The following material is a list of reports, bird checklists, site guides, itineraries and other useful birding information concerning expeditions, holidays and trips abroad, performed by birders from 1980 to 2002.

I have collected these items over the past 20 years and have been supplying copies to birdwatchers for over a decade. Most of the items were sent in by their respective authors and I am grateful to all those people who have so far contributed. Although the list itself is fairly comprehensive, there are still many areas that are not covered too well. My aim is to fill those gaps. The list is compiled using the major avifaunal regions of the world and coded prefixes are used to make reference to each report as accurate as possible.

Remember pp = number of pages, incl. = includes.

The main idea of the project is to form a central database so that birders know where they can get hold of good reliable data at fairly short notice. This is a professionally run service, which tries to charge a fair price, reflecting the quality and usefulness of individual reports.

If you have any reports that you wish to be included in the scheme, please write to me and I will be happy to swop you 1 or 2 comparable items from the list. The collection here in Worcester is now over 1800 items and continuing to grow quickly. With very popular destinations like Goa and Spain only the best titles make it into the catalogue.

So, if you are planning a trip or holiday abroad, look through the list to see if it holds any items which may interest or assist you and make a note of the codes. Then Email or write, with a SAE , to   Steve Whitehouse, 6 Skipton Crescent, Berkeley Pendesham, Worcester. WR4 0LG. (Tel: 01905 454541) for a quote on what it will cost to print, package and post the relevant material. If telephoning, try to call weekdays 8.30 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. and 7.00 - 9.30 p.m.

Try to plan well ahead if travelling during the late winter-spring months. At this time of the year the organiser is likely to be away himself.

I hope the list is clear and easy to follow. New reports are arriving at F.B.R.I.S. every week and it is often a good idea to enquire what the latest gen is. If your destination is not on the list, call anyway and I may be able to offer advice. The more notice the better in these circumstances, of course. Also, when ordering any reports, always remember to write down the exact prefix codes you require, your address and your date of departure if it is fairly imminent.

Cheers and Good Birding!

STEVE WHITEHOUSE