Search results for ""Author Andy Swash""

Until the discovery of the Islands in 1535, the flora and fauna of the Galapagos evolved in isolation, producing strange and marvellous island species, as Charles Darwin found when he visited 300 years later. Nowadays many people visit the islands to see the unique wildlife and still encounter almost all the species that were present when Darwin visited. This is in striking contrast to the chains of extinctions that have occurred in every other large oceanic archipelago following the arrival of man. This compact, well thought out and clearly presented book provides a comprehensive guide to the terrestrial vertebrates on Galapagos. It is simple to use, the text is concise and the innovative use of digital technology has produced a remarkable collection of plates. An informative guide of this kind will help everyone, from beginner to experienced naturalist.

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A fully revised, comprehensive photographic field guide to the dragonflies of Britain and IrelandBritain’s Dragonflies is the only comprehensive photographic field guide to the damselflies and dragonflies of Great Britain and Ireland. Written by two of Britain’s foremost Dragonfly experts, this fully revised and updated fourth edition features hundreds of stunning images and identification charts covering all 57 resident, migrant and former breeding species, and six potential vagrants. The book focuses on the identification of both adults and larvae, highlighting the key features. Detailed species profiles provide concise information on identification, distribution, flight periods, behaviour, habitat, status and conservation. Other sections cover biology; how to watch, photograph, record and monitor Dragonflies; conservation status and legislation; and introduced exotic species.This redesigned, updated and expanded edition features: Beautiful colour plates showing males, females, immatures and all colour forms for every species Over 500 stunning photographs, many of which are new, and more than 550 illustrations Up-to-date species profiles and distribution maps Detailed, easy-to-use identification charts for adults and larvae

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A carefully designed and beautifully illustrated photographic guide to the moths you are most likely to see during the dayThis concise photographic field guide helps you to identify the day-flying moths most likely to be seen in Great Britain and Ireland. It combines stunning photographs, clear and authoritative text and an easy-to-use design to increase your knowledge and enjoyment of these intriguing and often colourful insects. Like butterflies, some moths fly regularly in sunshine, whereas others that usually fly at night are readily disturbed from their resting places during the day. This guide describes all of these species and features at least one photograph of each in its natural, resting pose. A brief description of each moth covers the key identification features and when and where to look for it, and includes information on its status, life history, special features and caterpillar food plants. Other sections explain how to distinguish moths from butterflies, and also provide essential information on biology, classification, habitats, gardening for moths, conservation and legislation and recording and monitoring. Individual accounts for 158 species and photos of 28 others More than 320 stunning photos, with every moth shown as you see it Beautifully designed, easy to use and clearly written

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The most comprehensive single-volume photographic guide to Europe’s birds ever produced—from the authors of the acclaimed Britain’s BirdsCovering more than 900 species, and illustrated with 4,700 photographs, Europe’s Birds is the most comprehensive, authoritative and ambitious single-volume photographic guide to Europe’s birds ever produced. Easy-to-use, practical and accessible, this guide provides the information necessary for birdwatchers of all abilities to name any bird they see. Detailed descriptions cover the birds in all their plumages—male, female, breeding, non-breeding, adult and immatures, as well as distinctive subspecies. The clear text covers all aspects of identification, including moult and vocalizations, and provides details on range, status and habitat. An unrivalled selection of photographs, chosen to be as informative as possible, makes this a beautiful book to enjoy, as well as an up-to-date and essential source of identification knowledge.Europe’s Birds is produced by the same team that created Britain’s Birds, which has been described as “without doubt the best photo guide on the market” (Andy Stoddart, Rare Bird Alert). The authors include top-class wildlife photographers, writers and editors, and an imaginative, highly skilled designer. All are experienced birdwatchers themselves, who know what is needed in an identification guide for birdwatchers living or travelling in Europe. Illustrates all 928 species recorded in Europe, including established introductions Features 4,700 stunning photographs showing the birds as you really see them Focuses on identification, covering all plumages and subspecies Provides detailed comparison of similar and difficult species Includes details of moult, vocalizations, status and favoured habitats Contains 540 maps, prepared in association with BirdLife International

