Dominic Couzens – författare

Combining practical birdwatching tips, the insights of internationally renowned ornithologists and the science, nature, art and history of birds, The Collins Garden Birdwatcher’s Bible is a glorious celebration of the stunning world of birds.Brimming with lavish photographs, The Collins Garden Birdwatcher’s Bible offers handy tips on identifying and attracting British garden birds, as well as discovering more about the evolution, history and art of birds of the world. With detailed visual profiles of the key birds of the region, readers will learn how to identify birds by their colours, calls and behaviour, the best equipment and resources to use, as well as learning to create bird-friendly gardens and bird houses, choosing the ideal food for bird types by season and how we can become better bird advocates. Full of stunning illustrations and packed with practical advice and hands-on projects, The Collins Garden Birdwatcher’s Bible is the ultimate guide for budding birdwatchers, eager ornithologists, nature-lovers, gardeners, botanists and anyone seeking to learn more about these majestic creatures that rule the skies.CONTENTS:THE HISTORY OF BIRDS • PRACTICAL BIRDWATCHING &IDENTIFICATION • UNDERSTANDING & ATTRACTING BIRDS •BIRD-FRIENDLY GARDENS & BIRD-INSPIRED ART

Whether you would like to learn how to build a bird box, dig a hedgehog tunnel or implement broader environmental changes in your community, this practical guide to saving our most endangered species will teach you how you can help on an individual, local and national level. Focusing on thirty of our most loved and most ‘at risk’ inhabitants, this uplifting and hopeful book will give naturalists of any age the tools to respond to the SOS calls heard from their garden, local park and beyond.Featured species include:• Hedgehog• Shrill Carder Bee• Red Squirrel• Skylark• Puffin• Barn Owl• Seahorse• Bottle-nose Dolphin

Britain is home to almost 100 species of mammals. Many of them are nocturnal, almost all are difficult to see, and most people - even very keen natural history enthusiasts - struggle to see more than about 10 a year - rabbits, foxes, a few deer, perhaps. So can one ordinary young family manage 50 in just one year? Dominic Couzens' colourful and amusing narrative charts the peaks and troughs of one such year, as he and his wife, Carolyn, take up the challenge - with Emily (5) and Samuel (3) in tow - scouring the length and breadth of the British Isles in search of everything from Weasels and Stoats to Edible Dormice, Killer Whales to Wallabies. Featuring grumpy bats and psychopathic mice, a host of eccentric human characters, and the usual holiday stresses and family squabbles "My Family and 50 Other Animals" is a unique and uniquely charming blend of travel, natural history, and family that will amuse, inform and inspire its readers in equal measure.

This guide is a celebration of the beauty of birds and the British and Irish countryside. Aimed at beginner and intermediate birders, yet suitable for all levels, this new volume in the groundbreaking Crossley ID Guide series is the most user-friendly guide to the birds of Britain and Ireland. Following The Crossley ID Guides' award-winning design, this book looks at all regularly occurring species in Britain and Ireland, and shows readers how to identify birds in their natural habitats using size, structure, shape, probability, and behavior--just like the experts do! Stunning images are accompanied by the colorful and compelling text of Dominic Couzens, one of Britain's leading nature writers. This unique book treats more than 300 species--all the regularly occurring birds likely to be encountered by observers--and the guide's attractive pages provide a real-life approach to bird identification. Beautiful, in-focus scenes present birds in various plumages and in lifelike poses set in identifiable British and Irish habitats. The plates also illustrate how a bird's appearance changes with distance.Organizing images in cohesive, easy-to-understand plates rather than as separate photographs, this book also sets itself apart by containing more images that demonstrate flight, behavior, habitat, and plumages than any other volume available. Not only is this field guide a reference book, it is also a spectacular teaching resource that makes it easy for nature enthusiasts to see and appreciate the big picture of bird identification. * The most user-friendly guide to the birds of Britain and Ireland * A close look at more than 300 regularly occurring species * Award-winning Crossley ID Guide design * Lifelike images of birds from near to far * A celebration of the British and Irish countryside * A teaching and field guide and essential reference * Concise and compelling text by Dominic Couzens and Richard Crossley

