Author: Dominic Couzens
Publisher: Christopher Helm Publishers, Incorporated
ISBN: 9780713675139
Category : Birds
Languages : en
Pages : 160
Book Description
Britain's birds are among the best loved in the world, and alsoamong the best studied. In recent times, these studies, rather liketabloid exclusives, have thrown up some surprising revelations andsullied a few reputations in the process. They have, above all,demonstrated that many of our birds lead much more complex lives thanwe previously thought. Following in the footsteps of the bestselling Secret Lives of Garden Birds,this trip around Britain's principal habitats looks beyond the confinesof our gardens and parks to expose the extraordinary hidden world ofsome our most familiar birds. We learn the secrets of romance from MuteSwans, meet the perfect father in the Guillemot, the estranged couple(of Chiffchaffs) who share the same territory, and enter the bizarre,high-rise society of the Dotterel in which women rule. We also meet theultimate killers, both by day (Peregrine) and by night (Barn Owl), andencounter the only true living monster in Scotland. At the same time,we find out how all these birds cope with living in seeminglyinhospitable habitats such as muddy estuaries, lonely moorland or openocean. Dominic Couzens is an acclaimed writer and birdtour leader, whose popular monthly columns in BBC Wildlife andBirdwatching magazines have brought a fresh and dynamic approach towriting about birds and birdwatching. His previous publications includeIdentifying Birds by Behaviour and Secret Lives of Garden Birds. Peter Partington's paintingis widely admired for the uniquely vibrant and fluid style in which hecaptures the essence of bird behaviour. His previous publicationsinclude Learn to Draw Birds and Secret Lives of Garden Birds. 'Whether it's the duplicitous love-life of certain male PiedFlycatchers or the fragile pair-bonding of Dottorel, plenty of sexysecrets are revealed.' Birds Illustrated, Spring 2007
Secret Lives of British Birds
Author: Dominic Couzens
Publisher: Christopher Helm Publishers, Incorporated
ISBN: 9780713675139
Category : Birds
Languages : en
Pages : 160
Book Description
Britain's birds are among the best loved in the world, and alsoamong the best studied. In recent times, these studies, rather liketabloid exclusives, have thrown up some surprising revelations andsullied a few reputations in the process. They have, above all,demonstrated that many of our birds lead much more complex lives thanwe previously thought. Following in the footsteps of the bestselling Secret Lives of Garden Birds,this trip around Britain's principal habitats looks beyond the confinesof our gardens and parks to expose the extraordinary hidden world ofsome our most familiar birds. We learn the secrets of romance from MuteSwans, meet the perfect father in the Guillemot, the estranged couple(of Chiffchaffs) who share the same territory, and enter the bizarre,high-rise society of the Dotterel in which women rule. We also meet theultimate killers, both by day (Peregrine) and by night (Barn Owl), andencounter the only true living monster in Scotland. At the same time,we find out how all these birds cope with living in seeminglyinhospitable habitats such as muddy estuaries, lonely moorland or openocean. Dominic Couzens is an acclaimed writer and birdtour leader, whose popular monthly columns in BBC Wildlife andBirdwatching magazines have brought a fresh and dynamic approach towriting about birds and birdwatching. His previous publications includeIdentifying Birds by Behaviour and Secret Lives of Garden Birds. Peter Partington's paintingis widely admired for the uniquely vibrant and fluid style in which hecaptures the essence of bird behaviour. His previous publicationsinclude Learn to Draw Birds and Secret Lives of Garden Birds. 'Whether it's the duplicitous love-life of certain male PiedFlycatchers or the fragile pair-bonding of Dottorel, plenty of sexysecrets are revealed.' Birds Illustrated, Spring 2007
Publisher: Christopher Helm Publishers, Incorporated
ISBN: 9780713675139
Category : Birds
Languages : en
Pages : 160
Book Description
Britain's birds are among the best loved in the world, and alsoamong the best studied. In recent times, these studies, rather liketabloid exclusives, have thrown up some surprising revelations andsullied a few reputations in the process. They have, above all,demonstrated that many of our birds lead much more complex lives thanwe previously thought. Following in the footsteps of the bestselling Secret Lives of Garden Birds,this trip around Britain's principal habitats looks beyond the confinesof our gardens and parks to expose the extraordinary hidden world ofsome our most familiar birds. We learn the secrets of romance from MuteSwans, meet the perfect father in the Guillemot, the estranged couple(of Chiffchaffs) who share the same territory, and enter the bizarre,high-rise society of the Dotterel in which women