{"title":"Wildlife \u0026 Natural History","description":"A curated collection of wildlife and natural history titles, bringing together books on the animals, birds and wild places that shape our natural world.","products":[{"product_id":"9781849950633_hadrians-wildlife","title":"Hadrian's Wildlife","description":"Built in the years AD122-30 by order of the Emperor Hadrian 'to separate Romans from Barbarians', Hadrian's Wall was 73 miles long, running from Wallsend-on-Tyne to Bowness on the Solway Firth. It was originally almost 5 metres high with 16 large forts along its length and is the largest Ancient Monument in northern Europe.  Following the author's previous successful book, Hadrian's Wildlife has been enriched and expanded with additional information on wildlife and Roman history. When standing on the WHO site of Hadrian's Wall, many visitors may wonder what the area would have looked like during Roman times. Bringing the bird remains from Roman digs into view reveals which species were living then as well as what the landscape looked like. Although some species such as White-tailed Eagle and Common Crane are no longer found here, others including Nuthatch, Hobby and Little Egret have colonized the area.  Living close to Hadrian's Wall, the author has explored its many habitats from the Solway Firth across to the east coast. Many of these wildlife sites have a Roman influence from old forts to the gathering of pearls from the oysters that are found on the North Tyne.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nHadrian's Wildlife will encourage visitors to the area to enjoy and appreciate the wide selection of these habitats on a year-round basis. This invaluable guide to the many and varied attractions of the area will take the reader on a voyage of discovery and will be an essential companion for visitors.","brand":"John Miles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56733657170294,"sku":"9781849950633","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849950633.jpg?v=1764233826"},{"product_id":"9781849951296_otters-of-the-world","title":"Otters of the World","description":"\u003cp\u003eHaving worked for over 20 years on otter conservation of all 13 species, the authors wished to share their experiences of these beautiful animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is hoped this book will increase public support for the work of the IOSF (International Otter Survival Fund) and awareness of the terrible plight of otters which in many countries are on the verge of extinction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe illegal wildlife trade in otters is huge - not just for furs and body parts but as pets. In some parts of the world otters are disappearing rapidly and unless urgent action is taken they will be gone forever.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOtters stand at the top of the food chain on both land and water so they are an ideal indicator of a healthy environment. With greater awareness and support the IOSF will be able to do more on the world stage to conserve otters - PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THIS BOOK WILL GO TO THE IOSF.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Paul Yoxon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56733657792886,"sku":"9781849951296","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849951296.jpg?v=1764233827"},{"product_id":"9781849953139_a-last-wild-place","title":"A Last Wild Place","description":"\u003cp\u003eMike Tomkies gives a remarkable picture of the whole cycle of nature around him, in a harsh and testing environment of unrivalled beauty. Vivid colours and sounds fill these pages – exotic wild orchids, the roar of rutting stags, a pair of dragonflies mating, the flight of the redwing, the territorial movements of foxes, otters and badgers, an oak tree being torn apart by hurricane-force gales. Nothing seems to escape his penetrating eye, to which the selection of his photographs in this book – some revealing little-known aspects of animal behaviour – immediately testifies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet Mike’s extraordinary insights into the wildlife that shared his otherwise empty territory of 300 square miles are not gained without perseverance in the face of perilous hazards. Every pound of supplies (including heavy gas canisters) has to be manhandled in and out of his boat, which once sank beneath him in a storm. Thousands of miles of rock faces and hillside must be trekked each year in summer and winter, the tussock grass concealing sodden peat holes that will break an ankle. Hours on end, day and night, are spent in cramped hides on windy, precipitous ledges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Last Wild Place\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is much more than the chronicle of a man who left city life in order to study the wilderness.  It is a celebration of nature at its most rugged and spectacular in all Britain. Like the enormous ageing salmon he threw back because he felt he had no right to claim its life, Mike Tomkies reveals through his quest our urgent need to become retuned to natural rhythms if mankind is to regain a measure of health and sanity in a world bent on self-destruction.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mike Tomkies","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56733659070838,"sku":"9781849953139","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849953139.jpg?v=1764233830"},{"product_id":"9781849954921_the-immeasurable-wilds","title":"The Immeasurable Wilds","description":"\u003cp\u003eTowards the end of the 18th century the attention of mapmakers, explorers and travellers turned to the north of Scotland. The mountains that rise north of Stirling formed a formidable barrier for anyone wanting to visit the Highlands, and travellers to the Far North were even rarer: there were no roads at all into most of Sutherland, and Ross and Cromarty until the early years of the 19th century. Who did go there, and why?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis book follows the early mapmakers who gradually revealed the area, including Timothy Pont and Alexander Bryce who published the first accurate map of the north coast. General Roy covered the whole of Scotland for his remarkable ’Great Map’, and later, the indomitable and energetic General Colby dragged his reluctant Ordnance Survey team across much of the north, as documented by Robert Kearsley Dawson. Meanwhile, Culloden led to increased interest in the area, as is evident not only from the visit of Dr. Johnson, but also those from Thomas Pennant, Bishop Pococke and the Rev. Charles Cordiner, all of whom managed to reach the far north-west and leave fascinating accounts of what they found. The poverty that was apparent to these visitors from the south led to action from the British government, not least an important road-making scheme under Thomas Telford which is documented in this book using not only the official reports, but also an enthusiastic account left by the Poet Laureate of the time, Robert Southey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith the new roads came the tourists, flocking to sites like Loch Katrine, in search of signs of Sir Walter Scott’s heroes and heroines. But it was only the bolder few who made it to the far north-west, men like the Rev. James Hall, ‘making love’ under the table at Caithness, or James Hogg, ever the ladies’ man at Lochs Duich and Maree. The book follows this story, which has barely been mentioned in popular literature, and delights in choice anecdotes from all these accounts, touching on a number of disciplines: cartography, early geology and botany. But above all, it gives a picture of this unknown region, as it seemed to those exploring it, an area of astonishing beauty, with inhabitants that showed notable warmth and generosity in spite of their poverty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book ends with an account of the Highlands Controversy, a debate that divided the geological community for much of the 19th century, culminating in discoveries that revealed that the area contained some of the most remarkable geology not just in Britain, but in the whole world.  Thus recognition was at last achieved for a region that contains some of the most striking scenery in the United Kingdom.