This comprehensive monograph is a second edition of one of the most popular Poyser monographs; it covers all aspects of this spectacular eagle's biology and ecology, including a full review of the literature and incorporating the considerable body of research on the species since the publication of the first edition in 1997. The late Jeff Watson was one of Scotland's foremost eagle experts, with more than 20 years of research on the birds; following Jeff's untimely death, the book is being completed by his colleagues Des Thompson and Helen Riley.
Scottish studies provide the foundation for a treatment that also includes up-to-date information from work in North America, continental Europe and elsewhere. This global view allows fascinating insights into the species' relationships with a variety of different habitats and leads to many new and important conclusions regarding its ecology. This highly readable and authoritative account is destined to become the standard reference on the species, both in Scotland and elsewhere in the world. The text is enriched with many superb pictures of this majestic bird and additional wash landscapes capture the very special atmosphere of Scotland's Golden Eagle country.
Digital reprint of a book originally published in 1997.
Contents
Introduction
- World range
- The Scottish Highlands - Golden Eagle country
- Hunting
- Food
- Nesting
- Nest spacing and density
- Population trends
- The pre-breeding season
- Eggs and incubation
- Nestlings
- Fledging and independence
- Breeding performance
- Moult
- Movements and migration
- Mortality
- Threats
- Conservation
- History and tradition
- Further research
Appendices
Bibliography
Index
Jeff Watson was Scotland's foremost authority on eagles, with several books and many articles to his credit including the first edition of this title. Des Thompson and Helen Riley are renowned ornithologists and ecologists, based in Scotland, who have completed Jeff's work.
Unlike many other second editions, this is packed with new exciting material...this is readable yet full of information and is an outstanding example that will be a baseline in the future.
- Highland News Group (October 2010)
"What a subject, and what a book! Fascinating facts appear on every page and the secrets of golden eagles' high-flying lives are laid bare in this book, which seems to have captured a whiff of the wild outdoors in its words...Very highly recommended."
- Birds {Main} (May 2011)