ANY book that includes paintings by Donald Watson is to be treasured, so plaudits to Roger Crofts for this absorbing study of a remarkably talented artist and author.
Watson (1918-2005) was born in Cranleigh, Surrey, but, apart from his time at Oxford University where his degree subject was History, then World War II service in India and Burma, he spent almost all his adult life in Scotland.
Home with wife Joan and their four children was in St John's Town of Dalry where he largely took his inspiration from the magnificent moorland scenery - and bird life - of Galloway.
It is his powerful study of two Golden Eagles in a snowy setting that Crofts has selected for the front cover of Donald Watson - Bird Artist and Writer, but the author and book publisher were spoiled for choice.
Other captivating studies include one of Nightjars, another of Whinchats and two of that most iconic of mountain birds, the Dotterel.
Not only did Watson paint but he also researched and wrote several books including a definitive study of a much-persecuted raptor, the Hen Harrier.
Watson was also at the forefront of campaigns that sought to highlight the persecution of raptors and to resist the relentless spread of Sitka spruce plantations, a habitat almost devoid of wildlife.
Much of the text of this celebration of Watson's life and work is by Crofts who presents an engaging portrait of a thoroughly companionable ornithologist of great flair and expertise, but, above all, a modest and loving family man.
Watson died 20 years ago, but Crofts brings him to life by including multiple fine detail - for instance, that he wrote up his diaries and correspondence (extremely neatly) in freehand fountain pen filled with mid-blue ink.
If the material was to be submitted to a publisher, wife Joan would type it up, then he would check the manuscript, again using his fountain pen if he felt any amendments were required.
We even learn that favourite pipe tobaccos were Benson and Hedges mellow Virginia flake and Condor ready rubbed!
When visitors came calling, sometimes unexpectedly, he would put his paintbrushes to one side in order to chat, often over a dram each of Whyte and Mackay Scotch.
His friends did even better - they were treated to a glass of Highland Park, a whisky for the connoisseur!
Also included in this charming book are chapters by daughter Louise, fellow-artist John Threlfall, neighbour and ornithologist Chris Rollie and others
Donald Watson - Bird Artist and Writer is published, with support from the Scottish Ornithologists' Club, by Whittles Publishing at £17.99 in softback. https://www.whittlespublishing.com/