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alastair Mitchell","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56733659791734,"sku":"9781849954921","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849954921.jpg?v=1764233831"},{"product_id":"9781849956086_highland-cow-and-the-horse-of-the-woods","title":"Highland Cow \u0026 the Horse of the Woods","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Highland Cow \u0026amp; the Horse of the Woods by Roy Dennis is a powerful conservation and environmental science book addressing the urgent decline of Scotland’s capercaillie, an iconic woodland bird now reduced to around 400 individuals in native Scottish pine forests. Once widespread across the Highlands, capercaillie populations have collapsed due to degraded forest habitats and ecological imbalance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on decades of wildlife conservation expertise, Dennis explores how restoring Scotland’s woodland ecosystems is essential to preventing extinction. The book argues that the solution lies in reintroducing traditional land management practices, particularly the use of Highland cattle, to recreate the ecological role once played by ancient woodland grazers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically known in Gaelic as capallcoille — the 'horse of the woods' — the capercaillie has declined from around 20,000 birds in the 1960s to just a few hundred today. Dennis highlights how dysfunctional forest structure, limited biodiversity, and loss of natural grazing have contributed to this crisis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBy reintroducing Highland cows into woodland environments, the book proposes a nature-based solution that restores habitat complexity, increases invertebrate populations and improves biodiversity. These changes not only benefit the capercaillie but strengthen the wider Scottish forest ecosystem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Highland Cow \u0026amp; the Horse of the Woods is an essential read for those interested in Scottish wildlife conservation, biodiversity restoration, capercaillie recovery, and sustainable forest management. It offers a hopeful and practical vision for the future of Scotland’s native woodland habitats.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roy Dennis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56733661299062,"sku":"9781849956086","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849956086.jpg?v=1767336429"},{"product_id":"9781849955928_donald-watson-bird-artist-and-writer","title":"Donald Watson, Bird Artist and Writer","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDonald Watson was a seminal figure in the wildlife art and ornithological world from the late 1950s onwards. Since his death in 2005, his work has lived on through active public demand for his outstanding paintings of birds and the continued reading of his books. This is the first time his status and standing in the world of bird art and ornithology has been assessed.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis definitive book is a series of biographical essays written by those who knew him and his outstanding contributions. There are so many perceptive insights about him and his work, and many previously untold stories that enliven the text. Reading the stories will bring back memories for all who knew him and hopefully inspire those who didn’t but who follow in his footsteps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders will find detailed accounts of his life, his character, his work ethic, his link with his ornithologist son Jeff, his high standing in the world of raptor workers written by his daughter Louise, his daughter-in-law Vanessa and by his close friend and neighbour Chris Rollie. His high standing in raptor protection and especially his outstanding Hen Harrier work is updated by Des Thompson and Colin Galbraith. The author reviews his writing skills and describes how his conservation campaigns are still relevant today. They will also learn so much about his art from the perceptive in-depth account by John Threlfall, himself a very successful wildlife artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeautifully illustrated with his outstanding paintings, examples of his exquisite scraper board sketches and family photographs, readers will want this book for its images alone.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roger Crofts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56733661528438,"sku":"9781849955928","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849955928.jpg?v=1764233834"},{"product_id":"9781849955713_wild-places-wild-encounters","title":"Wild Places, Wild Encounters","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is a book about Edinburgh and what you may find if you really look hard enough.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also a book book about reconnecting to nature wherever we find ourselves living and the personal benefits that can ensue. It explores how we can appreciate the natural world on our doorstep in line with the latest research from a range of disciplines, including ecology, outdoor and environmental education, learning for sustainability and mindfulness studies. It does so by means of a blend of encounter-based photography, connection with nature and reading the landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere has been a tendency for people to lose contact with nature.  The industrial growth society generated  a catalogue of ecological disasters including acid rain, the hole in the ozone layer, the sixth mass extinction and climate collapse. Slowly, we are waking up to the fact that this society is fundamentally extractive and exploitative and the burden of costs has shifted onto the environment and future generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn appreciating and understanding the enormity of this crisis, we risk compounding it with the mental health crisis that is sweeping the globe. Healing that relationship requires us to slow down and to seek reconnection with nature which can help revitalise and sustain us. Life passes by all too fast when we are oblivious to nature’s presence and are unable to be fully involved in nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWild Places, Wild Encounters\u003c\/strong\u003e provides the means to break this cycle. The book’s essence is essentially about reconnecting with and learning to relate to nature as explored in these wanderings through the green heart of Scotland’s capital city and the wild nature reserves of the Lothians. Nature is still there, all around us.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glen Cousquer","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56733660774774,"sku":"9781849955713","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849955713.jpg?v=1765521368"},{"product_id":"9781849955874_wild-galloway","title":"Wild Galloway","description":"\u003cp\u003eWild Galloway by Ian Carter is a richly illustrated natural history and wildlife photography book celebrating the diverse landscapes, habitats, and biodiversity of Galloway in south-west Scotland. Blending personal reflection with expert naturalist insight, the book explores one of Britain’s most unspoilt wild places, from ancient woodland and heather-clad hills to coastal merse, mudflats and the dramatic Solway Firth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBased on a lifetime of experience as a naturalist and conservationist, Carter offers an immersive account of living in a remote Scottish glen where wildlife thrives just beyond the doorstep. Readers encounter red squirrels at the window, pine martens in the woods, golden eagles overhead, and otters and brown trout in the burn, revealing the richness of Scottish wildlife in its natural habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWild Galloway highlights the ecological importance of wild places and the deep connections formed between people and nature in low-population rural landscapes. The glen itself reflects the wider biodiversity of Galloway, featuring moorland, bog, ancient ash and hazel woodland, and coastal ecosystems that support red grouse, seabirds, waders, and migratory species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for readers interested in Scottish