A comprehensive photographic field guide to the mammals of Great Britain and IrelandBritain’s Mammals is a comprehensive and beautifully designed photographic field guide to all the mammals recorded in the wild in Great Britain and Ireland in recent times—including marine mammals, bats and introduced species that have bred. The book features 500 stunning photographs and incorporates invaluable tips and suggestions to help you track down and identify even the most difficult species.This easy-to-use book provides an introduction to the different types of mammal. Concise species accounts focus on identification, and include up-to-date information on sounds, habitat, food, habits, breeding behaviour, and population and status, as well as descriptions of key field signs—including tracks, droppings and nests—that give away the presence of mammals even when they are out of sight. Guidance is also provided on ways of studying and observing mammals—including small-mammal trapping, bat detecting and whale watching. In addition, the book contains sections on mammal conservation, legislation and further sources of useful information. Handy and informative, this guide is the ideal companion for anyone interested in watching mammals in Great Britain and Ireland.Comprehensive coverage of all 126 mammal species recorded500 superb colour photographs carefully selected to show key identification featuresUp-to-date distribution mapsDetailed illustrations of tracks, dentition and other identification featuresHelpful tips for identifying tracks and other signs you may encounterLatest information on status, population, distribution and conservation designationsAdvice on finding and watching mammals

A guide to bird behaviour in the British Isles throughout the year, including ID help, top things to see and do each month, facts and folklore, and practical ideas to help birds.Join Siân Duncan and Dominic Couzens on a journey through the seasons exploring what British birds are doing each month and why. Find out what's happening in parks, gardens and the wider countryside as they reveal how birds live, from courtship and parenting to migrating and the fight for survival.RSPB Birding Year is packed with information and photos and is ideal for anyone keen to learn more about the birds of the British Isles. Each month includes detailed profiles of five common birds and a more challenging species to try to see, as well as explorations of bird myths and folklore and practical advice from professionals on how to encourage birds into your garden. Meet the bird that can feed under ice, learn why birdsong is loudest in spring and discover the best birding spectacles to enjoy each season wherever you live, including starling murmurations over our towns , dramatic seabird cities around our coasts and millions of migrating birds that pass over or visit the British Isles each year.

With over 230 species, colour artwork, and an emphasis on those that are more difficult to identify, Birds: ID Insights is the ideal guide for birders of all levels.Its unique layout, comparing the plumages of similar pairs and groups of species, makes it perfect for identifying the more difficult birds found in Britain and other parts of north-west Europe. It has more images showing how to age birds than any comparable guide, and its handy compact size makes it practical for taking out into the field.The book is based on a long-running series of identification features in Bird Watching magazine. Author Dominic Couzens and artist David Nurney have spent years compiling the field notes and artworks for this series, and here their efforts are drawn together and made complete in a single volume that is easy to carry in the field and practical for birders to use.In addition they have expanded the species list from the magazine series and added many new birds, including the likes of Subalpine Warbler, Short-toed Lark, and Red-rumped Swallow. In total, the book covers more than 230 species, with easy-to-identify species such as Magpie and Kingfisher given minimal coverage so that the more difficult ID issues can be covered as fully as possible.

Part aspirational encyclopedia, part identification guide, 100 Birds to See in Your Lifetime provides detailed summary information and range maps, along with beautifully written profiles featuring unusual facts, anecdotes and its significance. Whilst many of the species would be on any bird enthusiast's wish list, the list has been fiercely debated by two renowned birding authors, using various criteria to arrive at a top 100. Some species are endangered and therefore a must to see and conserve; others are quite common but have a particular plumage or behaviour that makes them exceptional; and others have a legendary status amongst birdwatchers and the layman, such as the dancing Red-crowned Cranes and the spectacular Gyr Falcon.

Welcome to the museum that is always open to explore...Published in partnership with the RSPB, Aviarium is a stunning showcase of the world of birds, in all their diverse glory. Fly high with gulls and terns, swoop and dive with swallows and flycatchers, go hunting with owls and eagles, swim with penguins and ducks, and take a stroll with kiwis and ostriches. Written by renowned bird expert and nature writer Dominic Couzens and breathtakingly illustrated by the artist Teagan White, Aviarium is a must-have gift for all bird lovers!The groundbreaking Welcome to the Museum series presents a virtual museum for visitors of all ages, and has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. The galleries are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, boasting an unrivalled collection of wonders from around the world.

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.

