Zoology: birds (ornithology) Books

Book SynopsisThe ultimate reference book for bird enthusiasts – now in its third edition.Trade ReviewReviews of the previous editions: ‘The best just got better’ Birdwatch ‘The richest, most comprehensive of the current guides.’The Times ‘This book will surely become our standard guide for many years to come.’ BBC Wildlife ‘…buy this book, read it in the bath, keep it in the car boot and use it.’ Bird Watching

Read more less

Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE 2018WINNER OF THE JEFFERIES AWARD FOR NATURE WRITING 2017The full story of seabirds from one of the greatest nature writers. The book looks at the pattern of their lives, their habitats, the threats they face and the passions they inspire beautifully illustrated by Kate Boxer.Seabirds are master navigators, thriving in the most demanding environment on earth. In this masterly book, drawing on all the most recent research, Adam Nicolson follows them to the coasts and islands of Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, and the Americas. Beautifully illustrated by Kate Boxer, The Seabird's Cry is a celebration of the wonders of the only creatures at home in the air, on land and on the sea. It also carries a warning: the number of seabirds has dropped by two-thirds since 1950. Extinction stalks the ocean and there is a danger that the grand cry of a seabird colony will this century become little but a memory.Trade Review‘An exquisitely written paean to ten ocean-going birds … make no mistake, this is a clever book … a call to arms against the loss of this crucial part of our rich natural heritage’, Books of the Year, The Times ‘An extraordinary book, nothing less than a masterpiece’ Financial Times ‘Gorgeous book, a poetic soaring exploration of 10 species of seabirds…Generous and beautifully composed’ Observer ‘No one has previously captured the essence of seabirds, of their habitats or their lives, with such poignancy or perception as Adam Nicolson in this fine book…[He] takes us on an extraordinary, constantly changing journey through the history, literature and biology of their lives…[His] exuberance for seabirds is infectious…inspirational’ BBC Wildlife ‘Nicolson writes with a heart full of poetry and a head full of science. He is up to speed with recent seabird research and tells the tales with relish’ Mail on Sunday ‘Full of fascinating and often gruesome details…[he] succeeds in expressing his sense of awe at these magnificent creatures’ Sunday Times ‘Though seabirds have ridden the surf and skies for 100 million years we are now casually wiping them out…Nicolson has accorded them this book. Its excellence constitutes some small recompense’ Evening Standard ‘It isn’t sufficient to say that Nicolson writes well about birds. He is dizzyingly, dazzlingly good’ Sunday Herald ‘Beautiful and engrossing book…written with verve and weathered with wonder…there is no one I’d rather read writing about these creatures…the bigness of our author’s excitements and passions is…abundant in this clear-sighted yet loving book and it is magnificent to have’ Country Life 'Breathtaking…[Nicolson] has an intuitive understanding of the birds that feels almost uncanny…presents…research in a way that is not just comprehensible but compelling, even moving…His swithering between the forensic and the poetic creates a sense of wonder' Spectator

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe ideal portable companion, the world-renowned Collins Gem series returns with a fresh new look and updated material.This is the perfect pocket guide for keen birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to identify the most commonly seen species in Britain and Europe.Authoritative text and beautiful photographs show the distinguishing features of each bird, including notes on appearance, colour and distinctive features, and information on juveniles, range and habitat, nests, call and breeding sites.In addition, an extensive introduction covers general information on plumage, habitats and migration, and gives first-time birdwatchers advice on what equipment to buy and where to go to spot the most desirable species.This new edition builds on the strengths of the unrivalled original, covering over 200 species of bird found in Britain and Europe.

Read more less

Book SynopsisYou don't need to travel to experience the joy of bird-watching: just take a look at the pigeons in your nearby park! With this fun, quirky, and scientifically correct field guide to the most common bird in most cities, you'll learn to see pigeons and doves (they're the same thing) with a bird-watcher's expertise, understanding their fascinating behaviour and appreciating nature right outside your window.Part field guide, part history, part ornithology primer, and altogether fun. Fact: Pigeons are amazing, and until recently, humans adored them. We've kept them as pets, held pigeon beauty contests, raced them, used them to carry messages over battlefields, harvested their poop to fertilize our crops-and cooked them in gourmet dishes. Now, with The Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching, readers can rediscover the wonder. Equal parts illustrated field guide and quirky history, it covers behaviour: Why they coo; how they flock; how they preen, kiss, and mate (monogamously); and how they raise their young (on chunky pigeon milk). Anatomy and identification, from Birmingham Roller to the American Giant Runt to the Scandaroon. Birder issues, like what to do if you find a baby pigeon stranded in the park. And our lively shared story together, including all the things we've taught them-Ping-Pong, for example. "Rats with wings?" Think again. Pigeons coo, peck and nest all over the world, yet most of us treat them with indifference or disdain. So Rosemary Mosco, a bird-lover, science communicator, writer, and cartoonist (and co-author of The Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid) is here to give the pigeon's image a makeover, and to help every town- and city-dweller get closer to nature by discovering the joys of birding through pigeon-watching.Trade Review"This book will change what you think about pigeons! With loads of eye-opening pigeon science, delivered in playful and engaging style by Rosemary Mosco's text and illustrations, A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching you will help you gain a whole new appreciation of these smart, savvy, and adaptable birds whose lives are so intertwined with ours." --David Allen Sibley, author of The Sibley Guide to Birds "We scorn pigeons for their commonness, but their ubiquity speaks to their talents. Past civilizations domesticated them and brought them wherever they went, for pigeons were loved and prized--as messengers, as producers of fertilizer, as meat on the plate. With her trademark wit and artistic charms, Mosco gives us a hundred reasons to rekindle the love affair. A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching is part field guide, part history, part ornithology primer, and altogether fun!" --Mary Roach, New York Times bestselling author of Stiff and Grunt "So joyful that it's almost effervescent, A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching will convert even the grumpiest pigeon skeptics into being, at the very least, pigeon-curious. Readers will never hear the cooing in a city park or watch a preening flock of pigeons the same way again." --Foreward Reviews "A gifted communicator, Rosemary Mosco makes every science subject both fascinating and fun--as they should be. This delightful look at the world of pigeons is a treasure." --Kenn Kaufman, editor of Kaufman Field Guides "A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching is my favorite kind of book: one that teaches you everything you could want to know about a single fascinating topic in a way that is accessible, charming, and hilarious." --Ryan North, New York Times bestselling author of How to Invent Everything "Sparkling, witty prose, loaded with relatable pop-culture references and enhanced with charming cartoons, A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching is a seductive draw into the multilayered world of pigeons. This little book will sneak up and drop a load of solid ornithology on the unsuspecting reader." --Julie Zickefoose, author of Saving Jemima: Life and Love with a Hard-luck Jay

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA compact, lightweight and informative guide to 310 of the most common birds found in the UK. RSPB Pocket Guide to British Birds is a compact, lightweight and informative field guide, featuring 310 bird species regularly seen in the UK. Species are illustrated in all distinct plumage forms likely to be observed in the wild by renowned bird artist Stephen Message, and a detailed distribution map for the British Isles is also provided. Concise text covers appearance, behaviour and voice focusing on key identification points and also outlines where you will find the species, describes its seasonal movements and includes the latest UK population data. Finally, confusion species are cross-referenced, with their most important and easily noted differences from the subject species described. A comprehensive introduction provides a guide on how and where to find birds, and how to make the most useful and rewarding observations for newcomers to Trade ReviewIdeal for taking with you wherever you are […] every casual birder should have one. -- John Miles * Bird Watching *Excellent. -- Stephen MossThis small book packs quite a punch … it’s nice to think [it] might be found in car glove boxes, jacket pockets and thousands of rucksacks across the UK. -- Steve Willis * British Trust for Ornithology *Like a condensed version of the RSPB’s excellent Handbook of British Birds, this will be especially useful for the improving birder! -- Steve Willis * British Trust for Ornithology *Table of ContentsHow to use this book Bird topography Watching and identifying birds Identification techniques Recording your observations Getting help Laws Safety in the field Glossary of terms Species accounts Rarities Escapees and oddities Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisPretty much indispensable to a birder travelling in the subcontinent - British BirdsWith a wide range of habitats and a dazzling and diverse avifauna, the Indian subcontinent is one of the world''s greatest birding hotspots. This second edition of Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp and Tim Inskipp''s ground-breaking work is a comprehensive field guide to the region, covering all species known to occur in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.Fully revised and updated, this authoritative book includes more than 240 colour plates of detailed illustrations, alongside concise species accounts describing key identification features, range, habitat and voice with accurate range maps for each species.Peerless in the scope of its coverage yet still portable enough for field use, Field Guide to Birds of the Indian Subcontinent is an essential companion for any birdwatcher tackling the mountains, rainforests, plains, wetlands or deserts of this magical