rule. We also meet theultimate killers, both by day (Peregrine) and by night (Barn Owl), andencounter the only true living monster in Scotland. At the same time,we find out how all these birds cope with living in seeminglyinhospitable habitats such as muddy estuaries, lonely moorland or openocean. Dominic Couzens is an acclaimed writer and birdtour leader, whose popular monthly columns in BBC Wildlife andBirdwatching magazines have brought a fresh and dynamic approach towriting about birds and birdwatching. His previous publications includeIdentifying Birds by Behaviour and Secret Lives of Garden Birds. Peter Partington's paintingis widely admired for the uniquely vibrant and fluid style in which hecaptures the essence of bird behaviour. His previous publicationsinclude Learn to Draw Birds and Secret Lives of Garden Birds. 'Whether it's the duplicitous love-life of certain male PiedFlycatchers or the fragile pair-bonding of Dottorel, plenty of sexysecrets are revealed.' Birds Illustrated, Spring 2007
The Everyday Guide to British Birds
Author: Charlie Elder
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472941152
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 194
Book Description
A perfect companion for nature enthusiasts and birdwatching beginners. The Everyday Guide to British Birds describes 80 common and widespread species that we're most likely to come across in Britain and explains what makes each of them unique. Packed with fascinating facts, written in a friendly style and illustrated with hundreds of colour photos, this helpful RSPB guide is ideal for anyone who wants to identify and learn more about the birds they encounter, whether in the back garden or the wider countryside.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472941152
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 194
Book Description
A perfect companion for nature enthusiasts and birdwatching beginners. The Everyday Guide to British Birds describes 80 common and widespread species that we're most likely to come across in Britain and explains what makes each of them unique. Packed with fascinating facts, written in a friendly style and illustrated with hundreds of colour photos, this helpful RSPB guide is ideal for anyone who wants to identify and learn more about the birds they encounter, whether in the back garden or the wider countryside.
The RSPB Everyday Guide to British Birds
Author: Charlie Elder
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1399413295
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
A perfect companion for nature enthusiasts and birdwatching beginners, in a revised and updated edition. The RSPB Everyday Guide to British Birds describes 80 common and widespread species that we're most likely to come across in the British Isles and explains what makes each of them unique. Packed with fascinating facts and written in a friendly style, this RSPB guide is ideal for anyone who wants to identify and learn more about the birds they encounter, whether that's in their back garden or while they're out and about in urban and suburban settings or the British countryside. Alongside new photos to show both male and female birds where relevant, this second edition includes updates to species distribution and population numbers, as well as information on seasonal changes to British birds and how to attract birds to your garden. The guide also features updates to the UK's Red List species and a new section on birds that are flying high despite the current biodiversity crisis. From owls to finches and crows to woodpeckers, this RSPB guide is ideal for beginner and casual birdwatchers looking to discover more about British birds.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1399413295
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
A perfect companion for nature enthusiasts and birdwatching beginners, in a revised and updated edition. The RSPB Everyday Guide to British Birds describes 80 common and widespread species that we're most likely to come across in the British Isles and explains what makes each of them unique. Packed with fascinating facts and written in a friendly style, this RSPB guide is ideal for anyone who wants to identify and learn more about the birds they encounter, whether that's in their back garden or while they're out and about in urban and suburban settings or the British countryside. Alongside new photos to show both male and female birds where relevant, this second edition includes updates to species distribution and population numbers, as well as information on seasonal changes to British birds and how to attract birds to your garden. The guide also features updates to the UK's Red List species and a new section on birds that are flying high despite the current biodiversity crisis. From owls to finches and crows to woodpeckers, this RSPB guide is ideal for beginner and casual birdwatchers looking to discover more about British birds.
