The Orkney Book of Birds is the result of four years collaboration between author Tim Dean and illustrator Tracy Hall. It is a totally unique volume focusing on nearly 200 species found in the islands with a detailed commentary on each bird together with full colour paintings depicting them in islands settings where they are most likely to be found.

Tim Dean has been fascinated by birds since he was a boy and the idea for this book evolved gradually over years of leading bird-watching walks both in Orkney and Cumbria: a book dealing specifically with those species likely to be encountered in the islands and where/when to best to stand a chance of seeing them.

Tracy Hall worked closely with Tim throughout to produce beautifully detailed paintings showing 187 species in carefully selected island locations.

Orkney is internationally important for birds, with 38 designated sites and 13 RSPB reserves in the county, so it is little wonder that people come from all over the world to see them here. We hope this book will prove useful to both locals and visitors alike.

How to Order We have signed copies available by mail order direct from this website. Please note that this is a heavy book (approx 1.3kg) and while we welcome orders from outside of Europe, we have included both surface and air mail delivery options. Signed copies can also be ordered by post with UK cheque, please send your order to: Tracy Hall, Rosebank, Burray, Orkney KW17 2ST.  Price £24.90 + p&p.

Select Destination (price shown includes p&p): UK Standard Parcels - total including p&p £29.90 Europe Airmail - total including p&p £33.00 Rest of the world Airmail - total including p&p £40.00 Rest of the world Surface - total including p&p £34.00   Dedication (if required - otherwise just leave blank) P&P  charges and approx Royal Mail delivery times: UK - Standard parcels. 3+ days.                     £5.00 Europe - Airmail. 3-5 days.                             £8.10 Rest of the World -  Surface Mail. 2 -12 weeks £9.10 Rest of the World - Airmail.  5-7 days              £15.10

The book can also be purchased from the publishers, 'The Orcadian',  through their online bookshop. Price £24.90 + £5 p&p for UK delivery (Please contact them for overseas delivery prices). Alternatively, your local bookstore will be able to get a copy for you if they do not stock it.

If you have any questions, or would like to order more than one copy, please email for assistance. Online orders are placed via Paypal and are safe and secure. Your details are not shared with any third party. To check prices in your own money, please click on the

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Lots of people have been incredibly generous with their time and local knowledge; our sincere thanks to Sally Banks, Chris Booth, John Dennision, John Fraser, Paul Hollinrake, Trevor Hunt, Michelle Koster, Alan Leitch, Eric Meek, and Jackie Struthers and also to James Miller and Drew Kennedy at The Orcadian. A special thank you is also due to the photographers who helped us out with additional reference images: Annette Cutts, Brian Hewitt, Patrik Jonasson, Glen Tepke, George Reszeter, Chris Edwards, Mark Hamblin,  Judy Schrader, Sue Tranter, Steve Round, John Richardson, Giuliano Gerra, Tracy King, Roy Thomson, Richard Brooks,  The Screech Owl Sanctuary and the Natural History Museum.