Read more less

Book SynopsisThree cheers for this splendid, surprising, inspiring book!Sy Montgomery, author ofThe Soul of an OctopusAlone in a vast wildlife refuge with little direction and no experience, an American ornithology student found herself responsible for a project of historical importance to bring the mighty Bald Eagle back from the brink of extinction.Tina Morris was one of the first women to spearhead a raptor reintroduction program, and in Return to the Sky, she shares her remarkable story that is as much about the human spirit as it is about birds of prey.In the spring of 1975, on the eve of America's Bicentennial, Tina was selected to reintroduce Bald Eagles into New York State in the hope that the species could eventually repopulate eastern North America. Young and female in a male-dominated field, Tina was handed an assignment to rehabilitate a population that had been devastated by the effects of DDT. The challenges

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe bestselling RSPB Handbook of British Birds is the most comprehensive reference for birdwatchers of all levels of interest and experience. Now in its fifth edition, it remains the most accessible field guide to more than 300 bird species likely to be encountered in Britain and Ireland.Alongside artworks depicting all common plumages, the detailed text describes each bird''s behaviour, habitat, voice, breeding biology, longevity and seasonal movements, as well as other useful information. The guide also includes UK population trends and up-to-date distribution maps.Completely revised and updated, this fifth edition also features new artwork and comparison spreads, additional rarities and the most recent taxonomic order, as well as each species'' conservation status, a summary of the threats UK species are currently facing and details of what conservationists are doing to help.A new lay-flat binding has also been used, creating easier access to the species accounts at hTrade ReviewAn indispensable guide to the UK's most familiar birds and the perfect companion to exploring what nature has to offer. * Choice Magazine *It does a job as a field guide but is more than that. It's an easy way to find out more about the birds between its covers – with sections on behaviour, habitat, voice, breeding biology, longevity and movements, population trends and conservation status. -- David Chandler * Bird Watching *The ideal field guide for anybody who's just getting started in birdwatching. -- John Miles * Bird Watching *Of all the various reference guides out there – and there are plenty to choose from – this authoritative book with its detailed text and useful drawings is in my opinion the most useful for birdwatchers in Britain. -- Charlie Elder, journalist and author of Few And Far BetweenTable of ContentsAcknowledgements Population Trends of British Birds Using this Book Bird Topography Species Accounts Rarities Further Reading and Resources Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book introduces some 75 species of wetland birds to readers through the eyes of Kate Humble.As she freely admits herself, Kate is still learning her birds, so to find out more she contacted Martin McGill of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust to act as her guide. Their birdwatching sessions together form the basis of this book.As Kate learns the difference between a Canada Goose and a Barnacle Goose, which ducks dive and which ducks dabble, and how to tell apart those little brown jobs that warble from the reedbeds, so she passes on the information to the reader as she goes. The effect is not dissimilar to the Last Chance to See series, in which Mark Carwardine and Stephen Fry scour the world for endangered species.The difference between Canada Geese and Barnacle Geese? Just remember that the C-anada goose has a C-hin-strap. The Teal is the Ziggy Stardust of the duck world, while the Shoveler feeds as though it''s dropped its contact lenses.Each species takes up approximately twoTrade ReviewThis is an excellent little book for anyone who's recently started birdwatching down at their local reservoir or gravel pit, or who wants to broaden their horizons beyond the back garden. * Bird Watching Magazine *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn introductory guide to 180 species of bird commonly found throughout Scotland in the best-selling pocketable Gem format.Unlike many field guides, Gem Scottish Birds does not cover birds which only visit occasionally, or which occur in such small numbers and are so difficult to identify that only experienced birdwatchers can spot them. Instead, it concentrates on the commoner species that the amateur birdwatcher is most likely to see, plus a few scarcer ones of particular interest.The entries are grouped taxonomically, with a detailed introduction to all the different habitats. There are also details of key identification features and behavioural characteristics which will help you identify each bird with accuracy and ease.Each entry includes:Full-colour illustrationCommon name and Latin and Gaelic nameThe season in which the bird is likely to be spottedDetails on habitat, feeding habits and voiceThere is also a section with up-to-date details about places of interest and the best sit

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis'This is an epic journey by a man who’s not only obsessed with birds but who has a deep spiritual connection with the planet.' David Lindo, author of How to be an Urban Birder The (Big) Year Flew By is the tale of one avid birder’s epic, record-breaking adventure through 40 countries over 6 continents – in just 365 days – to see 6,852 bird species, many on the precipice of extinction. Would Arjan Dwarshuis be able to break the coveted ‘Big Year’ record, travelling around the world, navigating shifting climate emergencies and geopolitical challenges? His incredible and perilous journey took him over uninhabited islands, through dense, unforgiving rainforests, across snowy mountain peaks and into unrelenting deserts in a single year – pursuing a single goal. The (Big) Year that Flew By is an unforgettable, personal exploration of the limits of human potential when engaging with the natural world. It is a book about birds and birding and Arjan’s attempts to raise awareness for critically endangered species, but it is also a book about overcoming mental challenges, extreme physical danger and human competition and fully realising your passions through nature, adventure and conservation. Trade Review“Dutch birders take their pursuit to a higher plane of skill and intensity, as exemplified in this global trek by Arjan Dwarshuis. A fast-paced page-turner and a unique adventure story, The (Big) Year that Flew By is also filled with insights about landscapes, people, and a world of wonderful birds.” —Kenn Kaufman, author of Kingbird Highway“Arjan artistically weaves together the beauty of the birds, the importance of conservation, and the complex logistics of non-stop travel. The roller coaster highs of seeing a target bird, paired with the lows of absolute fatigue and exhaustion, are an innate undertone of any birder’s big year.” —Tiffany Kersten, birding guide and continental U.S. Big Year record holder“The (Big) Year that Flew By is not simply a celebration of a broken record but a global call to action to protect the habitats that birds rely on for survival. A Big Year of birding is a massive undertaking, requiring a Herculean effort to successfully plan and execute. While this quest involves daunting logistics and emotional hurdles, the most notable achievement is distilling so much lived experience into a single book. Arjan has conquered both, beautifully capturing remote wild places and conveying the intensity endured to find and observe nearly three-quarters of the world’s bird species. Arjan’s contagious passion for birds infuses his account of a global avian scavenger hunt like no other.” —Christian Hagenlocher, author of the Falcon Freeway“An astonishing achievement! Arjan Dwarshuis’s year was so big it covered an entire planet. His eagle eyes took in almost 7,000 species of bird and brought into sharp focus their often-fragile existence. Dwarshuis’s heartfelt prose reminds us that many of these species are living on the edge—just a generation or two away from extinction. Yet this is a story of hope—Dwarshuis shines a light on the many communities around the world banding together to save their local birdlife. This book is a glorious tribute to the wealth of beauty and diversity found in birds, and a clarion call for us all to care about the future of birds everywhere. “ —Neil Hayward, author of Lost Among the Birds“The (Big) Year that Flew By is somehow both a fast-paced race through and an in-depth immersion in an amazing birding big year. Arjan Dwarshuis does an excellent job of portraying the excitement, stress, and exertion that are part of any Big Year, but that was even more so in his record-breaking worldwide Big Year. I very much enjoyed reading his account, sometimes with my heart pounding, as I lived his journey with him, feeling joy when he managed to find another rarity, concern with his bird-seeking struggles, and sorrow in his very rare misses. As I read, I continued to be impressed by the logistics required for all his travels, and by the excellent people who helped him find all these bird species. His interspersing of tales of his early birding years helped me better understand the how and why he was able to pull off his remarkable feat as well as his passion for birding. Throughout this book, he also explained conservation concerns and advances as they relate to the birds he sought, providing words of wisdom and words of hope. In his conclusion, he admits that while flying all over the world does use much energy, ecotourism in many far-flung places has been and continues to be of great importance in saving birds and habitats. I especially appreciate his conclusion in which he asks his readers to adopt a positive attitude and do their part—'enjoy nature and look up to the sky.’” —Lynn Barber, author of Extreme Birder“Arjan’s story is brilliantly told. I was with him every step of the way. It is much more than just a story about one man’s bid to see as most of the world’s bird species in one year as humanly possible. No, this is an epic journey by a man who’s not only obsessed with birds but who has a deep spiritual connection with the planet as he observes the environments and habitats he encounters. It is clear that we have to do more to take care of our world and all its inhabitants, including us.” —David Lindo, author of How to be an Urban Birder"[An] entertaining debut . . . . [that] offers colorful glimpses into the locales the author visits. . . . Part birding journal, part travelogue, this will appeal to backyard birders." —Publisher's Weekly"Dwarshius’ exhilarating race against time across 40 countries and 6 continents in his attempt to break the world record will thrill armchair readers and bird enthusiasts alike." —Booklist"I sped through [this] book, trying to ignore feelings of jealousy as Dwarshuis described moments with species I’ve dreamed of seeing.” —The Washington Post

