A rare Manx shearwater features in a review of bird activity in Malvern over the past year.

The unfortunate bird was found dead in a Malvern Link allotment in September.

However, its passing did not go unnoticed, as it features in the booklet Birds Around the Malverns just published by a group of birdwatchers.

The booklet also notes the sighting of rare birds of prey, including the red kite, several of which were seen during 2003.

Birds Around the Malverns was first published in the 1980s but stopped in the mid-90s, following the death of its founder Don Parr. Editor David Cunliffe resurrected the booklet with the help of some of the original members. It was first published again last year.

"It's an unusual area for birdwatching in that it has a varied sort of terrain in a small area," said Mr Cunliffe.

"If you're a birdwatcher you want to know what birds are in the area. People seem to appreciate the booklet and last year I sold 250 copies."

This year, 300 copies are being printed. The cost of publication is covered by the Malvern Hills Conservators, as the report helps them identify birds whose numbers are declining. Action can then be taken to halt the decline.

The booklet costs £4 and is available at Beacon Books in Malvern, The Map Shop in Upton, Ledbury Map Shop and Lady Foley's Tea Rooms at Great Malvern railway station.