Landguard Bird Observatory Library ..............................................David Pearsons

Landguard Bird Observatory Library

When Derek Moore passed away on 23rd October 2014 he bequeathed the Suffolk Ornithologists’ Group two of his most treasured books: ‘The Birds of Suffolk’ by Reverend Churchill Babington and ‘The Birds of Suffolk’ by Claud Ticehurst; both books containing Derek’s fascinating personal notes. It was agreed that these wonderful books should be kept in the Landguard Bird Observatory (LBO) library but remain the property of SOG. A ceremony took place at LBO on 23rd October 2016 when Steve Piotrowski, on behalf of Derek Moore’s family, presented the books to Gi Grieco; they were then placed in the LBO Library.

Members of SOG are welcome to view these books by prior arrangement, accompanied by a recognised representative of Landguard Bird Observatory. However these books will remain in the library and not be removed from the site unless specified by a council member of SOG. The library is probably the only bird library in Suffolk. It is in general a reference library although members of LBO do, by arrangement, borrow the books. The library has been built up mostly from donations made by LBO members and Suffolk schools. Among the collection are books that relate to different parts of the world, such as: • Handbook of the Birds of the Middle East & North Africa volumes 1 to 9 • A Handbook of British Birds – volumes 1 to 5 • The Birds of Hungary books relating to individual birds including: • The Kingfisher • The Starling • The Yellow Wagtail and a few books unrelated to birds including: • The Orchids of Suffolk • Fungi & Slim Moulds in Suffolk • Spiders of Britain & Europe The library has a full set of Harrier publications, the early ones being printed on an old Gestetner printer. We would love to know if anyone else has got a full set! In addition, we have volumes 1 to 47 of Atropos (the butterfly, moth & dragonfly journal) and a good selection of Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society. As stated, SOG members are most welcome to visit the library by prior arrangement, at any time a LBO member is available. Usually someone is on site up until 1200hrs most days of the year. Please contact the observatory at 01394 673782 or email landguardbo@yahoo.co.uk to arrange a visit.

The inaugural Derek Moore Memorial Talk, presented by Dr Mark Avery, will take place in the Great Hall at Ipswich School on 15th November this year. Tickets priced £7 are available via 01473 890089 with proceeds going to the SWT Carlton Marsh appeal.