The Secret Life of Birds
Author: Colin Tudge
Publisher: Penguin UK
ISBN: 0141962100
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 672
Book Description
All animals are equal - but some, as George Orwell said, are more equal than others, and birds, most people would surely agree, are in the very first rank. They can do almost everything that mammals can do - and more. By mastering flight, they have a way of living that encompasses the whole world. In The Secret Life of Birds, Colin Tudge explores the life of birds, all around the globe. From the secrets of migration to their complicated family lives, their differing habitats and survival techniques to the secrets of flight, this is a fascinating account of how birds live, why they matter, and whether they really are dinosaurs. Colin Tudge shows how birds - who are like us in the general sense but very different in the particulars - live and think. For birds have minds: they feel, they are aware, they work things out. And so, by considering the birds, asking how and why it is possible for them to be so different, we gain insight into ourselves. Birds are beautiful, lively, intriguing - and all around us. This rich and endlessly absorbing book opens up their lives to everyone.
Publisher: Penguin UK
ISBN: 0141962100
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 672
Book Description
All animals are equal - but some, as George Orwell said, are more equal than others, and birds, most people would surely agree, are in the very first rank. They can do almost everything that mammals can do - and more. By mastering flight, they have a way of living that encompasses the whole world. In The Secret Life of Birds, Colin Tudge explores the life of birds, all around the globe. From the secrets of migration to their complicated family lives, their differing habitats and survival techniques to the secrets of flight, this is a fascinating account of how birds live, why they matter, and whether they really are dinosaurs. Colin Tudge shows how birds - who are like us in the general sense but very different in the particulars - live and think. For birds have minds: they feel, they are aware, they work things out. And so, by considering the birds, asking how and why it is possible for them to be so different, we gain insight into ourselves. Birds are beautiful, lively, intriguing - and all around us. This rich and endlessly absorbing book opens up their lives to everyone.
The Secret Lives of Bats
Author: Merlin D. Tuttle
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 0544382277
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 309
Book Description
"Tuttle's account forever changes the way we see these poorly understood yet fascinating cratures." -- page 4 of cover.
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 0544382277
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 309
Book Description
"Tuttle's account forever changes the way we see these poorly understood yet fascinating cratures." -- page 4 of cover.
The Secret Perfume of Birds
Author: Danielle J. Whittaker
Publisher: JHU Press
ISBN: 1421443481
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 195
Book Description
The untold story of a stunning discovery: not only can birds smell, but their scents may be the secret to understanding their world. The puzzling lack of evidence for the peculiar but widespread belief that birds have no sense of smell irked evolutionary biologist Danielle Whittaker. Exploring the science behind the myth led her on an unexpected quest investigating mysteries from how juncos win a fight to why cowbirds smell like cookies. In The Secret Perfume of Birds—part science, part intellectual history, and part memoir—Whittaker blends humor, clear writing, and a compelling narrative to describe how scent is important not just for birds but for all animals, including humans. Whittaker engagingly describes how emerging research has uncovered birds' ability to produce complex chemical signals that influence their behavior, including where they build nests, when they pick a fight, and why they fly away. Mate choice, or sexual selection—a still enigmatic aspect of many animals' lives—appears to be particularly influenced by smell. Whittaker's pioneering studies suggest that birds' sexy (and scary) signals are produced by symbiotic bacteria that manufacture scents in the oil that birds stroke on their feathers when preening. From tangerine-scented auklets to her beloved juncos, redolent of moss, birds from across the world feature in Whittaker's stories, but she also examines the smelly chemicals of all kinds of creatures, from iguanas and bees to monkeys and humans. Readers will enjoy a rare opportunity to witness the twisting roads scientific research can take, especially the challenging, hilarious, and occasionally dangerous realities of ornithology in the wild. The Secret Perfume of Birds will interest anyone looking to learn more about birds, about how animals and humans use our senses, and about why it can sometimes take a rebel scientist to change what we think we know for sure about the world—and ourselves.
