BIRD watching is a multi-billion-dollar business with millions of bird watchers travelling all over the world to pursue their passion.

Now avid bird watcher Andrew Dobson, the president of the Bermuda Audubon Society, has written a book for bird watchers who come to Bermuda.

In the foreword Bermuda's most famous naturalist, David Wingate, calls the book "probably the most comprehensive guide to bird finding for any area outside Great Britain".

The island's bird list includes 365 species, and Mr. Dobson points out in A Birdwatching Guide to Bermuda that this is an impressive number. He says this figure is even more remarkable, because Bermuda's resident population of birds is just 19 species.

He explains: "The answer lies in Bermuda's location, being one of the most isolated islands in the world. Unlike the Caribbean islands, there are no neighbouring islands. For an area of hundreds of square miles around Bermuda, deliberate migrants flying over, or disoriented vagrants, have no other option but to land on Bermuda if they are forced down by bad weather, exhaustion or sickness."

The best times of year for birding are fall and winter, and Mr. Dobson recommends visiting bird watchers come at these times of year. He provides a wealth of information about travel, accommodation, and natural history for the enthusiast.

Of the greatest interest to the bird watcher, Mr. Dobson's book details the best areas for birding that are accessible by the public, broken down by parish. This comprehensive list makes fascinating reading, as the author describes many of Bermuda's open spaces and the birds that can be found in each one.

Some locations are extremely accessible: even Hamilton workers can take advantage of birding opportunities at Albuoy's Point where, says the author, "there are numerous park benches and a lot of interesting marine traffic to view in addition to the birds. Most of the gull species are more than willing to share your sandwiches!"

He goes on to name the species that frequent this busy corner; laughing gull, great black-backed gull, white-tailed tropic birds, common terns, lesser black-backed gulls, and occasionally Bonaparte's, Iceland and glaucous gulls are viewed here. Bald eagles have occasionally been spotted from this point. Bermuda's best location for bird watching is Spittal Pond, which features a variety of habitats, making it attractive to a wide range of species though the year. There are surprising locations: Cloverdale Pond in Devonshire is a suburban site, the Causeway in St. George's and Spanish Point are all described, as well as the marshes, beaches, parks and points along the shore line.

Access, amenities and other attractions for each site are all listed by Mr. Dobson in this book, and there are also maps of each parish highlighting the birding areas he describes.

Former Government Conservation Officer Dr. Wingate, summing up A Birdwatching Guide To Bermuda in his foreword, says: "Andrew decided to compile a guide to birding and bird finding in Bermuda that is specifically tailored to the needs of the short-term visitor.

"In the process, however, he has also unveiled the extraordinary diversity of bird life and birding opportunity that awaits residents of Bermuda who have any inclination to become interested in natural history."

Mr. Dobson's book, priced at $23.95, is available at local bookstores. It is distributed through the Bermuda Audubon Society, proceeds benefiting the organisation.