Mike Tomkies (1928–2016)

An account of the author's pursuit of the last survivors of Europe's wild animals and wild habitats in the corners of Spain during the late 1980's. Many elements contribute to this book's unique appeal and relevance: the travails of driving an old van across rough back roads, the struggles with long lenses, tripods, and film rolls; the almost inhuman physical strain in getting into position and waiting hours and hours for the subjects to show up, and the importance of recording detailed notes in the field or soon thereafter. Also striking is the reality that the wildlife photographer is going after literally the last handful of many species; like the large birds of prey or large carnivores. The stress is also on the conservation efforts of a few individuals, both private and state, to preserve what is left of the country's last wild habitats and locations. The author hints more than once at the looming prospect that age would reduce his future excursions (he is just getting to 60 years at this time), and the apprehensions of a lonely old age (he has no partner or family at this stage). One wonders how things shaped after this set of visits to the wilds.… (mer)