In 1968 Tom and Stephanie Green left the relative comfort of teaching and nursing in Oxford to spend a year in Ireland as wardens of the remote Cape Clear Island Bird Observatory. Set in the nostalgic context of post-war birdwatching, Echoes from Cape Clear gives numerous insights into daily observatory life.
An engaging story is told of ornithological discovery, with detailed information and a vivid portrayal of the island and its people. This book also documents the drama, history and heritage of the island's proud seafaring and farming community.
It tells how Stephanie coped with looking after a new baby in primitive conditions during the harshest of winters.
Launched to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Cape Clear Bird Observatory this illustrated retrospective with photographs and artwork is enhanced by Robert Gillmor's delightful drawings and prints.
&i;'Tom and Stephanie's book is a real life adventure.This beautiful and poetic account of a year watching wildlife - be it birds or Basking Sharks is a delight to read. I wish I had been in their shoes and shared their experiences!'&o;
- Miranda Krestovnikoff, presenter: BBC 'Coast' series.
&i;' Wonderful memories come alive: huge seas crashing onto Blananarragaun, brass draw-tube 'scope wobbling on knees and my first flocks of Sooties, Cory's and Great Shearwaters arching the waves out to the Fastnet Rock. Thanks for taking me back.'&o;
- Richard Porter, birdwatcher and conservationist.
&i;'Tom Green's absorbing account of his year as warden on Cape Clear highlights the importance of the island as an observation post for migrating birds. His family's experiences with a young wife and new baby vividly reflect an almost vanished way of life.'&o;
- Peter Somerville-Large, author: 'The Coast of West Cork' et.al.
&i;`...a great book, written with verve and touches of lyricism! I do get easily bored with dull ornithological tomes, but this isn't one of those. In fact I wanted to get on that boat and go visit Cape Clear.'&o;
- Bernard Mercer (Forest Philanthropy Action Network).