Marianne Taylor – författare

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A uniquely personal meditation on Britain's gulls by one of today's leading wildlife writersFrom a distance, gulls are beautiful symbols of freedom over the oceanic wilderness. Up close, however, they can be loud, aggressive and even violent. Yet gulls fascinate birdwatchers, and seafarers regard them with respect and affection. The Gull Next Door explores the natural history of gulls and their complicated relationship with humans.Marianne Taylor grew up in an English seaside town where gulls are ever present. Today, she is a passionate advocate for these underappreciated birds. In this book, Taylor looks at the different gull species and sheds light on all aspects of the lives of gulls—how they find food, raise families, socialize and migrate across sea, coastland and countryside. She discusses the herring gull, Britain's best-known and most persecuted gull species, whose numbers are declining at an alarming rate. She looks at gulls in legend, fiction and popular culture, and explains what we can do to protect gull populations around the world.The Gull Next Door reveals deeper truths about these remarkable birds. They are thinkers and innovators, devoted partners and parents. They lead long lives and often indulge their powerful drive to explore and travel. But for all these natural gifts, many gull species are struggling to survive in the wild places they naturally inhabit, which is why they are now exploiting the opportunities of human habitats. This book shows how we might live more harmoniously with these majestic yet misunderstood birds.

A beautifully illustrated exploration of the ways birds cohabitFeaturing dramatic and delightful wild bird colonies and communities, How Birds Live Together offers a broad overview of social living in the avian world. From long-established seabird colonies that use the same cliffs for generations to the fast-shifting dynamics of flock formation, leading wildlife writer Marianne Taylor explores the different ways birds choose to dwell together.Through fascinating text, color photos, maps, and other graphics, Taylor examines the advantages of avian sociality and social breeding. Chapters provide detailed information on diverse types of bird colonies, including those species that construct single-family nests close together in trees; those that share large, communal nests housing multiple families; those that nest in tunnels dug into the earth; those that form exposed colonies on open ground and defend them collectively, relying on ferocious aggression; those that live communally on human-made structures in towns and cities; and more. Taylor discusses the challenges, benefits, hazards, and social dynamics of each style of living, and features a wealth of species as examples.Showcasing colonies from the edge of Scotland and the tropical delta of the Everglades to the Namib Desert in Africa, How Birds Live Together gives bird enthusiasts a vivid understanding of avian social communities.

RSPB ID Spotlight Garden Bugs is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of more than 50 of our most widespread and familiar garden bugs by renowned artist Richard Lewington.Gardens are often crawling with all kinds of garden bugs, and even the smallest plot can be an important haven for wildlife. But can you distinguish between a Garden Snail and a Strawberry Snail? Or can you tell a False Widow Spider from a Harvestman? These are just some of the more than 2,000 different species of garden bugs that are found in the British Isles, many of which we depend on for our own survival.The species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification, while artworks are shown side-by-side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field. The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our garden bugs, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB and other conservation charities are working to support them. Practical tips on bug houses and implementing wildlife-friendly garden practices are also included.The ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

RSPB ID Spotlight Ducks, Geese and Swans is a reliable fold-out chart with illustrations of 30 of the UK's most familiar wildfowl by renowned artist Stephen Message.Whether you are watching an Eider soar low over the water or listening to the iconic sound of a flock of geese flying overhead, chances are you will already be familiar with many different species of ducks, geese and swans found around the UK. But can you tell a Goosander from a Red-breasted Merganser? Or confidently distinguish between a Pink-footed Goose and a Greylag Goose? The varied habitats in the British Isles provide a home to many ducks, geese and swans that live here year-round, as well as the enormous number of birds that arrive in winter.The species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification, while the artworks are shown side-by-side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field. The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our ducks, geese and swans, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB is working to support them. Information on successful preservation campaigns of UK wetlands and how to take part in the Wetland Birds Survey is also included.The ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

RSPB ID Spotlight Ladybirds is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of 27 of our most widespread and familiar ladybirds by renowned artist Richard Lewington. - Species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification- Artworks are shown side by side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field, or the chart can be fixed to the wall as a beautiful poster- The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our ladybirds, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how we can support themThe ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

RSPB ID Spotlight Birds of Farmland and Open Countryside is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of 57 of the UK's most familiar birds of farmland and open countryside by renowned artist Stephen Message.- Species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification- Artworks are shown side-by-side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field, or the chart can be fixed to the wall as a beautiful poster- The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our birds commonly found on farmland and in open countryside, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB is working to support themThe ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

The perfect photographic guide to the amazing avifauna of Italy.From the Alps and Dolomites in the north to the coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy has a diverse range of natural habitats. The country is also a migration path across Europe and Africa, making it an exciting place to spot both endemic and migrant birds.This fully revised and updated guide to the birds of Italy by naturalist Marianne Taylor and Italian photographer Daniele Occhiato covers more than 320 birds most likely to be seen on any visit to the country. Portable and reliable, the concise text for each species includes information on identification, songs and calls, behaviour, distribution, and habitat, with each photo carefully selected to aid identification. A guide to the best birdwatching sites in Italy is also included. This is the go-to guide for travellers and wildlife-watchers visiting this spectacular and bird-rich country.

