A lovingly illustrated book that connects the migrations of some of Britain’s favourite shore birds with human history.
New from Dunlin Press, a beautiful collection of evocative prose, poetry and reportage, The Migrant Waders follows the migration routes of wading and shore birds from the high arctic to the tropics, to discover some of the many possible histories of the people and places that exist where the birds make their temporary homes. Featuring 21 ink and watercolour illustrations by artist Ella Johnston, the book explores themes of journey, exile and home, as well as ecology, the environment and ornithology. Contributors include cult author David Southwell, the RSPB’s Martin Harper, David Gange from the University of Birmingham, and the BTO’s Samantha Franks.
Ella Johnston, the book’s illustrator, said: “I am lucky enough to share space with wading birds as they overwinter or pass through on their migrations every year. Drawing and painting them has become something of a life project and I’m pleased to be able to showcase some of that work here, especially as it’s set in the context of such thought-provoking writing.” Martin Bewick, editor, commented: “Our second book builds on the success we had with our unique first publication, Est. Our contributors, from poets Annabel Banks and Caroline Gill, the Guardian’s ‘Country Diarist’ Colin Williams, to Richard Carter from the Friends of Charles Darwin society and our ecologists, have all brought expert insight and wonderfully evoked personal experiences of these incredible birds.”