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The go-to photographic guide to all the damselflies and dragonflies recorded in Europe, including the Macaronesian Islands and western TurkeyEurope's Dragonflies is a comprehensive, lavishly illustrated and beautifully designed photographic field guide to the damselflies and dragonflies of Europe. Written by two well-travelled experts, the book covers all 140 resident and vagrant species recorded, focussing on the field identification of adult insects. Concise species profiles highlight key identification features and provide information on behaviour, habitat preferences, distribution, flight periods, status and conservation. Other sections cover identification tips, conservation status and legislation. Presenting an unsurpassed selection of images of the highest quality, this is the go-to guide for anyone wishing to know more about these amazing and fascinating insects. Comprehensive coverage of every species of damselfly and dragonfly recorded in Europe Stunning colour plates showing males, females, immatures, colour forms, subspecies and typical habitat for every species Over 1,200 superb photographs, supplemented with illustrations of fine details Detailed profiles for the 140 resident and vagrant species Unique comparison plates for difficult groups Easy to use by beginners and experts alike, avoiding technical terms

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A new and improved edition of the popular photographic field guideBritain’s Butterflies is a comprehensive and beautifully designed photographic field guide to the butterflies of Britain and Ireland. Containing hundreds of stunning colour photographs, this extensively revised and updated new edition provides the latest information on every species ever recorded. It covers in detail the identification of all 59 butterfly species that breed regularly, as well as four former breeders, 10 rare migrants and one species of unknown status. The easy-to-use format will enable butterfly watchers—beginners or experts—to identify any species they encounter. Produced in association with Butterfly Conservation, this edition features new introductory sections to the main "types" of butterflies; updated distribution maps; a revised species order reflecting the latest taxonomy; revised sections on recording and monitoring, and conservation and legislation; and a new section on climate change. Stunning colour plates show typical views of each butterfly species, including the various forms and common aberrations Detailed species profiles provide information on status and distribution, including up-to-date maps, and cover adult identification; behaviour; breeding habitat requirements; population and conservation; egg, caterpillar and chrysalis; and caterpillar foodplants Photographs of the egg, caterpillar and chrysalis for every breeding species Sections on biology, where to look for and how to identify butterflies, and other essential information

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This illustrated book vividly depicts the most endangered birds in the world and provides the latest information on the threats each species faces and the measures being taken to save them. Today, 571 bird species are classified as critically endangered or endangered, and a further four now exist only in captivity. This landmark book features stunning photographs of 500 of these species--the results of a prestigious international photographic competition organized specifically for this book. It also showcases paintings by acclaimed wildlife artist Tomasz Cofta of the 75 species for which no photos are known to exist. The World's Rarest Birds has introductory chapters that explain the threats to birds, the ways threat categories are applied, and the distinction between threat and rarity. The book is divided into seven regional sections--Europe and the Middle East; Africa and Madagascar; Asia; Australasia; Oceanic Islands; North America, Central America, and the Caribbean; and South America. Each section includes an illustrated directory to the bird species under threat there, and gives a concise description of distribution, status, population, key threats, and conservation needs. This one-of-a-kind book also provides coverage of 62 data-deficient species.