wildlife, nature writing, birdwatching, conservation, walking, and environmental heritage, Wild Galloway is both a personal memoir and a stunning portrait of Scotland’s natural world, showcasing the enduring value of wilderness and biodiversity conservation in the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ian Carter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56733662478710,"sku":"9781849955874","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849955874.jpg?v=1767164949"},{"product_id":"9781870325684_a-high-and-lonely-place","title":"A High and Lonely Place","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is the work of a man who has known and loved the Scottish Cairngorms for more than 30 years. Jim Crumley marries a poet's instincts to an uncompromising passion for the Cairngorm's arctic character, and for those wildlife tribes which thrive there. He marks nature's rhythms with thoughtful observations of bird and beast, flower and landscape. In the process he strives for a purer empathy with the wilds, seeks out the nourishing bond of man and landscape. Ultimately, the book asserts that the Cairngorms are nature's place. Crumley proposes a radical solution to safeguard the mountains from a threatening array of forces ranged against them. In his conclusion he invokes what Seton Gordon called \"the spirit of the high and lonely places\".\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jim Crumley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56733662511478,"sku":"9781870325684","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781870325684.jpg?v=1764233836"},{"product_id":"9781849950800_a-saga-of-sea-eagles","title":"A Saga of Sea Eagles","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a much-needed update on a pioneering reintroduction project and its much-celebrated success. It also provides essential background and a logical and objective summary of its justification and significance in global conservation terms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is very much a personal account, although fundamentally based upon and cognisant of the science, deriving much from the author's own experiences and researches, and liberally illustrated mostly by the author's photographs and drawings. This intimate account tells all that has happened since the reintroduction of the White-tailed Sea Eagle first began and exactly how its successes over the subsequent three and a half decades have received such worldwide recognition and acclaim. It describes the pioneering Rum releases (Phase 1) with which the author had been intimately involved, summaries of the Wester Ross (Phase 2) and East Scotland (Phase 3) releases with up-to-date information on the current Irish project in Kerry. The book includes a classification of the eagles and their folklore and information about the bird's history, distribution and biology including its breeding and feeding habits.\u003cbr\u003e\n The reader learns how the kudos of having Sea Eagles nesting locally has brought considerable economic benefit to Scottish communities, as it has in Norway and elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John A. Love","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742972719478,"sku":"9781849950800","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849950800.jpg?v=1764331505"},{"product_id":"9781849950299_kestrels-for-company","title":"Kestrels for Company","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn appealing book that rightfully raises the profile of the kestrel. It provides an extensive picture of this delightful falcon, including its lifestyle and the factors that affect its breeding success and survival. This is based upon almost 40 years' monitoring of the kestrel in south-west Scotland and further afield by the author and colleagues, giving a flavour of the integrated approach to monitoring and conservation. As well as the wealth of factual data, there are entertaining anecdotes and stories both from the author's experiences and from the wider media coverage of this raptor over the years. The reader is taken to exotic locations such as the Seychelles, Mauritius and the Cape Verde Islands to see the endemic island kestrels which have always held a great fascination for the author. Latest figures show an alarming decline of 36% in the kestrel population in the UK, with even more dramatic falls such as 64% in Scotland. The fieldwork techniques which play such an important role are detailed in a composite breeding season.\u003cbr\u003e\n The kestrel is not portrayed in isolation and the bird's current circumstance is tied into the bigger picture of raptor conservation and the struggle against sustained persecution. The author reflects upon the political, economic and conservation issues that have dominated this field in the past few decades and through this personal and well-informed account the reader gains access to the world of the kestrel.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gordon Riddle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742973112694,"sku":"9781849950299","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849950299.jpg?v=1764331506"},{"product_id":"9781904445548_flight-of-the-wild-geese","title":"Flight of the Wild Geese","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe sight of strings of wild Barnacle geese flying overhead, with a noisy chorus of honking, will be a familiar sight to many. However, following their migration, little is known about the lives of these sociable geese. \"Flight of the Wild Geese\" tells the story of the winter wildlife of the Solway Firth, that wonderfully wild estuary set between the rugged hills of Cumbria and the rolling farmland, moors and forests of Dumfries and Galloway. It explores the links that these beautiful places share with the most remote islands of the North Atlantic, and with the stunning landscapes of the high Arctic. This is a book of birds, of people, and of places.The author's sea journey takes in a number of remote islands, beginning with the two Scottish outliers of North Rona and Sula Sgeir, then venturing ever northwards via the stunning rocky coasts of the Faroe Islands, the black-sand volcanics of Jan Mayen, and the great sea bird colonies of Bear Island before encountering pack ice in the vast sea channel of Storfjorden. Here, in Svalbard's Arctic waters, ivory gulls roamed the ice islands searching for food, while seals hunted the open flats between.\u003cbr\u003e\n Arctic wildlife filled every space, backed by an array of glistening snow peaks, their glaciers carving rivers of ice down to the sea. This was the author's first view of Svalbard - Kingdom of the Ice Bear.The author also reflects on his life as a writer, photographer and environmental surveyor. Growing up in the flatlands of East Yorkshire where his love of wildlife was instilled, he yearned to know more about where the winter-visiting birds went during the summer. He learnt a great deal about waders, ducks, geese and swans at the Humber Estury but, once these birds had migrated to cooler climes in the summer, their lives were a mystery. Later in life and with the Solway Firth on his doorstep, where some of the largest numbers of geese are to be found, he decided to find out. Graham Uney is a writer, photographer and walking and wildlife holiday Senior Guide. He has written numerous articles for many different magazines and is the author of \"Backpakers Britain\", vols. I - III\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Graham Uney","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742973178230,"sku":"9781904445548","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781904445548.jpg?v=1764331506"},{"product_id":"9781870325356_days-with-the-golden-eagle","title":"Days with the Golden Eagle","description":"\u003cp\u003eA reprint of the classic eagle book from one of the pioneers of nature writing. Seton Gordon was among the first to observe in some detail - through countless hours in his hide - the daily life of the golden eagle and to present in his books an account of their habitat, diet and behaviour. But his writing was much more than that - his books are interwoven with acute observation and his narrative possesses a clarity that ensures the reader sees as much as Seton Gordon himself saw. From life day to day on the eyrie through the different Scottish