Dirk Hilbers – författare

The Rhodope Mountains lie in Southern Bulgaria on the border with Greece and Turkey. This is the region where continental, temperate and Mediterranean wildlife meets. The Rhodope mountains are covered in extensive forests. There are high cliffs and thunderous rivers, but also extensive, steppe-like grasslands and dry, rocky slopes. The wildlife is amongst the richest in Europe. Large numbers of birds of prey patrol the skies, wolves and jackals hide in the woodlands and scores of butterflies and wildflowers grace the meadows. Remote and wild as this region may seem, it is actually very easy to visit. This guidebook tells you all about the Rhodopes and describes many routes and sites to explore these mountains and their flora and fauna.

24 routes (car and walk)20 site descriptionsWhere to watch birds informationFinding butterflies, wildflowers, reptiles, etc.Detailed background information on landscape and ecology

Extremadura is a remote region in south-western Spain, bordering Portugal and has great things in store for all sorts of travellers. If you enjoy bird watching, Extremadura offers you skies filled with eagles and vultures, and steppes alive with Little and Great Bustards. If you love to search for beautiful wildflowers, the high number of Mediterranean species will dazzle you, especially in the mountains. In the endless orchards and along the flower-fringed streams you'll find yourself in the Garden of Eden. Nearby rocky mountain slopes and merciless steppes show a beauty of a much more rugged kind. Remote regions invite you for a hike, and in the evening you can quietly enjoy a wonderful meal in an old plaza while watching the geckos hunt around the streetlights attached to medieval houses and palaces. Extremadura is a rollercoaster for every nature enthusiast, not only astonishing in its diversity but also in its genesis. If you have come to see a wilderness without a trace of human influence, you have chosen the wrong spot. The majority of Extremadura's valuable natural areas evolved through the interaction between the land and its inhabitants. This makes the region into a must-see example of the way nature and culture can enhance each other. This guidebook will introduce you to the natural splendours of this beautiful region, explain the mechanisms behind them, and direct you to the best places to witness it all for yourself. This nature guide is part of a new series of innovative guides for nature enthusiasts. "The Crossbill Guides" combine interesting and insightful stories with up-to-date and practical tourist information and observation tips. Detailed descriptions of hiking trails and car routes are conveniently linked to information on everything you want to know about the whats, wheres and whys of Extremadura's splendid nature.

The Cevennes National Park, together with its twin the Parc Naturel des Grands Causses, are among the richest natural areas in France. Against a stunning background of steep cliffs, extensive forests and open, steppe-like plateaux, the visitor can discover an exceptional wealth of flora and fauna. The hundreds of kilometres of trails and tracks make it easy to explore the area with its wealth of orchids and other wildflowers, its superb range of birds and butterflies. The traditional, medieval villages amidst the impressive mountainous country provide a relaxed starting point for exploration. In other words, the Cevennes has everything a naturalist could wish for. This nature guide is part of the renowned Crossbill Guides series for nature enthusiasts. The Crossbill Guides combine interesting and insightful accounts with up-to-date and practical tourist information and observation tips. Detailed descriptions of hiking trails and car routes are conveniently linked to information on everything you want to know about the what, why and wherefores of the Cevennes and Grands Causses splendid nature.19 routes (car and walk)5 site descriptionsWhere to watch birds informationFinding butterflies, wildflowers, reptiles, etc.Detailed background information on landscape and ecology

The Provence is the richest wildlife region of France. Whether you consider the flora and fauna in detail or simply take a broad view of the landscape, every corner of this region is different. There are the spectacular, bird-filled wetlands of the Camargue, but right next to them lies the arid, almost desert-like plateau of La Crau. Then there are the sizzling hot Mediterranean hillsides and the inviting clear seas of the Cote d'Azur. Just a little inland you can marvel at the fairylike, gnarled beech forests on the north slopes and the flower and butterfly rich subalpine plateaus in the mountains. All of this variety is present within the small region of Provence. The Crossbill Guide to Provence and Camargue, France describes 25 routes and 20 sites found within the region. The book is complemented with extensive chapters on landscape, geology, history, descriptions of the flora and fauna and tips to observe wildlife.