Read more less

Book SynopsisJohn Lewis-Stempel is a farmer and 'Britain's finest living nature writer' (The Times). His books include the Sunday Times bestsellers Woodston, The Running Hare and The Wood. He is the only person to have won the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing twice, with Meadowland and Where Poppies Blow. In 2016 he was named Magazine Columnist of the Year for his column in Country Life. He farms cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. Traditionally.Trade ReviewA charming essay...packed with facts and literary asides...Lewis-Stempel has a wonderful way with words...he also packs the book with the singing, ringing words of others. -- Robbie Millen * The Times *Best of the year's Natural History: one of our finest nature writers with an essay length portrait of a bird that has fascinated humans for millennia. * Mail on Sunday *John Lewis-Stempel is the hottest nature writer around. -- John McEwen * Spectator *In this short, beautiful little book, the farmer and nature writer introduces us to the wisdom of owls.. every question you might ask ... is answered with economy and insight and the cultural references and quotations are as rich as you would expect from this brilliant writer. -- Bel Mooney * Daily Mail *John is one of this country's greatest nature writers...this is a unique look at the Owl's of Britain in both word and verse...some incredible facts... a wonderful little book for anyone who wants to know a little more of some of our most secret of birds and ones that should be celebrated. * The Last Word *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA celebration of British raptors, following their fortunes as British breeding birds from historical times to the present day, illustrated with 100 colour photographs.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe perfect, fun-filled Christmas gift for birdwatching enthusiastsDid you know that a bird''s visible ''knees'' are actually its ankles?Have you ever noticed that owls don''t have eyeballs - they have eye tubes instead?Did you know that millions of house martins disappear in winter? A Little Bird Told Me will answer all your burning questions about British birds. You''ll never run out of wonderful facts to impress your friends and family!This beautiful, illustrated gift book is a dip-in-and-out collection of bird-related trivia, with a mix of science, history, pop culture and everything in between.The book covers birds synonymous with Christmas, activities in the winter, holiday traditions, history, culture and more. Perfect for birdwatchers of all ages, this fun-filled book is the best gift for anyone wanting to learn more about our feathered friends.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is the first comprehensive field guide dealing with the birds of this spectacular region. It is richly illustrated, and describes identification, status, range, habits and voice for all resident, migrant and vagrant species. It is indispensable for the visiting birder, and a vital tool for anyone interested in the avifauna of this region.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Species Accounts and Plates Maps Conservation, Citizen Science and Local Knowledge Additional Reading Species Accounts and Plates (1-289) Vagrants Appendix 1: Endemic Bird species in East Africa Appendix 2: Threatened Bird species in East Africa Appendix 3: Important Bird Areas in East Africa Index Quick Index to the Main Groups of Birds

Read more less

Book SynopsisBritain's gardens are a vast, living landscape and the home to hundreds of species of birds. Learn to pay attention to these visitors to your own garden or local park and you'll have a front-row seat to the unfolding drama that is the garden bird's year.As dawn breaks across your back garden, if you were paying attention, you would notice that the robin and the blackbird are always the first birds to arrive. These ground hunters have large eyes, so don't mind the dim light of the early morning. And that's just the beginning of what you can learn watching your own back garden. Ornithologist Mike Toms has spent a year avidly observing his own garden, and the result is a comprehensive picture of the lives of garden birds.From the crowded yet quiet January garden populated by migratory fieldfares and bramblings, to the riotous gardens of spring, filled with songbirds competing for mates, the garden ecosystem changes throughout the year. Learn to spot these changes, to greet the arrival of Trade ReviewPraise for New Naturalist Garden Birds: ‘Excellent’ Chris Packham Praise for New Naturalist Owls by Mike Toms: ‘Seventy years in the making, this celebration of our native owls is a fine addition to a glory of British publishing – the New Naturalist series’ The Sunday Times ‘It’s an excellent read and should be on every owl enthusiast’s bookshelf, not to mention those of collectors of this great series’ Birdwatching magazine ‘Fabulous … [New Naturalist Owls] brings the natural world to a wide audience in simple unfussy but engaging prose … The result is the best and most detailed published account of the British owl species ever produced … One of the joys of the book is that Toms leaves no stone unturned to narrate the birds’ full biography’ Mark Cocker, Eastern Daily Press

Read more less

Book SynopsisWonderful and enriching' Adam NicolsonThe best book on conservation and the countryside I have read in years' John Lewis-StempelA modern pastoral written with intelligence, wit and lyricism' Cal FlynOur wild places and wildlife are disappearing at a terrifying rate. This is a story about going in search of the people who are trying to save our birds, as well as confronting the enormity of what losing them would really mean.In this beautiful and thought-provoking blend of nature and travel writing Patrick Galbraith sets off across Britain on a journey that may well be his last chance to see some of our disappearing birds. Along the way, from Orkney to West Wales, from the wildest places to post-industrial towns, he meets a fascinatingly eclectic group of people who in very different ways are on the front line of conservation, tirelessly doing everything they can to save ten species teetering dangerously close to extinction.In Search of One Last Song mixes conservation, folklore, historyTrade Review‘One of the great oral histories of British nature and the British countryside … Sad and honest and important and often very funny’ Richard Smyth, Review 31 ‘A treasury of a book … filled with beautiful moments, amazing and sometimes rather surprising characters, and, if we could only learn from them, reasons for hope.’ John Burnside, New Statesman 'It's a delight to jump into this slightly strange parallel world. Galbraith is such an able communicator of its weirdness, that it is a pleasure to go along for the ride’ The Times ‘In terms of both scope and execution, this book is a hugely impressive achievement, and it will be fascinating to see where Galbraith goes from here.’ The Scotsman ‘An important and timely book that explores the human context of an ecological emergency. Galbraith is a thoughtful, assured and elegant writer who brings a mature intelligence and open-minded insight to his subject.' Oban Times ‘Entertaining’ Jamie Blackett, Country Life ‘Galbraith’s writing is beautiful … In Search of One Last Song feels like an important step in the right direction’ Stephen Rutt, British Birds ‘The birds come to life in his fine writing’ Helen Bynum, Literary Review ‘Galbraith combines the ability to write lyrically with a formidable grasp of his subject’ The Week ‘Patrick Galbraith’s engaging debut volume will appeal to the layman as much as to the committed naturalist, being a quirkily enjoyable journey through a slightly nether worldly version of Britain.’ David Profumo, The Critic ‘The writing is strong, the book an impressive debut, establishing Galbraith as a quality writer.’ Tim Dee, Caught by the River ​​‘The best book on conservation and the countryside I have read in years’ John Lewis-Stempel ‘Beautifully written and earthy’ Philip Womack, The London Magazine