Publisher: JHU Press
ISBN: 1421443481
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 195
Book Description
The untold story of a stunning discovery: not only can birds smell, but their scents may be the secret to understanding their world. The puzzling lack of evidence for the peculiar but widespread belief that birds have no sense of smell irked evolutionary biologist Danielle Whittaker. Exploring the science behind the myth led her on an unexpected quest investigating mysteries from how juncos win a fight to why cowbirds smell like cookies. In The Secret Perfume of Birds—part science, part intellectual history, and part memoir—Whittaker blends humor, clear writing, and a compelling narrative to describe how scent is important not just for birds but for all animals, including humans. Whittaker engagingly describes how emerging research has uncovered birds' ability to produce complex chemical signals that influence their behavior, including where they build nests, when they pick a fight, and why they fly away. Mate choice, or sexual selection—a still enigmatic aspect of many animals' lives—appears to be particularly influenced by smell. Whittaker's pioneering studies suggest that birds' sexy (and scary) signals are produced by symbiotic bacteria that manufacture scents in the oil that birds stroke on their feathers when preening. From tangerine-scented auklets to her beloved juncos, redolent of moss, birds from across the world feature in Whittaker's stories, but she also examines the smelly chemicals of all kinds of creatures, from iguanas and bees to monkeys and humans. Readers will enjoy a rare opportunity to witness the twisting roads scientific research can take, especially the challenging, hilarious, and occasionally dangerous realities of ornithology in the wild. The Secret Perfume of Birds will interest anyone looking to learn more about birds, about how animals and humans use our senses, and about why it can sometimes take a rebel scientist to change what we think we know for sure about the world—and ourselves.
A Bird A Day
Author: Dominic Couzens
Publisher: Batsford Books
ISBN: 1849946825
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 743
Book Description
'Perfect for dipping into, beautifully written, and great to look at.' – Birdwatching 'An ideal reference book for fledgling ornithologists.' – The Field The beauty and fascination of birds is unrivalled. Every day of the year, immerse yourself in their world with an entry from A Bird of Day, where Dominic Couzens offers an insight into everything from the humble Robin to Emperor Penguins, who are in the midst of Arctic storms protecting their young on 1 July. Or discover the fate of the Passenger Pigeon which became extinct through overhunting on 1 September 2014. If you ever visit the Himalayan uplands, go in late November when you can see a flock of the cobalt blue Grandala birds, which is one of the wonders of the natural world. The author is a world expert on birds and particularly bird behaviour and he reveals endless fascinating stories of birds from all over the globe to give a rich tapestry of avian life with stunning photography, illustration and arresting art. All of bird life is covered, from nesting, migration, and courting to birdsong and curious bird behaviour. From the promiscuous Fairywren of Australia, who gives petals to his mistresses, to the singing instructions of the female Northern Cardinal in North America, this is a delightful dip-in-and-out book for any nature lover.
Publisher: Batsford Books
ISBN: 1849946825
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 743
Book Description
'Perfect for dipping into, beautifully written, and great to look at.' – Birdwatching 'An ideal reference book for fledgling ornithologists.' – The Field The beauty and fascination of birds is unrivalled. Every day of the year, immerse yourself in their world with an entry from A Bird of Day, where Dominic Couzens offers an insight into everything from the humble Robin to Emperor Penguins, who are in the midst of Arctic storms protecting their young on 1 July. Or discover the fate of the Passenger Pigeon which became extinct through overhunting on 1 September 2014. If you ever visit the Himalayan uplands, go in late November when you can see a flock of the cobalt blue Grandala birds, which is one of the wonders of the natural world. The author is a world expert on birds and particularly bird behaviour and he reveals endless fascinating stories of birds from all over the globe to give a rich tapestry of avian life with stunning photography, illustration and arresting art. All of bird life is covered, from nesting, migration, and courting to birdsong and curious bird behaviour. From the promiscuous Fairywren of Australia, who gives petals to his mistresses, to the singing instructions of the female Northern Cardinal in North America, this is a delightful dip-in-and-out book for any nature lover.
The Secret Lives of Puffins
Author: Dominic Couzens
Publisher: A&C Black
ISBN: 1408186691
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 178
Book Description
Puffins are among the most instantly recognisable, iconic and well loved of birds. For many they are a highlight of the UK's summer coastline and their colourful appearance, comedy antics and approachability just add to their popularity. Several 'hotspot' are attracting high levels of interest in visits to their colonies. In spite of the high level of interest in, and appeal of, these birds there has been a surprising lack of books focused on Puffins as a species. Award-winning wildlife photographer Mark Sisson has spent several years photographing Puffins and this new book combines images that beautifully encapsulate their charm and visual appeal with an accessible text written by leading wildlife writer Dominic Couzens. The book covers the birds' life cycle, behaviour, habitats and the current and future challenges that they face, along with many surprising facts and anecdotes.
