 | | |  | | Author interview with Tim Mackrill: The Osprey | Persecuted mercilessly, the magnificent Osprey became extinct in Britain in the 1890s. However, the return of the species to Scotland in the 1950s was the catalyst for reintroduction programmes elsewhere, and this remarkable raptor is now an increasingly common sight in our skies. This Poyser Monograph includes over 150 photographs and details the distribution, migration, foraging ecology, breeding behaviour and population dynamics of this spectacular bird. It also places emphasis on the conservation efforts across the species’ British and African haunts, the latter of which have only recently been discovered thanks to satellite-tagging technology. | Nature conservationist Dr Tim Mackrill completed a PhD on Osprey migration at the University of Leicester and has since worked with the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation on various species reintroduction projects, including the return of Ospreys and White-tailed Eagles to England. He is also the founder of the Osprey Leadership Foundation, which aims to inspire the next generation of conservation leaders by working with young people who live along the Osprey’s migration route. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We recently had the opportunity to speak to Tim about his new book, The Osprey, including why he is so captivated by this species, how technological advances have helped increase our knowledge of these birds, and more. | | | Author Q&A with illustrator Mike Langman | | Written by three of the leading names in ornithology and conservation, this fully revised and expanded edition is the ultimate field guide to the birds of the Middle East. It covers more than 895 species recorded across Cyprus, the Levant, Turkey, Iran and Socotra, from the Purple Sunbird to the Northern Bald Ibis. Birds of the Middle East features 180 stunning plates by renowned illustrators John Gale and Mike Langman, as well as concise species accounts offering information on key features, status, habitat, distribution and more. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Mike Langman has been a full-time illustrator since 1992, during which time his main area of interest has been birds. He worked at the RSPB headquarters for nine years after finishing his education in 1983, and as such his artwork can be seen across many RSPB nature reserves on identification cards and in murals and information centres, as well as in other outlets across Britain and mainland Europe. He has been an avid birdwatcher since the age of ten and particularly enjoys birdwatching in his local area around Berry Head, in Devon. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We recently chatted with Mike about his career in illustration, including how he got into this field, how he approaches drawing birds he hasn’t seen in life, and more. |
|
|
Browse our new and forthcoming books, featuring the recently published Field Guide to Birds of Greater Southern Africa and the forthcoming Ponds, Pools and Puddles. Plus, explore our essential seasonal equipment, which includes nest boxes, bat detectors and thermal imaging devices. | | Book of the Month |
|
|
| Hunt for the Shadow Wolf Full of bitingly funny but also tender stories, this book describes author Derek Gow’s quest to uncover the true nature of the wolf, and explore the possibility of reintroduction as has been done in other parts of the world.
PRIZE DRAW
Purchase by midnight Sunday for a chance to win one of two exclusive A2 cover artwork prints signed by Derek Gow. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Titley Ranger The Titley Ranger is an ideal device for recording an array of species, from birds to amphibians, and introduces an innovative new feature allowing simultaneous acoustic and ultrasonic recording. The camera body is powered by four or eight AA batteries, solar panels or external power, and the range of different acoustic or ultrasonic microphones are low-noise and weatherproof and can be replaced in the field. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NHBS identification guides | Discover our ID guides to UK slugs and snails on the NHBS blog. | | |  | |
|
|
|
|
|
