who are just curious about or have a passion for Nature, about one of the most fascinating enclaves for observing bird migration and about three very important Nature Reserves containing a wealth of biodiversity: the Natural Parks of the Strait and Los Alcornocales and the Rock of Gibraltar Nature Reserve.
About 300 million birds cross the Strait of Gibraltar in both directions. Of these, about 700 thousand are soaring birds (raptors and storks) and a large proportion of this amazing biomass use the areas near the Strait as resting and feeding sites.
More than 200 superb photographs, splendid drawings, plus maps and charts will help readers learn about this fabulous enclave, unique in the Western Palaeactic, where seas, cultures, religions and an exceptional biodiversity converge to make the Campo de Gibraltar an area of incalculable value.
The author has pieced together, in what is clearly a labour of love, a book of the coffee-table type, lavishly illustrated with hundreds of largely excellent photographs (including those from numerous other local photographers), and laying out the bare bones of the area and the tremendous spectacle of bird migration through it. ... Indeed, it is packed with anecdotes and only someone local with innumerable days in the field behind them could try to confirm or refute some of the ideas and theories contained within its pages. ... Written for a wide audience ... pleasing to the eye and readable. Packed with interesting information on almost all aspects surrounding the migration of large birds across the Strait, ranging from problems with the management of Cork Oak Quercus suber forest to ID tips for the key birds. - John L. Muddleman. IBIS October 2008