Land of Birds is a stunning new book of New Zealand bird illustrations. Using the structure of a naturalist’s journal, Niels Meyer-Westfeld has created a very personal and sensitive tribute to this country’s remarkable birdlife.

The heart of the book is his beautifully detailed illustrations of birds, covering all of our best-loved wetland, sea and forest species. The main illustrations are supported by beautifully rendered sketches and working drawings.

Accompanying the illustrations is text from the author, which provides information about the species, and anecdotes about the process of creating his artwork. His text is also an impassioned call for a greater awareness of the wider threats that so much of our endangered birdlife faces in New Zealand.

Land of Birds will appeal to anyone with a passion for New Zealand’s flora and fauna, particularly birds, as well as those with an interest in illustration and art.

Niels studied in Germany and acquired a Masters degree at Central Saint Martins in the UK before jointly running his own business there. He emigrated to New Zealand in 2002 and worked here as a graphic designer before joining his wife’s fashion business in charge of marketing, web development and graphic design. Niels has always held a passion for nature and illustration, and his growing fascination with New Zealand’s unique natural history led him to develop this series of bird illustrations. He lives with his wife and two sons in Wellington.