Read more less

Book SynopsisA perfect companion for nature enthusiasts and birdwatching beginners, in a revised and updated edition. The RSPB Everyday Guide to British Birds describes 80 common and widespread species that we''re most likely to come across in the British Isles and explains what makes each of them unique. Packed with fascinating facts and written in a friendly style, this RSPB guide is ideal for anyone who wants to identify and learn more about the birds they encounter, whether that''s in their back garden or while they''re out and about in urban and suburban settings or the British countryside.Alongside new photos to show both male and female birds where relevant, this second edition includes updates to species distribution and population numbers, as well as information on seasonal changes to British birds and how to attract birds to your garden. The guide also features updates to the UK's Red List species and a new section on birds that are flying high despite thTable of ContentsIntroduction Woodland, parks and gardens Farmland and wild spaces Birds of open skies Birds of prey Ducks, geese and swans Other lake and river species Waders Seabirds Identifying birds Birds through the season Birds in the garden The UK Red List for birds Birds that are flying high Further Reading Index Photograph credits Acknowledgements

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn essential guide to birds of the Canary Islands, an area with an impressive range of speciesThis comprehensive guide covers all bird species found in the Canary Islands, a group of beautiful islands that are home to endemics such as the Blue Chaffinch, and are one of the best places in the world to see a number of rare species.The book covers every species recorded in the Canary Islands, including vagrants. Included are 73 colour plates illustrating more than 300 species, with text on facing pages for quick and easy reference. The concise text covers status, distribution, habitat, identification, voice and taxonomy.Also incorporated is an introduction with information on the geography and climate of the Canary Islands, plus habitats, birding sites and conservation.Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Introduction How to Use this Book Avifauna of the Canary Islands Bird Conservation Where to Watch Birds in the Canary Islands Species Accounts (1-73) Systemic List of the Birds of the Canary Islands Bibliography

Read more less

Book SynopsisJapan’s diverse habitats — ranging from alpine tundra and dense forests to subtropical islands — support a rich avifauna of more than 610 species including 13 endemics (found nowhere else) and five breeding endemics (which breed only in Japan). The area is a magnet for migratory birds, which account for 60% of the species found in Japan. This beautifully illustrated guide highlights over 140 familiar and unique species and includes a map featuring prominent bird-viewing areas. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, pocket-sized folding guide is an excellent source of portable information for anyone interested in Asia birds, and is ideal for field use by Japan’s residents and visitors. Made in the USA.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA pocket-friendly photographic field guide to 290 birds of the British Isles.RSPB Birds of the British Isles features all regularly occurring birds in Britain, Ireland and the Isle of Man, covering familiar year-round species such as Wren and Sparrowhawk, winter and summer visitors including Purple Sandpiper and Arctic Tern, and a selection of rarer birds.Featuring concise identification text and expert photography, this photographic reference guide is suitable for both beginner and experienced birdwatchers alike. Species accounts include succinct descriptions of each bird's appearance, behaviour, calls and songs, and seasonal movements. The guide also identifies where to see each species and showcases this clearly through up-to-date distribution maps of the British Isles. Author and photographer Rebecca Nason has carefully chosen over 500 colour photographs to illuminate key identification points, including photos of male and female birds for sexually

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewWhatever your equipment, these tips will help readers produce stunning images, and even learn a little trickery to take pictures to the next level. * Countryman *This masterclass from photographer and writer Mark will help you capture the perfect shot of your favourite birds, regardless of experience, equipment or space. * RSPB Magazine *If you want to develop your techniques and enjoy inspiring photography then don't miss RSPB How to Photograph Garden Birds. * Outdoor Photography *This super practical masterclass [is] packed with inspiring images. -- Margaret Bartlett * BBC Countryfile *Table of ContentsIntroduction Where in the world are you shooting? Food and feeders What not to take Working the light and the weather Backgrounds (and foregrounds) Essential (and non-essential) equipment Composition The basic set-up: bird on a perch Birds with other props Birds on the ground Birds in flight Wide-angle close-ups Woodpecker & nutchatch special Reflecting pool Careful observation and chance encounters Spot the mistakes Getting creative

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis guide covers the very best birding sites in Britain. In a formatfamiliar to readers of this popular series, each site is considered interms of ''Habitat'', Access'' and ''Birds'', allowing birdersof all levels to plan successful birding trips anywhere in Britain, and to maximise the chances of getting the best out ofeach site and each region. The book includes detailed maps of thelarger sites, plus general maps of the regions covered, and it isillustrated with attractive line drawings. This book has beenextensively revised, with several new sites added for this edition,together with information on disabled access for most sites.Praise for the 1st edition:There could be no better guide than this book Chris PackhamHighly recommended....the best guide of its kind RSPB BirdsDon''t leave home without it BirdingTrade Review"There could be no better guide than this book" Chris Packham "Highly recommended...the best guide of its kind" RSPB Birds "Don't leave home without it" Birding 'an absolutely invaluable addition to your birding library' Bird Watching, August 2010 'This is a cracking book...highly recommended.' Birds (February 2011) 'essential national site guide' Birdwatch (February 2011) 'A must have for those birding in Britain!' Birdbooker report (November 2010) 'provides a wealth of information' Highland News (August 2010) 'Absolutely invaluable for the travelling birdwatcher. As important to carry as binoculars or telescope.' Bexley Times (September 2010)Table of ContentsIntroduction Acknowledgements How to use this book Access for the disabled Key to the maps South-west England Isles of Scilly Cornwall Devon Somerset Avon Dorset South-east England Isle of Wight Hampshire West Sussex Surrey Berkshire Greater London East Sussex Kent East Anglia Essex Suffolk Norfolk Cambridgeshire Central England Bedfordshire Hertfordshire Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire Gloucestershire Worcestershire West Midlands Warwickshire Northamptonshire Leicestershie and Rutland Lincolnshire Nottinghamshire Derbyshire Staffordshire Northern England Cheshire & Wirral Greater Manchester Lancashire& North Merseyside Cumbria Yorkshire Celeveland Durham Northumberland Wales South Wales Mid Wales North Wales Scotland Dumfries & Galloway Borders Lothian Clyde Upper Forth Perth & Kinross (South) Fife Perth & Kinross (North) Angus & Dundee North-east Scotland Moray & Nairn Highland Argyll Outer Hebrides Orkney Shetland Top 100 species to see in Britain Index of sites

Read more less

Book Synopsis''A tour-de-force survey of how birds live their lives - with all the drama, surprise, humour, sadness and amazement of any human soap-opera'' - Stephen Moss, author of Ten Birds That Changed the World''Utterly fascinating . . . Strassmann is the perfect guide to this world: an author as much fascinated by the science and research as she is motivated by the sheer joy and wonder of the birds themselves'' - James Macdonald Lockhart, author of RaptorIn The Social Lives of Birds, evolutionary biologist Joan Strassmann examines what it means for birds of a feather to flock together. Some birds sleep together. Some join the foraging groups of other species. Some are only social during the breeding season, forming nesting colonies in trees, cliffs, and sandbanks. Some are altruistic, helping to rear young that are not their own. Some males perform mating dances together.Strassmann explains how flocks provide safety in numbers, roosts offer warmth and shelter, and colonies allow for protected breeding. But group behavior is not without its costs-including increased competition, infidelities, tick infestations, and more. Strassmann exposes the conflicts birds face and the many ways in which they resolve these conflicts. With stories of birds from around the world-from broad-winged hawks that migrate south together in the fall, tree swallows that roost together in the thousands, and tropical anis that nest in communes-The Social Lives of Birds explores the different kinds of bird groups and what to look for when watching them. Above all, it reveals that solitary life, it seems, is not for the birds.''Delightful and informative'' - Lee Dugatkin, author of How to Tame a Fox (and Build a Dog)