Madeira is Portugal's emerald island - wild, rough and verdant green, situated roughly 850 kms southwest of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean. Together with the much smaller and drier island of Porto Santo and the saw-toothed crescent of the Desertas islands, it forms a small archipelago that is a splendid destination for nature lovers and hikers. The misty laurel forests and sunny peaks are packed with a rare, unique flora and fauna, while whales, dolphins, sea turtles and a large numbers of seabirds patrol the surrounding ocean. Hikers, birdwatchers, botanists, whale watchers and other nature lovers - this is your naturalist guide to Madeira.The Crossbill Guide to Madeira describes 15 routes and numerous other sites to help you discover Madeira and Porto Santo. In addition, it describes excursions out onto the ocean, the Desertas islands and the remote Selvagens archipelago to explore Madeira's sea life. The book is complemented with extensive chapters on landscape, geology, history, descriptions of the flora and fauna and tips to observe wildlife.

Crossbill Nature travel guide covers Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, the two easternmost Canary Islands. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, with their odd cross of Volcanic and Saharan-style desert landscapes, support a wonderful flora and fauna – especially birds – many of which occur nowhere else in Europe (or even the world) but here. As any Crossbill Guide, the Canary Islands 1 - Lanzarote and Fuerteventura guide gives detailed route descriptions (13 in total) and site descriptions (about 20) for naturalists throughout both islands, covering the best sites for birdwatching, finding wildflowers, dragonflies and butterflies and the most remarkable geological sites. It also gives detailed information on tracking down the evolutionary processes that shaped the unique ecology of these isolated Atlantic Islands.

13 routes (car and walk)20 site descriptionsWhere to watch birds informationFinding butterflies, wildflowers, reptiles, etc.Detailed background information on landscape and ecology

Southern Portugal is a superb and rich wildlife destination. The Algarve province and its northern neighbour the Alentejo have a highly diverse landscape. There are high cliffs, dunes and tidal marshes on the coast, and extensive oak pastures, steppes and rocky hills in the interior. Whether you enjoy birdwatching, searching for orchids or simply a pleasant ramble through a flower-dotted landscape, southern Portugal is a great destination at any season.

23 routes (car and walk)29 site descriptionsWhere to watch birds informationFinding butterflies, wildflowers, reptiles, etc.Detailed background information on landscape and ecology

This nature and wildlife guidebook covers Tenerife and La Gomera, including all its Natural and National Parks. It is a thorough and practical guide for naturalists and nature lovers.

The guide offers background information, detailed routes and site descriptions plus tips on watching wildlife and finding birds and wildflowers. The book offers a mix of walking routes and car routes with stops and short walks. All the walks in this book, including some more challenging ones, are designed to explore the landscape and find birds and wildlife rather than covering ground.

This nature travel guidebook to Tenerife and La Gomera contains routes and background info on landscape, flora and fauna.

Landscape historyEcosystemsGeologyFlora and FaunaWhere to watch birdsFinding orchids and other wildflowers17 detailed routes with tips for finding wildlife and 35 site descriptions

Andalucía is a region of contrast. There are wild mountains and extensive marshes, dry semi-desert and barren karst, but also leafy woodlands laced with murmuring streams. The biodiversity is the highest of any of the Spanish regions. Andalucía is the stronghold of the endangered Iberian Lynx. Herds of wild Ibex roam the mountains and large numbers of vultures and eagles nest on remote, precipitous cliffs. In the wind- beaten dune scrub, the Chameleon shelters, while huge numbers of waterfowl feed in the marshes.

