Terrific photos complement guide

Just the right size to slip into a (generous) top pocket, Ulva Island: A Visitor's Guide is a tremendous advertisement for this bird sanctuary tucked into Patersons Inlet at Stewart Island.

The book gives an overview of the island, how to get there, its history and some tips on clothing to wear before giving descriptions of the wildlife the island supports and its native trees and plant life.

You can almost hear the birdsong when looking at the terrific photographs of the bush and each different type of bird is accompanied by photographs to help with identification.

A useful addition would have been to explain where to find some of the more localised birds. I once spent half a day exploring the three quarters of the island where the saddlebacks I was looking for did not live.

- Stephen Jaquiery is ODT illustrations editor.