Read more less

Book SynopsisA complete photoguide to all the birds of Britain from the best nature publisher in the UKCollins Complete Guide to British Birds makes bird identification easier than ever before. It is the most complete photographic guide to British birds ever published and the only one to be designed to give everything that you need on each spread in a simple-to-use format. Every text entry covers identification of adults and juveniles, songs and calls, and where they are most likely to be found.Illustrated with specially commissioned photography and maps to show where in Britain the birds are found and at what time of year, this accessible guide also features cross-references to similar-looking species, containing everything a birdwatcher needs to know in one, easy-to-use, portable volume. It is the perfect photographic field guide for the birdwatching beginner.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA glimpse into the secret lives of over 50 garden birds, with beautiful illustrations and intriguing factsDid you know that woodpeckers are capable of learning simple codes? Hooded crows can form connections with humans? A jay's call affects the behaviour of surrounding squirrels?All these fascinating bird activities and more are revealed in The Hidden Life of Garden Birds. Unusual feeding behaviour is just the tip of the iceberg. From territorial conflict and strange relationships with man, to breeding and nesting oddities, this book exposes all the drama behind garden birds' everyday survival - making it the perfect gift for birdwatchers.The Hidden Life of Garden Birds will enlighten you to the secret going-ons of the common creatures you can spot from the comfort of your back doorstep.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe RSPB Handbook of Scottish Birds is the ideal reference for keen birdwatchers and visitors to Scotland alike, and this fully updated second edition is richer and more comprehensive than ever. Over 250 species are covered in detail with each account including information on identification, voice, habits, habitat, food, breeding, ecology, seasonal movements, population and conservation. More than 1,000 superb colour illustrations by some of the world''s leading bird artists are integrated into the text for easy reference. This second edition features newly added Gaelic names, updated distribution maps, and also incorporates the latest information on the conservation status of each species.- Concise text offers a ''biography'' of each species in simple, non-technical language- Practical, easy-to-use format- Updated distribution maps show resident species, summer and winter visitors, and passage migrantsTrade ReviewThe RSPB Handbook of Scottish Birds fully justifies its existence by virtue of the comprehensive coverage given to each species. * Birdwatching *A must-have book for anyone interested in birds, beginner or otherwise. * Highland News *Contains much basic information in concise and conveniently accessible form, and it will fit in an OS map-sized pocket. * Scottish Birds *It is difficult to imagine a better introduction to the birds of Scotland. * British Ornithologists' Union *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements RSPB Scotland Map of Birdwatching Locations Birds in Scotland Using this book Species Accounts Rarities Glossary Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe definitive photographic guide to the avifauna of Spain.Spain is recognised as one of Europe's richest birdwatching destinations, one that offers a host of regional specialities. It includes famous birding hotspots such as the vast Coto Doñana wetlands, mountainous areas such as the Pyrenees and Picos de Europa, the Mediterranean oak forests of the south, the migration crossroads of the Strait of Gibraltar and the plains of Extremadura. Completely revised and updated, this new version of Birds of Spain provides photographic coverage of more than 320 species that regularly occur in the region, from the Hoopoe to the Golden Eagle. Concise text for each species includes information on identification, songs and calls, behaviour, distribution and habitat, with each photo having been carefully selected to aid identification. A guide to the best birdwatching sites in Spain is also included.Portable yet authoritative, this is the perfect companion foTable of ContentsIntroduction How to Use This Book How to Identify a Bird Natural Spain – An Overview Birds and Bird Conservation in Spain Best Birdwatching Sites in Spain Species Accounts Further Reading and Resources Photo Credits Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover the healing power of nature through the stories of these characterful birds, whose song is never far away . . .LONGLISTED FOR THE 2022 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE''A lyrical and life-affirming book that teaches us as much about birds as it does ourselves - a balm for the soul'' Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path''Totally absorbing and completely engaging on so many levels . . . Charlie has opened my eyes to the constant joy of the sights and sounds of the birds that surround us. It is a book that really will save lives'' Dr Richard Shepherd, author of Unnatural Causes_________After the tragic loss of his mother, Charlie Corbett felt trapped by his pain. Having lost all hope and perspective he took to the countryside in search of solace. There, he heard the soaring, cascading song of the skylark - a sound that pulled him from the depths of despair and into the calm of the natural world.Weaving his jTrade ReviewA lyrical and life-affirming book that teaches us as much about birds as it does ourselves - a balm for the soul * Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path *Totally absorbing and completely engaging on so many levels... Charlie has opened my eyes to the constant joy of the sights and sounds of the birds that surround us. It is a book that really will save lives * Dr Richard Shepherd, author of Unnatural Causes *An enchanting book. I knew at once this was something special * Lady Glenconner *This is no ordinary ornithology, but one that portrays the very essence of each bird through a very human lens and shows us that both solace and joy can be ours by merely observing with an open eye and an open heart * John Wright, author of The Forager's Calendar *A wonderful blend of the lyrical and practical. Charlie shows us that our relationship with birds and the natural world is not only healing, but an important part of our cultural heritage worth protecting * Adam Henson *From dawn choruses to the first chiffchaff calls of spring, Charlie Corbett shows how the changing seasons can bring happy natural rhythms to times of hardship * National Geographic Traveller *This is no misery memoir . . . The story moves apace to its uplifting conclusion, that Nature is the best medicine * Country Life *There is much to be admired * Countryfile *An important book, woven with the countryside and catharsis. Also instructive into which birds to look for and how to recognise their calls and song. Written by a true countryman and loving son * The Field *Honest, uplifting and written from the heart, this is a rediscovery of life inspired by a re-discovery of birds -- Tim BirkheadOne of those charming nuggets you sometimes chance across in the bookshop, pulling together themes of nature, grief, mental health and healing * Salisbury Journal *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis practical pocket field guide, published in association with the Wildlife Trusts, provides essential information on identifying and attracting eighty-eight species of garden bird.Each species account contains accurate artworks that show details to help readers differentiate between similar looking species, and male and female birds. A concise written account further outlines their size, plumage, voice, habitat, food and distribution in Britain and the near Continent. The book also includes general guidelines on food, feeders, nest boxes and other items that can greatly increase the presence of birds in your garden.The easy-to-follow layouts and illustrations aid quick identification, and make this book an indispensable reference in the field as well as at home. It is compact enough to fit in the pocket, yet filled with essential information for nature enthusiasts.Table of ContentsIntroduction Plants for Birds Drinking and Bathing Feeding Birds Birdfeeders Bird Tables Nest Boxes Birds Wildfowl Game Birds Herons Hawks & Allies Falcons Rails Gulls Pigeons Parrots Typical Owls Kingfishers Woodpeckers Swifts Swallows & Martins Larks Pipits & Wagtails Waxwings Wrens Accentors Thrushes Kinglets Warblers & Allies Flycatchers Chats Long-tailed Tits Typical Tits Nuthatches Treecreepers Crows Starlings Sparrows Finches Buntings Bird Topography