‘Whether you are new to wanting to understand birdsong, or are already a fully fledged birdwatcher, this book casts a spell. A truly lovely reading experience’ - Love ReadingThis is a book full of fascinating stories about birdsong for every week of the year, with QR codes to bring each song to life.Leading bird expert and writer, Dominic Couzens, takes you on a journey to enjoy an authentic year of birdsong around the world, one for every week of the year. From the ancient song of the Rifleman that was likely the first sound made by a songbird to the Eurasian Skylark who evokes the zenith of summer, from the constant companion of the American Robin whose song resonates from the top of skyscrapers and complements the howling of a wolfpack in Alaska to the drumming rhythm of the Great Spotted Woodpecker. This book covers a myriad of topics including bird nature and behaviour, stories and literary masterpieces inspired by birdsongs, the musicality of the notes, and what different songs communicate.Each of these fascinating stories are accompanied by illustrations by award-winning artist Madeleine Floyd and a QR code to let you listen to the birdsong while you read.A natural wonder that has captivated and fascinated generations, birdsong is the soundtrack to life. This book offers the perfect tonic whether you are an avid birdwatcher or just want to understand the songs that are often the first thing we hear in the morning and the last thing we hear at night.

Richly illustrated stories of fascinating insects from across the globe in 366 daily entries. In this beautifully produced collection, nature experts Gail Ashton and Dominic Couzens tell the stories of hundreds of insects with information about behaviour, migration and protection mechanisms, as well as their involvement in folklore, history, literature and more. Learn the scientific name for each bug and why they are important while reading what both poets and scientists have recorded about them over the years. Discover the story of the gnat, whose wings beat at 1000 times a second, the glowworm, who has captured the power of light, and the sacred scarab beetle, worshipped in Egypt thousands of years ago.Illustrated with stunning photographs and works of art, showcasing the colours, textures and strange and unique features of these fascinating creatures, this collection is a celebration of insects and their special place in our ecosystems and culture.

A fascinating journey into the secret life of insects, with QR codes linked to videos that bring every creature to life.Just as birds have yearly rhythms, so do bees, beetles, butterflies and other insects. Wildlife experts Dominic Couzens and Gail Ashton discover 52 minibeasts from around the world.They tell the story of what is happening week-by-week in the insect world, in our own backyards, window boxes and in hidden corners of our homes. From the daily grind of the house spider building a new web each morning, to the vast appetites of ladybirds, which can devour hundreds of aphids a day, and the glory of the Stag beetle's maiden flight. We delve into the world of the lethal Sydney funnelweb spider in Australian gardens, the migratory mission of the Monarch butterfly in America and the life of the backdoor scorpions in South Africa. In among the seasonal behaviour, the authors have woven history and folklore.These brilliant stories are complemented by wonderful illustrations by Lesley Buckingham that bring out the beauty of the entomological world. A QR code for each entry takes you to a video file to further explore the habits of these intriguing creatures. Revealing the true wonder of our insect neighbours, this book will appeal to all nature lovers.

Fascinating stories of the birds and birdsong from the Tropics for every week of the year, with QR codes to bring the birdsong to life.From the incredible screech of the macaw, who shows amazing intelligence, to the imitations of humans of the mynah bird and the humming sounds of the hummingbird, this is a beautiful collection of stories about one of nature's wonders: tropical birds. Bird expert and writer Dominic Couzens invites you to enjoy not only their songs but also their amazing feats and colourful displays. With stunning illustrations from award-winning Madeleine Floyd and QR codes to listen to their songs as you read, you can immerse yourself in a tropical wonderland. A natural wonder that has captivated and fascinated generations, tropical birdsong is unique. This book offers the perfect tonic, whether you are an avid birdwatcher or just want to understand the songs from the most iconic birds in the world. With 52 weekly stories, the book takes you through the calendar year of tropical life. Listen and read about jewel-like toucans, mating cries of the cock-of-the-rock bird of paradise, duet songs of sunbirds, the fascinating glossy starling oxpeckers who sit on the backs of elephants and the gorgeous songs of hornbills.The latest research and information about these bright lights of the bird world is captured here by one of the most respected but accessible writers on birds. It's like joining him on a field trip. Anyone interested in birds and nature will be captivated by these stories and sounds.

AVAILABLE NOW -THE RSPB GARDEN BIRDWATCHER'S PUZZLE BOOKA jam-packed puzzle and trivia book about the birds in Britain, in collaboration with the RSPB.Can you tell your rook from your crow? Do you know the collective noun for a group of goldfinches? Or where a willow warbler goes when it migrates?A must-buy for any bird enthusiast or bird-watching novice, this puzzle book is filled with questions, word games and brainteasers that will test your ornithological knowledge and reveal a treasure trove of incredible facts about our feathered friends - covering topics such as garden birds, coastal and country birds, behaviour, biology, culture, rare birds and bird migration.Featuring over 150 puzzles, from quiz questions to illustrations of birds to test your identification knowledge, wordsearches and crosswords, as well as maps to explore flight patterns, the RSPB Great British Birdwatcher's Puzzle Book will put your friends and family through their paces, and on the path to becoming an ornithological expert.