landscapes and the interaction of the eagles with other wildlife, it is all covered and in his inimitable style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seton Paul Gordon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742973473142,"sku":"9781870325356","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781870325356.jpg?v=1764331506"},{"product_id":"9781849951302_the-life-of-buzzards","title":"The Life of Buzzards","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is essential reading for all raptor ecologists and enthusiasts, conservation bodies, landowners with game-rearing interests and other land managers, as well as anyone with an interest in birds, conservation and wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis book provides an authoritative account of Common Buzzards gained from extensive studies by the author over 60 years and also from enthusiasts in this country and across northern Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt describes the life history and ecology of Buzzards mainly inhabiting the British uplands, where historically they have always been most numerous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt also looks at how well Buzzards have adapted to living in our modern and rapidly-changing landscapes, constantly adapting their habits in response to prey resources and environmental conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Peter Dare","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742973407606,"sku":"9781849951302","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849951302.jpg?v=1764331507"},{"product_id":"9781904445821_call-of-the-eagle","title":"Call of the Eagle","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is an account of one man's 30-year involvement with England's rarest bird, the golden eagle. Initially employed by the RSPB as a senior species protection warden at a secret location in Cumbria, the author describes the intricacies of establishing a protection regime by wardens that would operate for the next 26 years and his efforts to protect and study this iconic species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lakeland eagles were at their most productive during his tenure, rearing six eaglets in the six years before he widened his interest to study eagles in Scotland as well as England. The author discovered and recorded many previously unknown facts about golden eagles. He began to plan and implement projects which would expand knowledge of the species as well as helping to secure their foothold in England. His project is the most detailed and complete study of a pair of golden eagles with, at its heart, the life and times of an eagle he followed from its arrival in 1982 until its death, 22 years later. A bird that would eventually show little fear of him and accept his presence rather than flee.\u003cbr\u003e\n The author recounts the hardships experienced by the eagle and eagle-watcher alike, and his record of behaviour at the nest is unparalleled. However, working with golden eagles is not without difficulties and the author's encounters with unsympathetic shepherds and poor decision-making are also described, as are his dealings with egg collectors who craved to add the rare English eagle eggs to their collections. His efforts to counter their intrusions even saw him rebuilding eagle eyries that had been so dispassionately destroyed! However, \"Call of the Eagle\" amply illustrates the close attachment and passion that drove the author to devote so much of his life to this magnificent raptor, famed as the King of Birds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dave Walker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742973800822,"sku":"9781904445821","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781904445821.jpg?v=1764331507"},{"product_id":"9781904445937_the-hen-harrier","title":"The Hen Harrier","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe hen harrier is one of the iconic species of the bird world and its history is a mix of controversy, persecution, and recent patchy recovery. This book, a dedicated study of the bird in N. Ireland for over two decades, provides a detailed account of the life, habits and prospects for the bird. The author presents much new information about the harrier in its continuing struggle to re-establish its hold despite high levels of persecution from man or predation by other species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHaving spent thousands of hours over many years studying these birds, he was rewarded by the discovery that this ground-nesting species was nesting in tall conifers in the forests of County Antrim - the only country throughout their vast European range where this occurs annually. Other significant finds soon became apparent as did the discovery that red kites were nesting for the first time and marsh harriers had returned to nest for the first time in almost 200 years. The author's passion for the bird is obvious as he shares moments of excitement and sadness, and he speaks frankly about the maltreatment and mismanagement of this elegant raptor over the years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Don Scott","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742974620022,"sku":"9781904445937","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781904445937.jpg?v=1764331509"},{"product_id":"9781849952248_a-fieldworkers-guide-to-the-golden-eagle","title":"A Fieldworker's Guide to the Golden Eagle","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Golden Eagle is generally thought to be a well-known and well-documented species. However, much of the available literature is not necessarily in a form that can readily be used in the field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn fact, although much existing information about Golden Eagles has little supporting evidence it is still largely accepted without question. This book addresses this important issue and in doing so the author queries numerous long-held beliefs about Golden Eagles. He suggests that failure to recognise the limitations of the available evidence is not only detrimental to understanding eagle ecology but that it can undermine conservation efforts. The \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eFieldworker’s Guide\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e questions the reliability of existing knowledge and promotes a better understanding of the species through improved fieldwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith 37 years of active, year-round investigative fieldwork experience of the Golden Eagle, the author has vast knowledge enabling him to shed light on these matters. He has a history of undertaking novel research on post-fledging studies, territories and the impact of changes in land use. In this context he discusses how best to undertake fieldwork to produce objective results, avoiding the influence of expectations and recognising the many pitfalls into which an unwary observer might stumble.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book objectively reviews all aspects of Golden Eagle ecology, taking examples from many different locations and from site-specific studies in Scotland to compare and contrast the reliability and relevance of the evidence, highlighting the differences between casual and intensive fieldwork. It reviews all the elements of Golden Eagle ecology, from the species status, through the activities and roles of eagles of different gender, age and status, via territories, food and breeding, to habitat preferences, usage and even the influence of weather and observer activity on behaviour and observations. It also gives due consideration to the failed and non-breeding elements of the population, topics that are widely ignored despite such eagles forming the bulk of the population for most of the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo provide a better understanding of what fieldworkers and birdwatchers are likely to encounter, the author reviews the month-by-month activity of all classes of Golden Eagle and the influences that affect how their ecology is understood.