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A new, improved and thoroughly updated edition of the bestselling photographic guide—the only one to cover every bird, in every plumage, ever recorded in Britain and IrelandA bestselling guide since it was first published, Britain's Birds has quickly established itself as the go-to photographic identification guide to the birds of Great Britain and Ireland—the most comprehensive, up-to-date, practical and user-friendly book of its kind. Acclaimed by birdwatchers of all kinds, from the beginner to the most experienced, the guide has now been thoroughly revised and updated to make it even better than before. Combining the finest of identification guide content and presentation, this eagerly awaited second edition preserves the best of the first edition while covering twelve newly recorded species and offering a host of improvements that make identification easier. Provides comprehensive coverage of all the birds ever recorded in Britain and Ireland Describes and illustrates all plumages likely to be encountered Features more than 3,200 stunning photographs carefully selected to show the birds as you really see them Outlines simple steps to help you identify any bird you see Presents simple and accurate comparisons of similar and difficult species New features include: Coverage of 12 new species recorded since the first edition plus revisions to reflect the latest taxonomy Coverage of all subspecies Improved identification aids, including more than 400 new photos, enhanced photo annotations and many redesigned plates Fully revised species accounts, including the latest information on identification features, status, numbers, geographical range and date ranges for all plumages that may be seen during only part of the year

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A stunningly illustrated guide to the wonderful world of hummingbirdsWith their glorious colors, glittering iridescence, astonishing powers of flight, and many characteristics unique in the world of birds, hummingbirds are extraordinary—true jewels of nature. This beautiful book is a celebration of all aspects of hummingbirds and their world. It features hundreds of the most spectacular photographs of hummingbirds ever taken, exquisite illustrations, and a lively, readable text that presents the latest scientific information and includes up-to-date details about every species.A familiar sight across much of the Americas, hummingbirds have long captured the imagination and played an important part in myths, legends, and other aspects of human culture. Today, hummingbirds are among the most popular of all birds, sought after by serious and casual birders alike. They inspire questions in anyone lucky enough to see them. How can they fly like that? Why are they so colorful? How many are there? Where and how do they live? How do they survive? This book answers these and many other questions, providing an enlightening and enjoyable guide to hummingbirds that can only deepen their wonder. A definitive yet accessible account of all aspects of hummingbird life More than 540 spectacular color photographs, illustrating all 101 hummingbird genera and over two-thirds of the world’s 369 species Specially commissioned illustrations revealing details of anatomy and behavior Meticulously researched facts and figures on status, population, distribution, and conservation designations of all the world’s hummingbirds

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A carefully designed and lavishly illustrated photographic guideThis innovative and carefully designed photographic guide provides a concise introduction to the identification of the 246 birds most likely to be seen in Great Britain and Ireland. It is the perfect book for anyone wanting to put a name to the birds in their garden, local area or on visits farther afield. Packed with hundreds of stunning photos showing the birds in their many variations, and written and designed by a team of experienced birdwatchers, this is the ideal companion for anyone interested in learning more about the wild birds around us. Covers the 246 birds most likely to be seen, plus another 30 or so scarce but regular migrants Carefully designed to be user-friendly and accessible Lavishly illustrated with more than 1,000 stunning colour photographs Easy to use and written in plain English

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A comprehensive photographic field guide to the mammals of Great Britain and IrelandBritain’s Mammals is a comprehensive and beautifully designed photographic field guide to all the mammals recorded in the wild in Great Britain and Ireland in recent times—including marine mammals, bats and introduced species that have bred. The book features 500 stunning photographs and incorporates invaluable tips and suggestions to help you track down and identify even the most difficult species.This easy-to-use book provides an introduction to the different types of mammal. Concise species accounts focus on identification, and include up-to-date information on sounds, habitat, food, habits, breeding behaviour, and population and status, as well as descriptions of key field signs—including tracks, droppings and nests—that give away the presence of mammals even when they are out of sight. Guidance is also provided on ways of studying and observing mammals—including small-mammal trapping, bat detecting and whale watching. In addition, the book contains sections on mammal conservation, legislation and further sources of useful information. Handy and informative, this guide is the ideal companion for anyone interested in watching mammals in Great Britain and Ireland. Comprehensive coverage of all 126 mammal species recorded 500 superb colour photographs carefully selected to show key identification features Up-to-date distribution maps Detailed illustrations of tracks, dentition and other identification features Helpful tips for identifying tracks and other signs you may encounter Latest information on status, population, distribution and conservation designations Advice on finding and watching mammals

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