The birds of Pasvik / E. I. Khlebosolov, O. A. Makarova, O. A. Khlebosolova [et al. ; English transl. Nikita Chernetsov]. - Ryazan : Golosgubernii, 2007. - 175 с. : ил., портр.

The research of Pasvik birds has a rich history. Therefore presentation of the results of current studies should be preceded by a brief summary o f contributions o f earlier stu­ dents o f birds o f this region. Analysis of historic data clarifies the current situation and facilitates a better understanding o f past and present development o f avifauna. 1.1. History of bird research in Pasvik Pasvik is situated on the border between Russia, Norway and Finland. Therefore most important contributions to the study o f its avifauna were made by nationals of these three countries. These were not only zoologists, but also high-ranking bureau­ crats, photographers, amateur naturalists, religious figures and scholars in different fields: archeologists, anthropologists, philologists. The preserved documents, articles and reports formed the basis o f this historic review aimed at characterizing the main stages o f research of Pasvik birds. Below we mention the most important contribu­ tions that directly refer to our study area. The data originate mainly from Russian sources, and also from modern publications o f Norwegian and Finnish authors. Many data are taken from the review o f the history o f research o f birds o f the Kola Peninsula by V.V. Bianchi (1982). Archive materials from the 16th — 18th centuries and some publications o f the 19th — 20th centuries show that the first data on Pasvik birds were collected by nationals o f different countries and people o f variable occupations that visited Pasvik or lived there for some time. The data are fragmentary and include a small number o f avian species. In the documents o f the 16th — 17th centuries and more recent publications referring to foundation and activity o f Pechenga St. Tryphon monastery descriptions o f monastic property on the Pasvik river can be found (Kharuzin 1890, Anufriev 1916). O f the birds o f this area, Black Grouse, Willow Ptarm igan, and Common Eider are mentioned. The same species are mentioned in reports o f travellers and offi­ cials that were on business trips in Pasvik. 31