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘A vaulting triumph of a book’ Isabella Tree, author of Wilding'A master storyteller, Weidensaul communicates so much joy in the sheer act of witnessing and such exhilaration in the advances of the science behind what he sees that we are slow to grasp the extent of the ecological crisis that he outlines.' ObserverBird migration remains perhaps the most singularly compelling natural phenomenon in the world. Nothing else combines its global sweep with its inherent ability to engender wonder and excitement.The past two decades have seen an explosion in our understanding of the almost unfathomable feats of endurance and complexity involved in bird migration – yet the science that informs these majestic journeys is still in its infancy.Pulitzer Prize-shortlisted writer-ornithologist Scott Weidensaul is at the forefront of this research, and A World on the Wing sees him track some of the most remarkable flights undertaken by birds. His own voyage of discovery sees him sail through the storm-wracked waters of the Bering Sea; encounter gunners and trappers in the Mediterranean; and visit a forgotten corner of north-east India, where former headhunters have turned one of the grimmest stories of migratory crisis into an unprecedented conservation success.As our world comes increasingly under threat from the effects of climate change, these ecological miracles may provide an invaluable guide to a more sustainable future for all species, including us. This is the rousing and reverent story of the billions of birds that, despite the numerous obstacles we have placed in their path, continue to head with hope to the far horizon.Trade ReviewA vaulting triumph of a book. Scott Weidensaul unravels the miracles and mysteries of bird migration like an ace detective. Compelling and often deeply moving, this is a summons for international co-operation and global conservation like no other. -- Isabella Tree, author of WildingAs much as the book is upbeat and celebratory, Weidensaul is fearless in describing the acute challenges that face the birds he loves . . . a superb globetrotting survey of avian restlessness that reaches one core conclusion. Migrants may seem like here-today-gone-tomorrow nomads but they are really inhabitants of a single place and one living system, on which they and humans depend equally: the entire Earth. -- Mark Cocker * Spectator *A master storyteller who is also profoundly involved in scientific ornithology . . . Weidensaul communicates so much joy in the sheer act of witnessing and such exhilaration in the advances of the science behind what he sees, that we are slow to grasp the extent of the ecological crisis that he outlines * Observer *In vivid prose that conjures up the rich spell of each landscape, Scott Weidensaul takes us on exhilarating expeditions that crisscross the globe and travel deep into the heart of nature. For lifelong experts and backyard birders alike, he’s a superb guide to the winged marvels that share our planet and our lives. -- Diane Ackerman, author of The Zookeeper’s WifeWeidensaul’s dispatches are fascinating. Chapter by chapter, my jaw dropped and my eyes widened. The science of bird migration has reached a golden age, and we’re lucky to have such a graceful guide. This book is instantly among my all-time favorites, and one I’ll keep to re-read. -- Noah Strycker, author of Birding Without BordersThe miracle of birds meets the miracle of technology in Scott Weidensaul’s wondrous new book A World on the Wing. While there are huge gaps in our knowledge of migration, and despair in our race to save species, advances in technology from microscopic transmitters to agile drones are changing the equation and making the future look hopeful. This is a book you won’t want to put down. -- Jane Alexander, actress, writer and wildlife conservationistScott Weidensaul, one of our finest nature writers, has produced another instant classic. In A World on the Wing he takes a pair of highly complex subjects—global patterns of bird migration, and the research into those patterns—and brings them to life with his own amazing adventures around the world. Here is proof that a book of solid science can also be a page-turner. Highly recommended for anyone curious about the natural world. -- Kenn Kaufman, author of the Kaufman Field GuidesA World on the Wing brims with spectacle . . . As the birds flit through these pages, but with ever less frequency through our lives, we can only hope that birders and non-birders alike take inspiration and a call to action from A World on the Wing. This is the kind of book we’ve been waiting for. * New York Times *Mr. Weidensaul takes us to places we’ll likely never go, then deftly steps back to let us experience the scene. In an era when travel, for most, has sputtered to a stop, A World on the Wing is a bracing tonic. The author slips in facts and figures so painlessly, so richly embedded in emotional context, that you can absorb and truly appreciate their import * Wall Street Journal *Many mysteries of bird life and migration are revealed in this compelling and illuminating in-the-field narrative complete with maps and photographs. * Booklist *Based on recent scientific research and his own research and bird observations . . . Each chapter on the different bird species and migration experiences will vibrantly inform readers about the habits of migratory birds * Library Journal *As in many of his previous books, Weidensaul is a peerless guide, sharing his intoxicating passion and decadeslong experience with countless bird species all over the world . . . Another winner from Weidensaul that belongs in every birder’s library * Kirkus Reviews *Remarkable . . . Bird enthusiasts and fans of nature writing shouldn’t miss this * Publishers Weekly *

Read more less

Book SynopsisTracks & Signs of the Birds of Britain and Europe contains a wealth of fascinating material for any field naturalist. This unique guide enables the reader to find, interpret and understand field marks left by a variety of birds throughout Britain and Europe, and to use these to identify the species in question. It covers subjects including tracks and trails, feeding and other behavioural signs, nests, pellets, droppings, feathers and skulls, habitat types and field analysis methods. All European bird families are featured, with numerous individual species being described in detail.Fully revised and updated, this third edition contains a great deal of new material, including 19 new colour plates and hundreds of new photographs, line drawings and diagrams. Tracks & Signs of the Birds of Britain and Europe is an indispensable addition to any feather-finder or track-watcher's backpack the ultimate resource for anyone wanting to identify a bird species from the sometimTable of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: Habitat Chapter 2: Tracks and Trails Chapter 3: Nests and Roosts Chapter 4: Feeding Signs, Pellets and Droppings Chapter 5: Skulls Chapter 6: Feathers European Bird Protection and Study Organisations Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe first comprehensive and fully illustrated field guide to the birds of Peru.More than 1800 species - nearly one fifth of the world's birds - have been recorded in Peru, the second richest avifauna of any country in the world. This field guide enables users to identify all species found there, and is also useful throughout much of western South America.- Featuring 307 superb, high-quality colour plates directly opposite concise descriptions and full-colour distribution maps for quick reference and easy identification- Distinct plumages, subspecies, sexes, age classes and morphs are fully illustrated- Detailed text discusses key identification features, status, distribution and vocalisationsThis is a must-have guide for any ornithologist or visitor to this popular birding destination.Trade Review'this new guide is a really excellent book that will make birding in Peru so much easier and enjoyable. It is laid out in the perfect way for a field guide' www.wingsbirds.com 'The book describes, maps and illustrates them all, and is a model of high-quality illustration, concise information and clear graphics. A must for both ornitho-experts and armchair dreamers.' Guardian (Nov 2007) " This book far surpasses the competition and for the first time allows identification of unfamiliar species throughout Peru using only one book " Ibis (April 09) '...this book is on a trajectory to revolutionise birding in Peru and to make a monumental contribution toward environmental awareness and conservation in the country.' Cotinga (2009)

