We’re very sorry to have to announce the unexpected death over the weekend of Ian Brooke, the well-known Islay birder, and for many years the man behind islaybirds.blogspot.com
Bird Watching readers will know him as our long-serving Islay correspondent, and as a familiar face at Birdfair, where he imparted his boundless knowledge of and enthusiasm for the birds of Islay and Jura, as well as welcome refreshments in the form of shortbread and single malts.
Bird Watching editor Matt Merritt said: “It was always a pleasure to chat with Ian, both in person and in our monthly email exchanges – he was always full of enthusiasm for birds and birdwatching, and for the beautiful island of Islay. He’ll be very sadly missed by all of us at Bird Watching.”
Our thoughts and best wishes go to Ian’s wife, Margaret, and all his family and friends at this difficult time.