David Cabot – författare

New Naturalist Wildfowl provides a much-anticipated overview of the fascinating birds that have become icons of our diminishing wilderness areas.Wildfowl – swans, geese and ducks – have been the subject of poetry, fables, folklore and music, and a source of inspiration to writers, artists, historians and naturalists alike. Historically, they have featured prominently in our diet – more recently they have become the most widely domesticated group of birds. Wildfowl have been scientifically studied more intensively than any other group of birds and were one of the first groups to highlight more general issues of conservation. Their status as the most popular group of birds is underlined by the success of the original Wildfowl Trust (now the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust).David Cabot has been obsessed with wildfowl for nearly sixty years. In this seminal new work, he discusses the 56 species of wildfowl that have been recorded either in a natural state, or that have been introduced and now maintain self-sustaining populations in Britain and Ireland. He focuses on their social behaviour, feeding ecology and population dynamics, and in particular their seasonal migration patterns. He also explores the evolution and history of wildfowl and our long relationship with them, through popular mythology and legends, which continue to fascinate us with a sense of mystery and awe.

This New Naturalist volume provides a much-anticipated overview of these fascinating birds – the first book on the natural history of British and Irish terns since 1934.Terns are small seabirds that are commonly seen along coastlines and estuaries in the summer months – their graceful flight and command of the air are among their most attractive features.Most of the five species of terns breeding in Britain and Ireland today are under intensive management, involving protection from predators, human interference, egg-collecting, recreational activities, land-use changes, and a range of issues concerning climate change, including rising sea levels and flooding of low-lying colonies. If these protective measures were abandoned then the numbers of terns would inevitably decline, with the possibility of several species ending up on the endangered list. Covering the history of terns in Britain and Ireland, David Cabot and Ian Nisbet explore these diverse issues as well as offering a comprehensive natural history of these stunning seabirds.Drawing on a wealth of new information and research, the authors focus on migrations, food and feeding ecology as well as breeding biology and behaviour. Perhaps most importantly, they highlight recent conservation issues and prospects, and what this means for the future of terns.

A cormorant holding its wings out to dry makes an ominous silhouette. There's something reptilian about these birds – almost prehistoric.

An introductory guide to 167 of the most frequently occurring birds in Ireland.Gem Irish Birds describes and illustrates 160 of the most frequently occurring birds in Ireland. Specially designed for people with a general interest in birds, the species have been carefully selected to include those that the non-specialist birdwatcher is most likely to see.The entries are organised taxonomically, with a detailed introduction to all the different habitats. There are also details on key identification features and behavioural characteristics to help you identify each bird with accuracy and ease. Essential identification characteristics are given for each species, along with clear illustrationsThere are notes on distribution, numbers and migration for each species as well as information on feeding habits and voiceCommon name and Latin and Gaelic name are givenThere is also a section with information on places of interest and the best sites to go for birdwatching, with maps and contact information to help you get there.Packed full of information, Gem Irish Birds is the ideal guide for both visitors and residents alike, who wish to learn about the fascinating wealth of birds that can be found.

An easy-to-use, fully illustrated guide to the birds of IrelandThis easy-to-use, full-colour guide describes and illustrates 178 of the most commonly spotted birds in Ireland.Specially designed for people with a general interest in birds,the species have been carefully selected to include those that the non-specialist birdwatcher is most likely to see. Usefully, birds are grouped together according to where they are most likely to be seen: in gardens, parks and buildings; farmland and hedgerows; woodland and scrubland; moorland and uplands; and freshwater or coastal areas, with background information given about each of these habitats.Essential identification characteristics are given for each species, along with clear illustrations. There are also notes on distribution, numbers and migration for each species, and general pages for groups like thrushes, sparrows and finches will help you to distinguish between similar species. With definitive text, up-to-date distribution maps and superb illustrations, this book is the ultimate field guide to Irish birds, essential on every bookshelf and birdwatching trip.

This New Naturalist volume provides a much-anticipated overview of these fascinating birds – the first book on the natural history of British and Irish terns since 1934.Terns are small seabirds that are commonly seen along coastlines and estuaries in the summer months – their graceful flight and command of the air are among their most attractive features.Most of the five species of terns breeding in Britain and Ireland today are under intensive management, involving protection from predators, human interference, egg-collecting, recreational activities, land-use changes, and a range of issues concerning climate change, including rising sea levels and flooding of low-lying colonies. If these protective measures were abandoned then the numbers of terns would inevitably decline, with the possibility of several species ending up on the endangered list. Covering the history of terns in Britain and Ireland, David Cabot and Ian Nisbet explore these diverse issues as well as offering a comprehensive natural history of these stunning seabirds.Drawing on a wealth of new information and research, the authors focus on migrations, food and feeding ecology as well as breeding biology and behaviour. Perhaps most importantly, they highlight recent conservation issues and prospects, and what this means for the future of terns.