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£ GBP
A celebration of British raptors, following their fortunes as British breeding birds from historical times to the present day, illustrated with 100 colour photographs.
RSPB British Birds of Prey is the ideal introduction to all of the species of birds of prey (hawks and their allies, falcons and owls) that breed in or regularly visit the British Isles. Despite centuries of persecution, changing attitudes, improved legal protections and the astounding efforts of conservationists mean that many raptors in the UK are faring better than they ever have before.
With incredible new colour photography throughout, this updated edition provides fascinating insights into these birds' private and public lives. Each chapter showcases an individual species, providing an engaging and informative account of their hunting habits, their breeding behaviour, the migrations they undertake, and above all the challenges they continue to face as they forge their lives alongside humanity in Britain.
Introduction
1. Osprey
2. Honey-buzzard
3. Golden Eagle
4. Sparrowhawk
5. Goshawk
6. Marsh Harrier
7. Hen Harrier
8. Montagu's Harrier
9. Red Kite
10. White-tailed Eagle
11. Common Buzzard
12. Barn Owl
13. Little Owl
14. Long-eared Owl
15. Short-eared Owl
16. Tawny Owl
17. Kestrel
18. Merlin
19. Hobby
20. Peregrine
21. Visitors and Vagrants
Glossary
References
Acknowledgements
Index
Marianne Taylor is a life-long wildlife-watcher living in Kent, UK, and since 2007 has worked as a writer, photographer and illustrator, focusing on wildlife and nature and, particularly, British birds. Her books include RSPB Pocket Guide to British Birds, RSPB Seabirds and RSPB Garden Birds.
Reviews of the first edition:
"A collection of more than 200 colour photographs celebrating our birds of prey. The text examines their biology and ecology and the work of the RSPB from past to present."
– The Times
"This celebration of the UK's raptors and owls is an excellent introduction to one of our most exciting groups of animals [...] beautiful photos."
– BBC Wildlife
"This large-format (about A4) book has an introduction for general information, then each species has pages of text, illustrated liberally with excellent photographs, some full-page [...] A cracking book, highly recommended."
– Birds