Publisher: A&C Black
ISBN: 1408186691
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 178
Book Description
Puffins are among the most instantly recognisable, iconic and well loved of birds. For many they are a highlight of the UK's summer coastline and their colourful appearance, comedy antics and approachability just add to their popularity. Several 'hotspot' are attracting high levels of interest in visits to their colonies. In spite of the high level of interest in, and appeal of, these birds there has been a surprising lack of books focused on Puffins as a species. Award-winning wildlife photographer Mark Sisson has spent several years photographing Puffins and this new book combines images that beautifully encapsulate their charm and visual appeal with an accessible text written by leading wildlife writer Dominic Couzens. The book covers the birds' life cycle, behaviour, habitats and the current and future challenges that they face, along with many surprising facts and anecdotes.
Vesper Flights
Author: Helen Macdonald
Publisher: Grove Press
ISBN: 0802146694
Category : Literary Collections
Languages : en
Pages : 282
Book Description
The New York Times–bestselling author of H is for Hawk explores the human relationship to the natural world in this “dazzling” essay collection (Wall Street Journal). In Vesper Flights, Helen Macdonald brings together a collection of her best loved essays, along with new pieces on topics ranging from nostalgia for a vanishing countryside to the tribulations of farming ostriches to her own private vespers while trying to fall asleep. Meditating on notions of captivity and freedom, immigration and flight, Helen invites us into her most intimate experiences: observing the massive migration of songbirds from the top of the Empire State Building, watching tens of thousands of cranes in Hungary, seeking the last golden orioles in Suffolk’s poplar forests. She writes with heart-tugging clarity about wild boar, swifts, mushroom hunting, migraines, the strangeness of birds’ nests, and the unexpected guidance and comfort we find when watching wildlife.
Publisher: Grove Press
ISBN: 0802146694
Category : Literary Collections
Languages : en
Pages : 282
Book Description
The New York Times–bestselling author of H is for Hawk explores the human relationship to the natural world in this “dazzling” essay collection (Wall Street Journal). In Vesper Flights, Helen Macdonald brings together a collection of her best loved essays, along with new pieces on topics ranging from nostalgia for a vanishing countryside to the tribulations of farming ostriches to her own private vespers while trying to fall asleep. Meditating on notions of captivity and freedom, immigration and flight, Helen invites us into her most intimate experiences: observing the massive migration of songbirds from the top of the Empire State Building, watching tens of thousands of cranes in Hungary, seeking the last golden orioles in Suffolk’s poplar forests. She writes with heart-tugging clarity about wild boar, swifts, mushroom hunting, migraines, the strangeness of birds’ nests, and the unexpected guidance and comfort we find when watching wildlife.
The Secret Lives of Garden Bees
Author: Jean Vernon
Publisher: White Owl
ISBN: 1526711893
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 194
Book Description
A friendly, accessible insight into the weird, but wonderful world of bees in your garden From the common or garden bumblebees that nest in bird boxes, compost heaps and old mouse holes, making ‘Winnie the Pooh’ style honey pots to feed their babes, to the quirky wool carder bee; a solitary bee that combs the fluff from garden plants to line her brood cells and the amazing leaf cutter bee that carves chunks out of plant foliage to seal it’s egg chambers. This book will reveal the secrets and fascinating lives of the bees that live and breed in your garden, from buzz pollination, to the bee robbers that cheat the plants and steal nectar by stealth. With a chapter per season to explore what you are likely to see in your garden, great plants to grow to help them, plus other fascinating information on these secretive creatures, this book is designed to bring alive the world of garden before your very eyes.
Publisher: White Owl
ISBN: 1526711893
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 194
Book Description
A friendly, accessible insight into the weird, but wonderful world of bees in your garden From the common or garden bumblebees that nest in bird boxes, compost heaps and old mouse holes, making ‘Winnie the Pooh’ style honey pots to feed their babes, to the quirky wool carder bee; a solitary bee that combs the fluff from garden plants to line her brood cells and the amazing leaf cutter bee that carves chunks out of plant foliage to seal it’s egg chambers. This book will reveal the secrets and fascinating lives of the bees that live and breed in your garden, from buzz pollination, to the bee robbers that cheat the plants and steal nectar by stealth. With a chapter per season to explore what you are likely to see in your garden, great plants to grow to help them, plus other fascinating information on these secretive creatures, this book is designed to bring alive the world of garden before your very eyes.