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dave Walker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742975013238,"sku":"9781849952248","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849952248.jpg?v=1767164950"},{"product_id":"9781849953559_shorebirds-in-action","title":"Shorebirds in Action","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"description\" class=\"ui-tabs-panel ui-widget-content ui-corner-bottom\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShorebirds, or waders, are a large group of small to medium-sized birds that occur worldwide, in a wide range of predominantly coastal or wetland habitats. Some species are largely sedentary whilst others are amongst the world’s most migratory bird species, travelling thousands of kilometres in a few days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to describing physical behavioural traits such as feeding, breeding, migration, and particular physiological adaptations, \u003cem\u003eShorebirds in Action\u003c\/em\u003e also covers territorial behaviour both when feeding and breeding. There is detailed discussion of the range of species and their different lifestyles together with feeding strategies, flocking, roosting and the avoidance of predators. The seasonal features of shorebirds’ lives are included, such as the various plumages that they have when breeding, or not breeding, together with the intervening periods of moult, during which the birds change from one plumage to the next.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eShorebirds in Action\u003c\/em\u003e is in two parts – firstly basic behavioural information and then a photographic section that explains the specific behaviour being illustrated for that particular shorebird at the time the photo was taken.  In addition the book can be read as a general text, split into chapters that provide the basic behavioural information and also by reference to the extended photograph captions which explain the details of the particular behaviour shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book contains excellent photographs of about 180 shorebird species – over three-quarters of the world’s total – and therefore provides a general reference for the identification of shorebird species and the recognition of their various plumages. It will be relevant to readers worldwide, including Europe, North America and Australasia. This comprehensive work can be read as a general text and also the photographs can be enjoyed separately in their own right. Detailed references to source material are provided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Richard Chandler","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742975471990,"sku":"9781849953559","price":21.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849953559.jpg?v=1764331511"},{"product_id":"9781849953306_understanding-animal-behaviour","title":"Understanding Animal Behaviour","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis accessible introduction to animal behaviour provides an authoritative yet reader-friendly guide for the interested naturalist. It presents current knowledge about the way animals behave and will enable the reader to derive more pleasure from their observations of animals by gaining a deeper understanding of their behaviour. The concepts are presented in an easily appreciated way with which everyone can associate.In the first part of the book, the author explores how animals behave by considering the physical processes involved in the way animals perceive their environment and what determines how they respond to it. This is followed by the 'why' of animal behaviour in which the author examines many topics under the overall issue of expressing behaviour, and the evolutionary forces that have shaped - and continue to shape - the detailed form of more complex behaviours. Therefore questions such as why animals forage in the way they do and how that foraging pattern may be refined to optimal efficiency; why animals adopt a particular reproductive strategy and breeding behaviour and why some animals live as solitary individuals, while others live in groups and so on. The book is copiously illustrated throughout in support and interpretation of the text. While the pictures enhance understanding of the written text, the text also showcases the exquisite illustrations of wildlife artist Catherine Putman.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rory Putman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742975177078,"sku":"9781849953306","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849953306.jpg?v=1764331511"},{"product_id":"9781849954358_mongooses-of-the-world","title":"Mongooses of the World","description":"\u003cp\u003eMongooses are a remarkable and fascinating group of small carnivores, with 25 species occurring in Africa and nine in Asia. They live within a wide variety of habitats, from open savannah to dense rainforest, and display an amazing diversity in social behaviour, with both solitary and group-living species. Yet this family is one of the least-known group of carnivores.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe general lack of public awareness about most mongoose species, and the scarce ecological knowledge of what they need to survive in the wild, are two of the many conservation threats that this group of carnivores faces, which highlights the urgent need to promote an interest in these amazing animals. As well as popularising mongooses, the book will be a valuable source of information on general scientific and conservation topics, such as social behaviour and how the loss of suitable habitats impacts animal species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRecent cinematic films and TV documentaries on meerkats and banded mongooses have been very popular, but people are much less familiar with the other mongoose species that live across Africa and Asia – most of these are rarely seen in the wild and are very poorly known, and several have not been studied in the field. One African mongoose was only discovered by western scientists in 1958, and several others are only known from a few museum specimens and recent observations in the wild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis well-researched, lavishly illustrated book will give a comprehensive overview of the whole mongoose family, including all the different aspects of mongoose biology, their role in human society and the conservation issues that they face, as well as detailed information on all 34 mongoose species.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Andrew Jennings","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742976029046,"sku":"9781849954358","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849954358.jpg?v=1764331512"},{"product_id":"9781849953610_common-and-spotted-sandpipers","title":"Common and Spotted Sandpipers","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis wonderful book describes the fascinating lives of the two most ubiquitous shorebirds in the world. Between them the Common Sandpiper (\u003cem\u003eActitis hypoleucos\u003c\/em\u003e) and Spotted Sandpiper (\u003cem\u003eActitis macularia\u003c\/em\u003e) make use of a large part of the world’s terrestrial habitat and they exhibit many of the exciting features of shorebirds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the birds arrive on the breeding ground, their displays are spectacular and their sounds are an exciting announcement of springtime. Unusually, the Spotted Sandpiper appears to be the only bird where the female is the territory holder, laying successive clutches of eggs for different males to care for, while the male of the Common Sandpiper holds the territory, has one mate, and shares most duties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey stay on the breeding grounds only as long as is essential to reproduce before making a migration southwards to a broad range of non-breeding homes in Central and South America, Africa, India, and eastwards to Australia with vagrants reaching as far as Tristan da Cunha and New Zealand. The Common Sandpiper has also been recorded breeding in East Africa and wintering in Scotland so their flexibility is amazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe author has spent over 40 years studying the lives of these fantastic birds and provides a wealth of information including their breeding behaviour, migrations, distribution, food sources, habitats and their history from the present back to 36 million years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful book will hopefully stimulate others to watch these worldwide birds more appreciatively and add to our knowledge.