Put your birdwatching expertise to the test and learn more about the birds in your garden with this new puzzle book from the RSPB!Do you know what the smallest bird in your garden is? And whose birdsong sounds like 'tea-cher, tea-cher, tea-cher'? Or what a gathering of nesting birds is called?Packed with questions, word games and bamboozling brainteasers, this fun-filled quiz book from the RSPB will test your knowledge and reveal incredible new facts about your garden visitors. Covering a variety of topics, from the garden environment, to nesting, biology and migration, and including a colour section to test identification, this book celebrates all the beautiful birds we can see from the comfort of our doorstep. Suitable for all levels, from the casual garden bird-spotter to the more serious birder, this book will make the perfect gift for anyone interested in British birds, and put them on the path to becoming an ornithological expert.*A Goldcrest, a Great Tit and a colony!

A glimpse into the secret lives of over 50 garden birds, with beautiful illustrations and intriguing factsDid you know that woodpeckers are capable of learning simple codes? Hooded crows can form connections with humans? A jay's call affects the behaviour of surrounding squirrels?All these fascinating bird activities and more are revealed in The Hidden Life of Garden Birds. Unusual feeding behaviour is just the tip of the iceberg. From territorial conflict and strange relationships with man, to breeding and nesting oddities, this book exposes all the drama behind garden birds' everyday survival - making it the perfect gift for birdwatchers.The Hidden Life of Garden Birds will enlighten you to the secret going-ons of the common creatures you can spot from the comfort of your back doorstep.

The perfect, fun-filled Christmas gift for birdwatching enthusiastsDid you know that a bird's visible 'knees' are actually its ankles?Have you ever noticed that owls don't have eyeballs - they have eye tubes instead?Did you know that millions of house martins disappear in winter? A Little Bird Told Me will answer all your burning questions about British birds. You'll never run out of wonderful facts to impress your friends and family!This beautiful, illustrated gift book is a dip-in-and-out collection of bird-related trivia, with a mix of science, history, pop culture and everything in between.The book covers birds synonymous with Christmas, activities in the winter, holiday traditions, history, culture and more. Perfect for birdwatchers of all ages, this fun-filled book is the best gift for anyone wanting to learn more about our feathered friends.

A photographic identification guide to 150 species of garden insect most commonly found in Britain and North-West Europe. Packed with information, written with huge enthusiasm and illustrated with incredible close-up photos, this guide shines a spotlight on the insects in your garden. The introduction covers how to attract insects to your garden, the insect lover's year, a description of the parts of an insect and details of the insect orders described. For each species there is a keenly observed description to help you identify even the smallest creature, as well as one or two photographs labelled with distinguishing features. There are details of its life cycle from egg to adult, a calendar showing the time of year when the adult can be seen and star facts that give further proof of insects' fascinating lives.

An Identification Guide to Garden Birds of Britain and North-West Europe is a photographic identification guide to 75 species of bird most commonly found in or over the gardens of Britain and North-West Europe. The text combines scientific facts with affectionate descriptions of the birds' identifying features, including sex and age differences, habits, nest types, eggs and calls.The introduction contains tips on how to identify birds; how to look after garden birds; which species can be seen through the year; a glossary and anatomy details. For each species there are two or three photographs labelled with distinguishing features where appropriate, a calendar showing the time of year when the adult can be seen and star facts that give further proof of the birds' fascinating features.

An easy-to-use photographic identification guide to 89 species of tree most commonly found in Britain and North-West Europe.

An Identification Guide to Garden Insects of Britain and North-West Europe is a photographic identification guide to 150 species of insect most commonly found in the gardens of Britain and North-West Europe. Packed withinformation, written with huge enthusiasm and illustrated with incredibleclose-up photos, this guide shines a spotlight on the insects in your garden.The introduction covers how to attract insects to yourgarden, the insect lover's year, a description of the parts of an insect anddetails of the insect orders described. For each species there is a keenlyobserved description to help you identify even the smallest creature, as wellas one or two photographs labelled with distinguishing features. There are detailsof its life cycle from egg to adult, a calendar showing the time of year whenthe adult can be seen and star facts that give further proof of insects'fascinating lives.