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Times Nature Book of the Year 2020Winner of the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award A Finalist for the Stanford Dolman Travel Book of the Year Award''Remarkable. If only every endangered species had a guardian angel as impassioned, courageous and pragmatic as Jonathan Slaght'' Isabella Tree, author of Wilding''Gripping'' Dave Goulson, author of A Sting in the TalePrimorye, a remote forested region near to where Russia, China and North Korea meet in a tangle of barbed wire, is the only place where brown bears, tigers and leopards co-exist. It is also home to one of nature''s rarest birds, the Blakiston''s fish owl. A chance encounter with this huge, strange bird was to change wildlife researcher Jonathan C. Slaght''s life beyond measure.This is the story of Slaght''s quest to safeguard the elusive owl from extinction. During months-long journeys covering thousands of miles, he has pursued it through its forbidding territory. He has spent time with the Russians who struggle on in the harsh conditions of the taiga forest. And he has observed how Russia''s logging interests and evolving fortunes present new threats to the owl''s survival. Preserving its habitats will secure the forest for future generations, both animal and human - but can this battle be won? Exhilarating and clear-sighted, Owls of the Eastern Ice is an impassioned reflection on our relationship with the natural world and on what it means to devote one''s career to a single pursuit.''Slaght makes the people, wildlife and landscape of the Russian Far East come alive. I haven''t enjoyed a book on remote Russia as much as this since Ian Frazier''s Travels in Siberia'' Sophy Roberts, author of The Lost Pianos of Siberia''True epic. Powerful, passionate'' Charles Foster, author of Being a BeastTrade ReviewSlaght has a rare gift for startling evocations of the natural world...A refreshingly old-school, tautly strung adventure -- Helen Macdonald * Guardian *Excellent...The brutality of human habitation is counterpoised with the brutality of the natural world. The reader becomes, like the author, "stunned by the quiet violence of this place." -- Clement Knox * The Times *This is a tale of man's endurance, determination and perseverance in search of this elusive and beautiful creature ... wonderful -- Bill BaileyThe remarkable story of one man's heroic quest to save the astonishing fish owl. If only every endangered species had a guardian angel as impassioned, courageous and pragmatic as Jonathan Slaght. -- Isabella Tree, author of WildingA gripping account of the author's obsessive quest to save one of the world's most magnificent birds. -- Dave Goulson, Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex and author of A Sting in the TaleA vivid dispatch from the front line of conservation, Owls of the Eastern Ice is engrossing and uplifting; an inspiring story of vital work undertaken with utter determination in wild and distant places. -- Horatio Clare, author of Orison for a CurlewSlaght's story reveals the patience and determination of a true conservationist. And the ears and eyes of a poet. Above all, he makes the people, wildlife and landscape of the Russian Far East come alive for armchair travellers. I haven't enjoyed a book on remote Russia as much as this since Ian Frazier's Travels in Siberia -- Sophy Roberts, author of The Lost Pianos of SiberiaTrue epic. A powerful, passionate and highly readable reflection on the wildness both inside us and out there in the forest. -- Charles Foster, author of Being a BeastA fascinating account of one man's quest to conserve the magnificent fish owl of Eastern Asia, this is a book that feels both urgent and relevant. -- Christopher Skaife, author of The RavenmasterFrom the very first pages, Slaght grips readers with vivid language and tight storytelling ... The cast of characters he brings to life - both human and avian - illuminate the delicate symbiosis of the natural world and shed a welcome light on the remarkable creatures that are too little known. Top-notch nature writing in service of a magnificent, vulnerable creature. * Kirkus *A detailed and thrilling account of efforts to conserve an endangered species. . . Slaght evinces humor, tirelessness, and dedication in relating the hard and crucial work of conservation. Readers will be drawn to this exciting chronicle of science and adventure, a demonstration that wilderness can still be found. * Publishers Weekly *A thoroughly engaging read which will appeal both to those specifically interested in owls, as well as those with a wider interest in the natural world. Will make armchair and keyboard conservationists envious and uncomfortable in equal measures -- John Gray, The International Owl SocietyThis is an epic tale of hangovers, violence and obsessive ornithology. It is a superb depiction of a far-flung corner of the world where bears, tigers and men battle with relentless environment and each other. It is a powerful antidote to saccharine nature writing; Slaght encounters such a host of pickled gritty characters that you could imagine the Coen brothers adapting it for the screen. -- The Times Nature Book of the YearWonderful... If [COP26 organisers] picked it up in the jet-lagged early hours they might find their dreams haunted, as mine have been, by huge, endangered owls swooping low through their subconscious, reminding them what survival might mean -- Tim Adams * Guardian *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Exquisite'' National Geographic''Fascinating and informative, this text will appeal to lay readers and bird enthusiasts alike'' Booklist''Unwin''s evocative prose is a perfect match for the vivid illustrations. This will be a hit with birdwatchers of all stripes'' Publishers Weekly Author Mike Unwin invites readers on an avian journey around the globe, celebrating 80 of the world''s most awe-inspiring birds and revealing their impact on our lives. From Namibia''s sociable weaver, constructor of huge multi-nest ''apartment blocks'' in the desert, to China''s bar-headed goose, a high-flying migrant that crosses the Himalayas twice a year, each has a remarkable story to tell. Ryuto Miyake''s exquisite illustrations grace every page, bringing to life this timely reminder of the ways in which birds need us, and we need them.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWinner of the Richard Jefferies Society and White Horse Book Shop Literary Prize 'splendid' -Guardian 'visionary' -New Statesman Britain has all the space it needs for an epic return of its wildlife. Only six percent of our country is built upon. Contrary to popular myth, large areas of our countryside are not productively farmed but remain deserts of opportunity for both wildlife and jobs. It is time to turn things around. Praised as 'visionary' by conservationists and landowners alike, Rebirding sets out a compelling manifesto for restoring Britain's wildlife, rewilding its species and restoring rural jobs - to the benefit of all.Trade Review'A splendid new book... all rational argument seems to be on his side' -- Professor Tim Flannery * The Guardian * 'A wonderfully imaginative book, which shows how things could be with our rapidly declining areas of countryside, instead of how - despairingly - they are now.' -- Rod Liddle * The Spectator * 'A visionary yet practical book.' -- John Burnside * New Statesman * 'It has shaped how I think about my farm, and the choices we make about our land...' -- James Rebanks 'An expose, a plea, and a vision of a better future.' -- Simon Reeve 'Ben Macdonald has an impressive track record as a field naturalist, wildlife film-maker and writer, and this passionate, authoritative, up-to-date and, ultimately, optimistic book is a worthy comparison to such seminal works as George Monbiot's Feral and Mark Cocker's Our Place.' -- Jonathan Elphick * BBC Wildlife * 'Having read a number of the recent books about rewilding, I was tempted to think, oh blimey, not another one! I am now tempted to say, they left the best till last...' -- Bill Oddie 'Rebirding is beautifully written, based on deep, personal experience and a genuine love of the subject. You may not have come across Ben Macdonald before now; but believe me, you will hear a lot more from him in the future.' -- Stephen Moss 'With Monbiot's Feral and Isabella Tree's Wilding, Rebirding sits separate from both and is in fact an essential third book to read if you've enjoyed the others. In short, it's a captivating, fascinating and inspiring read' -- Ed Stubbs * Birdwatch Magazine * 'This is the best book on nature, conservation and rewilding I read in 2019 - perhaps one of the best I've ever read. I finished reading it with a real sense of hope for the future.' -- Alex Roddie * Great Outdoors Magazine * 'A book about a key subject at a key time, passionate and deeply thought-through. Anyone concerned with the future of the natural world in Britain will want to read it.' -- Mike McCarthy, author of The Moth Snowstorm 'A beautifully written, thoughtful and yes, provocative book' -- Dr. Martin Harper, Conservation Director, RSPB 'This is a stimulating and important book, beautifully written and well researched... It provides a compelling vision for the future' -- Dr. Carl Jones, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust 'A must read and a good read...the type of book that grabs and keeps my attention. You should read it and I think you may well enjoy it a lot.' -- Dr. Mark Avery * www.markavery.info/blog/ * 'I thoroughly recommend the book and applaud its breadth and detail... Macdonald's book has really surprised me. I have learned much I did not know about Britain's early bird faunas, and even the history of its mammals... The level of treatment and scholarly references are on a par with conservation science books' -- Peter Taylor * ECOS Magazine * 'This has to be the one book you read this year if you read no other, as its messages are myriad and its import undeniable. This is most definitely my book of the year and possibly the whole decade!' -- Bo Beolens * Fatbirder * 'Rebirding is an exceptional book from an exceptional author. Visionary, courageous, critical, Benedict maps out how we might finally turn things around, rewilding our national parks, restoring natural ecosystems and allowing our wildlife a far richer future.' * Surfbirds * 'A captivating, fascinating and inspiring read' * Birdwatch *Table of Contents1 - Taming Britain 2 - The Anthropocene 3 - The First Imperative 4 - The Lost Stewards 5 - A Question of Scale 6 - Memory 7 - A Wild Economy 8 - The Wild Highlands 9 - New Forests 10 - The Golden Hills of Wales 11 - A Grouse Moor Wild 12 - Pelican Possibility 13 - Our Birds 14 - Conservation Begins