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Phil Holland","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742975439222,"sku":"9781849953610","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849953610.jpg?v=1767164950"},{"product_id":"9781849954440_untangling-the-knot-belugas-and-bears","title":"Untangling the Knot, Belugas and Bears","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe beginning of the author’s adventure with a camera – filming wildlife across the world for the BBC Natural History Unit and other major TV companies – began in 1978 when he joined the RSPB’s film unit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUntangling the Knot gives an in-depth look into what is involved in capturing the sequences needed for a natural history film, using comprehensive diaries and over 200 photographs. Mike describes the stresses of international flying with 20 cases of film equipment, sometimes alone, to distant corners of the world. The hardships of living and working for weeks in remote regions, avoiding tropical diseases, the onslaught of forest insects, long hours of waiting from dawn to dusk, and of frustration and disappointment when the elements or circumstances conspired against him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere are times of great elation too, when animal behaviour never seen before is captured on film. Working with top biologists and highly-experienced pilots was an essential partnership in understanding the subject to be filmed, often in remote regions where the challenge was reaching the subject in rainforest canopies, on remote islands or in featureless arctic tundra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn a career spanning 35 years, several of the programmes in which he was involved have won major awards. He describes filming Attenborough in Paradise in New Guinea with Sir David Attenborough as a career highlight, where he filmed behaviour of Birds of Paradise that had never been seen before. His last programme, Jewelled Messengers was the fulfilment of an ambition to make the ultimate film on hummingbirds with producer Paul Reddish, using the latest high-speed, high-definition cameras, and which was shot mainly in Brazil and Ecuador.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe story concludes when he realizes his dream of visiting the Ross Sea region of the Antarctic. Mike considers himself lucky to have worked in so many spectacular regions of the world and this book enables readers to travel with him and share his incredible experiences.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mike Potts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742976192886,"sku":"9781849954440","price":20.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849954440.jpg?v=1764331513"},{"product_id":"9781849954877_birding-in-an-age-of-extinctions","title":"Birding in an Age of Extinctions","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a book about what it’s like being a birder in an age of natural decline. It is part autobiographical – tales of spell-binding birding encounters that left indelible memories – and it is part reflective. The travellers’ tales of birding adventures are about places and events that were variously entertaining, amusing, captivating, inspiring, exciting and awesome, literally. They also feature the amazing, eccentric, dedicated, inspiring people in the birding community. Travels to Madagascar, Cambodia, India and many other places are recalled. There is birding in the Himalayas, in the Australian outback, on the Southern Oceans and in hotel gardens and city parks and there are tales of the ‘big listers’, ‘big-lensers’, professional guides, and local conservation workers who try to keep their habitats safe for us. There are lots of images to accompany these stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMartin’s experiences in becoming a birder late in life revealed some strange behaviour which he soon learnt to take for granted as a member of the birding community. Why tear off chasing the next tick when we were having such a good time in the forest we were already exploring? Why was seeing a rare parrot in a cage less significant than seeing a ‘wild’ one that was being hand-fed in a nature reserve? Why was he visiting all those rubbish tips and sewerage farms in search of birds when birding excursions to a forest or a natural wetland were so much more pleasing?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere are chapters about all of these puzzles and oddities, and more – their origins and, in some cases, how they shape our behaviour in somewhat perverse ways – on ‘authentic’ birding, the origins and importance of the life list, on rarities and trophy birds, and why the idea of a ‘species’ is elusive yet so important. All these tales and reflections are shaped by birding during an extinction crisis and the growing biodiversity crisis. As he observed trashed habitats and vanishing bird populations during his travels, Martin’s growing dismay and alarm about these issues coloured everything. So he came to ponder what birders are doing in response, whether it is for good or harm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere is the paradox of ‘extinction birding’ – it is not difficult today to see some vanishingly rare birds, because they are hanging on in reserved, fenced spaces, kept alive by artifices such as captive breeding. Because our visits to these places provide funds, we are also among these species’ last hopes for survival. Is this the best we can do? More self-reflection among all birders is necessary. Faced with the growing crisis, we can all do better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Martin Painter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742976651638,"sku":"9781849954877","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849954877.jpg?v=1767164949"},{"product_id":"9781849954570_a-vulture-landscape","title":"A Vulture Landscape","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Vulture Landscape\u003c\/em\u003e is more than just a book about vultures, in the same way that these majestic flyers are more than just birds. Vultures are a crucial part of many of the world’s ecosystems, and without these specialist environmental cleansers the ecosystems wouldn’t work properly. A calendar year in the lives of these gargantuan raptors is explored as they live, breed, feed and fly with effortless ease across the skies of the vulture landscape that is Extremadura in central Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere are four species of vulture in Europe, and a fifth that is becoming more of a regular visitor as its own global population plummets. The serious conservation issues faced on a day-to-day basis by these species, and their relatives spread across the globe, are explored, issues that in many cases threaten their very survival. However, this book is a celebration of the vulture and the landscape in which it reigns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUsing the latest science, his keen eye and his passion for the birds themselves, the author takes the reader on a journey, introducing readers to the vultures, their lives and their landscape. Along the way, much of the other wonderful wildlife of the vulture landscape, from exotic Bee-eaters and bewitching Montagu’s Harriers to rutting Red Stags as well as some very excitable cattle, are included. Ian explains how watching vultures is not only addictive, but that it can often lead to vulture gazing, surely the most relaxing form of bird watching there is!