A BOOK celebrating the life and work of late ornithologist Robin Prytherch, known for his extensive study of buzzards in the Gordano Valley, is now on sale.

It is a hardback publication, beautifully illustrated with sketches, and dotted with observations made by Prytherch himself.

Titled Robin Prytherch: A Life with Buzzards, the book features a collective of Prytherch’s sketches and observations, providing a detailed account of his lifelong fascination with these birds of prey.

Prytherch, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 81, was a former researcher at the BBC Natural History Unit and a founding member of the Bristol Ornithological Club.

His passion for buzzards earned him the nickname “the buzzard man”, and his work over four decades has become widely respected among bird enthusiasts.

The book, complied and edited by friend and fellow ornithologist Lyndon Roberts, offers readers a fascinating glimpse into Prytherch’s fieldwork.

Robin died aged 81 in 2021, and friends and those who appreciated his work have funded the book.Robin died aged 81 in 2021, and friends and those who appreciated his work have funded the book. (Image: Bristol Books)

Roberts recalls Prytherch’s dedication to his craft, describing how he would climb trees, secure himself to trunks and lower buzzard chicks down for ringing and measurement.

Prytherch’s meticulous documentation contributed greatly to the understand of buzzard behaviour.

“[Prytherch] made detailed notes; wrote countless articles and appeared on radio and television passing on his knowledge”, said Roberts.

“He identified 120 buzzard territories in North Somerset and for over 40 years, rain or shine, armed with a cheese sandwich, a flask of coffee, a pair of binoculars and a telescope, he headed out to watch them”.

A significant portion of the book consists of sketches and descriptions of buzzards that Prytherch sent to friends in homemade Christmas cards between 1995 and 2020.

Each card featured a pen-and-ink drawing of a buzzard, complete with a name and commentary on its life history. These personal sketches offer a unique record of buzzard activity across a seventy-five-kilometre area south of Bristol.

The book was funded by Prytherch’s family, friends, and local organisations, including the Bristol Naturalists Society and the Bristol Ornithological Club.

The publication aims to preserve Prytherch’s legacy and provide a permanent record that recognises his works and allows insight for bird lovers.

Robin Prytherch: A Life with Buzzards is now available for purchase online at www.bristolbooks.org for £12.