The sight of a ghostly Barn Owl quartering a field at dusk is not one that is easily forgotten, but the day-to-day lives of these captivating birds are little known to most people. In this book, insightful text coupled with rarely seen images of the species' life and behaviour introduces the reader to some of the most fascinating aspects of a remarkable nocturnal existence. There are chapters on subjects such as hunting, courtship and survival. The owls are further brought to life through a series of personal anecdotes from the author and photographer, which are woven into the text.
David Chandler is based in Histon, Cambridge, and has worked for the RSPB and BirdLife International for nearly 20 years. He is now a freelance writer and ornithologist and has authored a number of titles, including the All About Bugs and All About Garden Wildlife for New Holland. Nigel Blake is a professional photographer based in Bigglewade, Bedfordshire, whose work is known to many people through publication of his images in books and magazines. He has been fascinated by Barn Owls for many years and spent many months studying and photographing them.
[...] The book is well-illustrated with around 100 colour photographs. With a couple of exceptions , these are pin-sharp and convey the birds' character very well. In particular, this book is ideal for somebody wanting a non-technical account of the barn owl which is put together in a very readable style and at an affordable price.
- Keith Betton, Birding World 24(9), 2011