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith his fine descriptions, readers can enter the world of the vulture, get to know these brilliant birds and learn how they control diseases that threaten us, why some species have bald necks, as well as how they have mastered the art of flying without expending any energy. The author has spent several years living permanently in Extremadura and now splits his time between his native county of Devon and his beloved vulture landscape, where he leads bird tours introducing people to the birds and the area he clearly loves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e              \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ian Parsons","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742975897974,"sku":"9781849954570","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849954570.jpg?v=1767164949"},{"product_id":"9781849955065_inn-search-of-birds","title":"Inn Search of Birds","description":"\u003cp\u003eMost birders keep lists of the species birds they have seen, but do any keep a list of pub birds, that is birds on pub signs and in pub names? This book is about these pub birds, their natural histories, folk-histories and those of the pubs that bear their names, some of the people involved in the story, and the memories that pub birds have evoked over a birding lifetime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis may appear to be a niche aspect of birding but before the advent of modern technology, pubs in ‘good birding spots’ were often the best place to find out from other birders “What’s about?”, preferably over a pint. On the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales at the entrance to Wensleydale, are four pubs all named after Black Swans within a five-mile radius. Intriguing, but why there? They sparked John Lawton’s interest in pub birds and the list that began then spans eleven years, based on a sample of 711 pubs named after birds or things that are ‘bird-related’. There are 117 identifiable species of birds, 17 non-specific birds (for example duck), and four mythical species, plus 35 pubs named after bird-related things.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTechnical stuff aside, pub birds are fun. Whilst being as accurate and informative as possible, this book is not meant to be too serious. Whilst ‘plain vanilla’ swans get boring, the \u003cem\u003eSwan and Cemetery \u003c\/em\u003e(in Bury), the \u003cem\u003eSwan and Railway\u003c\/em\u003e (in Wigan) and three pubs called \u003cem\u003eThe Swan with Two Necks\u003c\/em\u003e (in Bristol, Clitheroe and Wakefield) cry out for an explanation. As do two Welsh pubs both called \u003cem\u003eThe Goose and Cuckoo\u003c\/em\u003e in Llanover (Monmouthshire) and Llangadog (Carmarthenshire).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting aviary of 117 species doesn’t quite range from A to Z, but the list does run from \u003cem\u003eThe Blackbird \u003c\/em\u003eon Earls Court Road in London to a \u003cem\u003eYellow Wagtail \u003c\/em\u003ein Yeovil. The book covers the commonest pub birds, why they are so named, their geography and history, and also pub birds in art, literature and music. There is even a short chapter on nests, babies, feathers and bird paraphernalia. Throughout, the author has woven some of his fondest memories of pub birds into the story and from time-to-time he may even have gone into the pub for a pint.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John Lawton","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742977012086,"sku":"9781849955065","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849955065.jpg?v=1764331515"},{"product_id":"9781849955508_a-natural-history-of-lighthouses","title":"A Natural History of Lighthouses","description":"This is the story of lightkeepers' contributions to the natural history of lighthouses in conjunction with the history and maintenance of the manned navigation beacons  -  their primary function of course  -  'for the safety of all'. Since keepers were first engaged to maintain lighthouses around our coast they have encountered wildlife, and in some cases developed a keen interest and expertise on the subject. Towards the end of the nineteenth century keepers were encouraged to submit annual returns of bird movements enabling reports on bird migration and several authoritative books to be compiled. As a result, ornithologists began to recognise how many lighthouses were well-placed to establish bird observatories  -  a few were in redundant lighthouses, often on offshore islands. However, lightkeepers also recognised that in certain weather conditions and during migration times, flocks of birds were attracted to the beam, resulting in many fatalities.While the problem is now better understood and considerably reduced, the automation of all British lighthouses has resulted in there no longer being lighthouse keepers to monitor the situation and report bird, sea mammal, insect and bat movements.\u003cbr\u003e\n\nA Natural History of Lighthouses highlights the contribution made by lighthouse keepers over the last century or two to the study of natural history, and ornithology in particular. Much of this is discussed in the words of the keepers themselves, set in the context of lighthouse history. Scotland has an especially rich lighthouse tradition, mainly due to a dynasty of Stevenson engineers covering over a century, all of whom also had a profound understanding of weather and geology  -  and indeed natural history  -  so important in the placing of their lighthouses.  Several redundant lighthouse buildings still function as bird observatories as well as wildlife viewpoints and study centres, museums, hotels, restaurants and private homes. The lanterns themselves are still maintained in this digital and satellite age, monitored remotely from a strategic control centre.","brand":"John A. 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Although it was once a common bird throughout northern Europe, the breeding areas of Corncrakes have been steadily reduced to a fraction of what they once were, and in many areas their continuation as a regularly breeding bird is in serious doubt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, the behaviour of the Corncrake, nesting under the cover of tall grass and undertaking annual long-distance migrations, means that for most of the last hundred years, its detailed ecology has remained mysterious and little understood. Although there have been millions of words written about the Corncrake in scientific papers, until now there has been no full-length book that attempts to capture all the aspects of its ecology, and to present this information to non-specialists. 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A new appreciation of the requirements of this species and the ways in which our sensitive management of the whole landscape, both in its potential breeding areas across Europe and Asia and in the seasonal quarters in regions of Africa, offer new hope for the future of this fascinating bird.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Frank Rennie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742976356726,"sku":"9781849955027","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849955027.jpg?v=1767164950"},{"product_id":"9781849955348_the-wonder-of-africas-natural-history","title":"The Wonder of Africa’s Natural History","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis book opens up a wonderland of natural history for all ages to enjoy, and will spark interest in the intricate web of Africa’s natural history, one that is bursting with exuberance, a great variety of life. It covers a vast range of topics that are often neglected, and reveals untold mysteries hidden in this remarkable continent. It is written in a readable and clear style that allows the reader to gain an appreciation of its continent-wide approach, which is based upon half a century or more of knowledge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDelving into the intricate fossil history found in Africa, \u003cem\u003eThe Wonder of Africa’s Natural History\u003c\/em\u003e describes some of the largest dinosaurs that walked this earth and extraordinary giant mammals of the Pleistocene, to the largest mammal that still survives to this day. It also encompasses the tiny mites that reside inside animals’ ears and the remarkable maggot that finds a home in the sole of the elephant’s foot. This book discusses creatures great and small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe remarkable variety of animals described explores their colours, behaviours, displays of weapons and the meanings behind the differences. The book explains the animals’ everyday lives, co-habitations, and how the large carnivores live alongside their prey. The reader is transported into their world from birth, through growing up to their social interactions. Fantastic migrations showing the exuberance of life are described from butterflies to wildebeest and elephants and the once huge increases in number of the springbok in South Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Wonder of Africa’s Natural History\u003c\/em\u003e unfolds a great diversity of life from swamp to forest, rivers and lakes, each with their particular creatures. It shows how an antelope or the bizarre naked mole rat can survive in arid environments. It transports us across the vast panorama of the beautiful plains of Africa, revealing how they are exploited and how the real battles in Nature are fought among the small species, the myriad of insect forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe co-evolution of the whole community is an astonishingly amazing tangled web of life, having its origin over 300 million years ago. 