Whales & Dolphins of the European Atlantic
The Bay of Biscay, English Channel, Celtic Sea & Coastal SW Ireland


By Dylan Walker & Graeme Cresswell
December 2008
WildGuides
Distributed by Trans-Atlantic Publications
ISBN 9781903657317
88 Pages, Illustrated
$30.00 Paper Original

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This is the first comprehensive guide to the identification of whales, dolphins and porpoises (collectively known as cetaceans) in the European Atlantic. This field guide describes all of the 31 species of whale, dolphin and porpoise that have occurred in the European Atlantic. Knowledge of the identification of cetaceans at sea is developing rapidly and this book aims to provide an easy-to-use, detailed guide for both the ocean-going and land-based whale-watcher. For every species there is a description of the key identification features, notes on how to separate it from similar species, a brief natural history, and a map showing its known distribution and likelihood of occurrence.Facing each species account is a colour plate which has been created, using the latest digital image technology, from several separate surface photographs.

These photographs have been carefully selected to illustrate the key identification features. Whilst photographs of cetaceans at sea usually only reveal a part of the animal, be it the back, the dorsal fin, a raised tail or merely a blow, such images are considered to be the most informative way of aiding identification, since they show the animal from the whale-watcher's perspective. Charts are included showing the best times of year to observe each species. It is hoped that this guide will encourage more whale watchers to explore these waters thereby adding to our knowledge of the status and distribution of these wonderful animals.

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