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis exquisite book explores one huge tree in the jungle, from roots to canopy... with a huge fold-out surprise at the end.Offering a perspective rarely seen, Up in the Canopy explores the rainforest layer by layer, as we climb the incredible Kapok tree - a 100-metre tropical tree in the heart of wildest South America - in search of the elusive Harpy eagle which lives almost exclusively at great heights. With artwork as rich and dense as the rainforest itself, there is much to explore at every level, and readers can scour the forest floor, understory and canopy for the world's rarest and most beautiful tropical creatures. Finally reaching the top, they are rewarded with the most magical sight... As told by James Aldred, author of The Man Who Climbed Trees, and published in conjunction with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWith over 230 species, colour artwork, and an emphasis on those that are more difficult to identify, Birds: ID Insights is the ideal guide for birders of all levels.Its unique layout, comparing the plumages of similar pairs and groups of species, makes it perfect for identifying the more difficult birds found in Britain and other parts of north-west Europe. It has more images showing how to age birds than any comparable guide, and its handy compact size makes it practical for taking out into the field.The book is based on a long-running series of identification features in Bird Watching magazine. Author Dominic Couzens and artist David Nurney have spent years compiling the field notes and artworks for this series, and here their efforts are drawn together and made complete in a single volume that is easy to carry in the field and practical for birders to use.In addition they have expanded the species list from the magazine series and added many new birds, includingTrade ReviewUseful addition to the libraries of both 'improvers' and more experienced bridwatchers. * BBC Wildlife *Any longtime reader...will instantly recognize the style and grace of Dave Nurney's artwork, and the charming tone of Dominic Couzen's in-depth descriptions, combined here into a thoroughly professional guide...what's not to love? * Bird Watching *

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe superb illustrations by Nik Borrow are really crisp ... Ron Demey has completely overhauled the text, and the maps have been revised to reflect increased knowledge of distribution. This is an excellent field guide. * Birdwatch *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction How to Use This Book Geography, Climate and Habitats Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas Taxonomy: Some Definitions Organisations Bird Topography Glossary Abbreviations and Symbols Species Accounts (1–149) Checklist of the Birds of Senegal and The Gambia Appendix: Species not Accepted on the Senegal and Gambia Lists References Index Quick Index to the Main Groups of Birds

Read more less

Book SynopsisA comprehensive guide to the birds of Macaronesia.Macaronesia, which comprises the Canary Islands, Madeira, the Azores and Cape Verde, are home to a remarkably avifuna, one that includes endemic species such as the Azores Bullfinch and Blue Chaffinch, a host of endemic races, most of which have small and vulnerable ranges, and some species that are very difficult or impossible to see anywhere else, such as Houbara. Add in the fact that the Azores in particular punches way above its weight in terms of extremely scarce vagrants, especially Nearctic passerines, and you have a region that is a must-visit for any birder or world-lister. Birds of the Atlantic Islands covers all resident, migrant and vagrant species found in Macaronesia, more than 450 species in all. The plates feature illustrations that include all plumages and major races likely to be encountered. Concise species accounts cover bird identification, status, range, distribution and voice. The introductory sections covers climate, geography and ornithological history of the islands, as well as practical guidance on the best birdwatching localities.This authoritative book is an indispensable guide for any birder these jewels of the Atlantic.Trade Review'For visiting birders, I would unhesitatingly recommend this book as a must - there is no other guide like it.' Scottish Bird News (June 2007) 'Tony Clarke's guide is more up-to-date, and more pragmatic in its approach, than any other work covering the Atlantic Islands, and should be required reading for every resident or visiting birder.' Birdwatch (August 2006) 'Tony Clarke's energy, enthusiam and awareness shine through time and time again - it's a splendid achievement. I like his whole approach... not only has he filled an important gap in birding coverage, he has done so in a way that, if slightly quirky, works very well.' Birds Illustrated (Spring 2007) 'Tony Clarke's superb new book covers all the species recorded on the islands to date...supported beautifully by Chris Orgill and Tony Disley's illustrations. This is an absolute must-have for the birdwatcher planning a trip to any of the Atlantic Islands.' The Visitor (13th September 2006) 'This excellent guide is the first to deal exclusively with the birds of this spectacular region... This has to be the field guide of choice for anyone visiting the islands.' Birdtours.co.uk (29th August 2006)Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Introduction Geography of the islands Climate of the islands Island habitats Ornithological history of the islands Birdwatching areas How to use this book Colour Plates Special Accounts Appendices Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book Synopsis'BEAUTIFULLY, A BOOK ABOUT BIRDS' The Sunday Times 'ENGAGING AND EYE-OPENING' The Countryman Uncover the life of owls through this beautiful guide to these secretive and charismatic birds from the bestselling author of The Robin, The Wren, and The Swan.Owls are among the most mysterious birds in the world. Their hauntingly beautiful calls and mostly nocturnal habits have long captured our collective imagination, inspiring more superstitions, folktales, and myths than any other group of birds. Seven species of owl - the tawny, little, barn, long-eared, short-eared, snowy and eagle owl - can be found in the British Isles (out of sixteen different kinds across Europe). They have lived alongside people for thousands of years, yet we still know so little about their day-to-day lives.Discover their fascinating lives, from the moment they first hatch, to the way they hunt their prey and how they raise the next generation. Explore the rich folklore they've inspired around the world and learn how, with a bit of luck, you can catch a glimpse of them yourself.With beautiful illustrations throughout, and expert birdwatching tips, this eye-opening biography reveals the hidden secrets of one of the world's most famous and beloved birds.Trade ReviewSeven species of owl make their home in the British Isles, and this stunning volume is a worthy tribute to them. It shouts quality with luscious cream-coloured paper and wonderful illustrations. That said, the main delight is in Stephen's detailed examination of these nocturnal birds. His engaging and eye-opening text covers fascinating facts, history, science myths and folklore as well as providing birdwatching tops. This book will not only be well-read but will also be kept as a useful reference. -- Lorraine Connolly * The Countryman *A captivating look into the lives and legends surrounding some of Britain’s most enigmatic avians… This book offers an engaging and rewarding flight * Birdwatch *

Read more less

Book Synopsis Fascinating stories of the birds and birdsongs from the Tropics for every week of the year, with QR codes for every entry. From the incredible screech of the macaw, who shows amazing intelligence, to the imitations of humans of the mynah bird and the humming sounds of the hummingbird, this is a beautiful collection of stories about one of nature''s wonders: tropical birds. Bird expert and writer Dominic Couzens invites you to enjoy not only their birdsongs but also their amazing feats and colourful displays. With stunning illustrations from award-winning Madeleine Floyd and QR codes to listen to their songs as you read, you can immerse yourself in a tropical wonderland. A natural wonder that has captivated and fascinated generations, tropical birdsong is unique. This book offers the perfect tonic whether you are an avid birdwatcher or just want to understand the songs from the most iconic birds in the world. With 52 weekly stories, the book takes you through the calendar year of tropical life. Listen and read about jewel-like toucans, mating cries of the cock-of-the-rock bird of paradise, duet songs of sunbirds, the fascinating glossy starling oxpeckers who sit on the backs of elephants and the gorgeous songs of hornbills. The latest research and information about these bright lights of the bird world is captured here by one of the most respected but accessible writers on birds. It''s like joining him on a field trip. Anyone with even a passing interest in the bird world, or even the natural world, will be captivated by the stories and sounds.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAVAILABLE NOW -THE RSPB GARDEN BIRDWATCHER'S PUZZLE BOOKA jam-packed puzzle and trivia book about the birds in Britain, in collaboration with the RSPB.Can you tell your rook from your crow? Do you know the collective noun for a group of goldfinches? Or where a willow warbler goes when it migrates?A must-buy for any bird enthusiast or bird-watching novice, this puzzle book is filled with questions, word games and brainteasers that will test your ornithological knowledge and reveal a treasure trove of incredible facts about our feathered friends - covering topics such as garden birds, coastal and country birds, behaviour, biology, culture, rare birds and bird migration.Featuring over 150 puzzles, from quiz questions to illustrations of birds to test your identification knowledge, wordsearches and crosswords, as well as maps to explore flight patterns, the RSPB Great British Birdwatcher's Puzzle Book will put your friends and family through their paces, and on the path to becoming an ornithological expert.

Read more less