RSPB
9 total works
However, familiarity often breeds contempt, and crows - also known as corvids - have long attracted a bad press. Reviled as raiders of crops, feeders on carrion, thieves of jewellery and bullies of smaller birds, crows have often found themselves on the wrong end of a shotgun. Yet the more we learn about them, the more fascinating they become.
Behind the behaviour some find objectionable lie exceptional intelligence and resourcefulness. These qualities have long captivated scientists and excited the admiration of anyone who takes the time to know crows better. In Spotlight Crows, Mike Unwin looks at the biology and ecology of all eight UK corvids and investigates why these birds have become deeply embedded in our culture, from children's rhymes and Norse mythology to Shakespeare's plays and the poems of Edgar Allen Poe.
'A beautiful picture book that will appeal to children aged 2 to 7 and will help them identify common birds in their everyday surroundings.' Publishing News
'This beautifully illustrated book by the RSPB is a lovely way to introduce younger juniors to the UK's birds.' Scholastic's Junior Education, April 2007
My First Book of Garden Bugs is the perfect introduction to the names of some common garden insects, along with interesting facts about them.
Two species of eagle occur in Britain - among 60 worldwide - and are the focus of this book. The regal Golden Eagle is the definitive 'true' eagle and occurs in wilderness areas across the northern hemisphere; the even larger White-tailed Eagle, reintroduced to the UK after historic extinction, belongs to the separate 'sea eagles' genus. These two spectacular birds are both very rare - confined largely to the remote Scottish Highlands - and a sighting of either is one of the UK's most exciting and sought-after wildlife experiences.
This highly readable study looks separately at both UK eagles, exploring how each is adapted as an apex predator in its own environment, and explores the relationship between the two. Separate chapters cover all aspects of the birds' biology and lifestyle, from defending their vast territories to raising their young. Fascinating secrets are revealed, including the brutal truth behind 'Cain and Abel' syndrome. The book also takes a look at other eagles around the world, placing the two UK species within this broader context. Finally, it examines the complex relationship that humans have enjoyed with eagles since time immemorial, spanning both culture and conservation, and offers expert tips on where and how you can watch these magnificent birds for yourself.
The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviours of our favourite animals with eye-catching, colour photography and informative expert text.
Hero or villain? Few animals divide opinion like the Red Fox. This most successful of the world’s wild canids has lived alongside people from time immemorial. Celebrated by some for its resourcefulness and lush pelt, reviled by others for plundering chicken runs and overturning bins, it has worked its way deep into Western. Behind the folklore and tabloid headlines, however, lies a remarkable natural history success story.
In Spotlight: Foxes Mike Unwin explores how the Red Fox’s versatility has allowed it to thrive across the northern hemisphere, from desert and mountain to farmland and urban jungle. This informative book covers all aspects of the Red Fox biology and lifestyle, including hunting and catching food, defending a territory, raising a litter and communication strategies.
Finally, it examines the complex, often troubled relationship that the fox has both enjoyed and endured with humankind, and suggests what the future might hold.
Inside, young readers meet twenty common garden animals, birds and insects in a fun question-and-answer format. Try to guess the animal from the clues then turn over the page to discover its name and more facts.
This RSPB-endorsed book is a practical, exciting and comprehensive introduction to watching birds, for children aged 8-12 years.
Lavishly illustrated throughout with full-colour photographs and paintings, it begins by discussing general birding - where to go and when, what equipment to take with you, tips on attracting birds to your garden, how to take field notes etc.
The second half of the book comprises a field guide to more than a hundred and thirty of the commonest species of Britain and Ireland, using clear illustrations backed up by concise, straightforward text describing key identification points, such as behaviour, voice and habitat.
This informative and lively book will greatly enhance children's enjoyment of birdwatching, and will help to engender a lifetime of enthusiasm for birds and birding.