18 routes (car and walk)28 site descriptionsWhere to watch birds informationFinding butterflies, wildflowers, reptiles, etc.Detailed background information on landscape and ecology

Iceland is often referred to as the land of fire and ice, but it is just as much the land of birds and orchids. Their numbers run into the millions, vastly outnumbering the people of this sparsely populated, wild land. Iceland is also the land of whales, seals and dolphins, and the haunt of the lone and skinny Arctic Fox, skulking the fjord slopes in search of prey. In fact, Iceland could best be called the land of the naturalist and nature lover, who will be overwhelmed with wildlife all of course in a setting of volcanic fire and glacial ice. From bird-packed sea cliffs to highland desert and from coastal marshes to the white expanses of the icecaps, Iceland is a spectacle for anyone with an interest in nature. This guidebook will take you to the best places to see birds, wildflowers and sea mammals, to explore the spectacular geology and fascinating ecology of Iceland.

The refreshed 3rd edition of the acclaimed Crossbill Guide Spanish Pyrenees is an indispensable resource for every nature enthusiast. It covers the central Spanish Pyrenees and lowlands of Huesca.Blending the trusted expertise of the Crossbill series with a new design, this guide comes with breathtaking photography, and carefully drawn maps and illustrations. It offers an in-depth exploration of the Spanish Pyrenees’ diverse landscapes, unique geology, and vibrant wildlife. Featuring 24 meticulously detailed routes and 22 premier wildlife sites, this guide is your key to discovering the ultimate birding, flora, and natural marvels throughout the region.

The wealth of birds and the splendid scenery has given Extremadura the status of a natural paradise. The rugged mountains, steppes and Mediterranean woodlands of this once unknown backwater in South-west Spain, are now one of the most appreciated destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. With this guide you will discover why. This Crossbill Guide describes 24 routes and 26 sites to discover Extremadura’s nature and scenery. It is complemented with extensive background information on landscape, flora and fauna and tips to observe wildlife.

The north-east corner of Poland is a natural treasure chamber, with famous areas like the Biebrza and Białowieża. The Biebrza and its marshes form central Europe’s most pristine lowland river ecosystem. Likewise, Białowieża National Park is famous for being the last primeval lowland forest left in Europe. These areas, together with the many other natural areas nearby, form one gigantic nature-rich region, in which wild Bison, Wolves and Elks roam, and many rare birds, dragonflies, butterflies and wildflowers can be found. This Crossbill Guide describes 20 routes and 5 sites to discover Northeast Poland's nature and scenery. It is complemented with extensive background information on landscape, flora and fauna and tips to observe wildlife.

This new title in the Crossbill Guides Series is the first nature travel guidebook to cover the stunning region of the Eastern Rhodopes on the border of Bulgaria and Greece. This book covers this wild, rugged mountain range in Bulgaria together with the adjacent National Park of Dadia, the Evros Delta and the Nestos Delta in Greece. Like any other Crossbill Guide, this title answers two questions: what makes this area so special, and how can I see this for myself. This book describes the flora and fauna, landscape and traditional land use of this region, plus 18 detailed routes and many sites descriptions with concrete indications on where and how to find the birds, wildlife and flora. The Eastern Rhodopes and adjacent areas is only recently discovered by nature travellers, which now come from all over Europe to enjoy this authentic and wild mountain range and rich flora and fauna. From wild orchids to wolves, and from pelicans and vultures to wild tortoises and scores of butterflies - the Eastern Rhodopes has it all.

This new title in the Crossbill Guides Series covers Iceland, a country well known for its superb landscape, unique geology and splendid birdlife. As any Crossbill Guide, the Iceland title gives detailed route descriptions (16 in total) and site descriptions (close to 50) for naturalists throughout Iceland, covering the best sites for birdwatching, finding wildflowers, seeing marine life and, in the case of Iceland, the most remarkable geological sites. This information comes with extensive descriptions of the ecology, geology, history and flora and fauna of Iceland.