(Photo: first-winter Caspian Gull, Greater London, Britain, January 2010 by Dominic Mitchell/www.flickr.com/photos/dominicmitchell/)

WestPalBirds is the most active email discussion group on birds and birding in the Western Palearctic (the zoogeographic region encompassing Europe, North Africa and the Middle East). Through this list you will be able to:

* Engage in discussion about less well-known aspects of the region's avifauna.

* Debate taxonomic issues affecting species in the Western Palearctic.

* Share your views on listing within the region.

* Join in debate about the boundaries of the Western Palearctic.

* Keep updated with the latest news of regional rarities.

* Seek advice about the distribution, status and identification of Western Palearctic birds.

* Find out about interesting birding sites and how to visit them.

* Discuss anything else of relevance to birds and birding in this fascinating and diverse region.

For the purposes of this group, the boundaries of the Western Palearctic broadly follow those used by Cramp et al in 'Birds of the Western Palearctic' (Oxford University Press), except that they are extended in the south-east to include the entire Arabian Peninsula and Iran.

This group is open to all birders with an interest in the region. Please be tolerant of the contributions of others, remembering that English may not be the first language of all members, and that birders of all abilities may subscribe and participate. Advertising is not permitted.

Dominic Mitchell
List Owner