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This is notwithstanding the enthusiasm of all guides to interest their guests in every aspect of the bush and not limit their exposure to the large and\/or dangerous species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDescribing and discussing the key features of each animal within one volume makes this valuable to all users, whether used in the bush, for study or general interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt should be borne in mind that, with some rare exceptions of ill-luck, almost everything you meet in the bush need not actually be dangerous for those who are sensible, prepared and educated. But it is vital to remember that we, the visitors, professionals and guests, are the interlopers. We are on their turf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors are two qualified Field Guides who have travelled through the African Bush both in vehicles and on foot for over 25 years. 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The authors have recorded and analysed both simple and complex songs in their study area and, following comparison with recordings from Scotland, Derbyshire and the Yorkshire Dales, have confirmed the suspected presence of local dialects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCrucially this book is much more than a remarkable record of twenty years’ fieldwork as it builds on earlier research elsewhere and relates local findings to the results of other current studies in England, Wales and Scotland. The contraction in distribution and number of Ring Ouzels breeding in Britain, the work of the Ring Ouzel Study Group, the introduction of conservation measures and the potential impact of climate change are all described. 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This milestone publication brings the Ring Ouzel into sharp focus for the first time.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vic Fairbrother","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742975570294,"sku":"9781849954587","price":21.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849954587.jpg?v=1767164949"},{"product_id":"9781849954952_an-eye-for-birds","title":"An Eye for Birds","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs a ten-year-old, the author contracted TB and was sent to an isolated sanatorium, deep in the Cheshire countryside. There he was bedridden for six months. On fine days, nurses would push the young patients, in their beds, out onto a large veranda and it was there that his love of birdwatching developed. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn leaving hospital, he shared his passion with three schoolmates and over the next five years this small band of birders explored wildlife locations on and nearby the Wirral. 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Three years later people reclaimed the land and set out to destroy the park and its wildlife. Reduced in size and settled throughout, the park seemed lost. This was the challenge faced by Mark Infield on arrival in Uganda as a young conservationist. A programme of recovery over a 10-year period proposed and implemented by the author and colleagues in Uganda National Parks used community conservation approaches, and today the park is saved and visited by thousands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith this project as its primary focus, \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeautiful Beasts, Beautiful Lands\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e looks back at Mark’s 30 years in conservation and asks the questions ‘What really works?’ and ‘Why?’ This is a personal account of the author’s 30 years work in nature conservation, focused on the rise and fall and rise again of this national park.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDespite this and other successes, and while lands under conservation increase, the natural world continues to wane. Local support is critical if national parks are to survive, and efforts over many years building links to communities must have more than a fleeting success – as this book amply demonstrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter five years explaining to Bahima pastoralists who named the land \u003cem\u003eKaro Karungi\u003c\/em\u003e – the Beautiful Land –  why the national park was important, the author finally thought to ask for their views. Their answers changed his thinking about the park, about working with communities, and about how and why to protect nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeautiful Beasts, Beautiful Lands\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e provides a commentary on nature conservation, casting light on its failures, and explaining why protected areas are stronger when based on local values than when based on financial worth. It puts forward a way of thinking that reaches out to ancient connections between people and nature, putting beauty and meaning firmly back at its centre.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mark Infield","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56742976455030,"sku":"9781849955621","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/9120\/6262\/files\/9781849955621.jpg?v=1790746928"},{"product_id":"9781849955980_life-at-the-edge","title":"Life at the Edge","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife at the Edge\u003c\/em\u003e by Ken Crossan is a beautifully illustrated natural history book celebrating the dramatic coastline of Caithness in the far north of Scotland. Through stunning photography and engaging commentary, the book captures the raw beauty, diverse wildlife, and unique habitats found along 147 miles of one of Britain’s most remote and windswept coasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eExploring five key coastal habitats — harbours, seas, beaches and dunes, sea cliffs and stacks, and rocky shorelines — the book offers a fascinating insight into the wildlife and plant life that survive and thrive in this harsh maritime environment. Readers encounter towering seabird colonies nesting on ancient sandstone cliffs, otters hunting close to shore, orcas cutting through northern waters, and rare coastal plants such as the Scottish primrose flourishing among the dunes and links.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBlending coastal geology, Scottish wildlife, and environmental storytelling, \u003cem\u003eLife at the Edge\u003c\/em\u003e reveals how tides, weather, and erosion have shaped Caithness into one of the world’s great natural landscapes. 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Blending evocative nature writing with stunning original artwork, the book explores Galloway’s ancient forests, silver lochs, rugged coastline, rolling farmland, heather-covered hills and the vast Solway shore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for readers interested in Scottish wildlife, nature writing, walking, birdwatching and Britain’s remaining wild places, A Galloway Year reveals why Galloway is one of Scotland’s most biodiverse and unspoilt regions. Away from the country’s busiest tourist routes, this hidden corner of south-west Scotland offers rich habitats for wildlife and breathtaking scenery for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of landscape art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMore than a celebration of place, the book also reflects on the urgent importance of conservation, biodiversity and protecting fragile natural habitats. 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