Whether you’re out hiking and spot a kestrel soaring over the mountains or chance upon a ground-nesting warbler, a rich variety of birds inhabit the UK’s heaths, moors and mountains. But do you know a Stonechat from a Wheatear? And can you distinguish between a Woodcock and a Common Snipe when they’re scrambling across the heathland? RSPB ID Spotlight Birds of Heath, Moor and Mountain is a laminated fold-out chart that presents beautiful illustrations of 46 of our most widespread and familiar birds by renowned artist Stephen Message. - Species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification- Artworks are shown side by side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field- The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our birds, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB is working to support them- Information on research and conservation projects aimed at improving habitats for vulnerable birds is also included- The chart can be displayed on the wall artwork-side out, or folded away to be stored on the bookshelfThe ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

RSPB ID Spotlight Birds of Towns and Cities is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of 50 of our most widespread and familiar urban birds by renowned artist Stephen Message. Whether you’re spending time in a city centre, walking your usual route to the office or enjoying your local park, a rich variety of birds inhabit the UK’s towns and cities. Our urban green spaces offer us easy access to nature in our neighbourhoods, and even the most built-up areas can present exciting and surprising birdwatching opportunities.Observant urban birdwatchers might spy Peregrines nesting high on city buildings or witness thousands of Starlings gathering in impressive murmurations.The species in the chart are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification, while artworks are shown side by side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field. The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our urban birds, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB is working to support them.The ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

A photo-packed celebration of British raptors, following their fortunes as British breeding birds from historical times to the present day.RSPB British Birds of Prey is the ideal introduction to the raptors – hawks, eagles, harriers, buzzards and falcons – plus the owls that breed in or regularly visit the British Isles. Despite centuries of persecution, changing attitudes, improved legal protections and the astounding efforts of conservationists mean that many species are faring better in the UK than they have for decades.With incredible colour photography throughout, this book provides fascinating insights into the lives of these birds. Each chapter showcases an individual species, providing an engaging and informative account of their hunting habits, breeding behaviour, the migrations they undertake, and above all the challenges they continue to face as they forge their lives alongside humanity in Britain.

A pocket-friendly photographic field guide to every butterfly species in the British Isles.RSPB Butterflies of the British Isles includes the 57 resident and two common migratory butterfly species of mainland Britain, Ireland and the Isle of Man, as well as ten rarer non-resident visitors. From familiar, widespread species like the Red Admiral and Painted Lady to rare, regional and unmistakable species like the Swallowtail and Purple Emperor, this new photo guide will help you identify any butterfly you may encounter in any habitat across the British Isles, throughout the flight season.Each species account includes concise descriptions of the butterfly's appearance at their various life stages, their behaviour, food plants and when to see them. Marianne Taylor has chosen more than 400 colour photographs to help with identification, including male and female adults of sexually dimorphic species, different morphs and the most frequently encountered aberrant forms. Where helpful, photographs of eggs, caterpillars and pupae are also included. An introductory section gives general guidance on butterfly-watching to help you get the most out of your time in the field.Compact, accessible and authoritative, RSPB Butterflies of the British Isles is an ideal companion for beginners and experienced butterfly enthusiasts looking to learn more about these colourful and eye-catching insects.

This beautiful book celebrates some of the world’s most admired and mysterious birds – owls.With their wide-eyed, often endearing faces, secretive ways, haunting voices and astonishing super-senses, owls have captivated humankind for centuries. The RSPB Pocket Book series celebrates iconic British wildlife and is produced in collaboration with the RSPB. In this beautifully illustrated book, wildlife writer and illustrator Marianne Taylor weaves together biology, mythology and cultural history to explore how owls live – and why they intrigue us so deeply.Marianne combines her accessible, engaging text and elegant line illustrations, inviting you to explore the fascinating world of owls with her. With Marianne's help, you'll explore the prehistory, habits, life stories, and traditional and modern stories of owls from around the world, with a particular focus on the species of owl found in the British countryside.With its blend of captivating content, exquisite artwork and an inspiring conservation message, this is ideal for nature lovers, gift buyers, and anyone enchanted by the quiet beauty – and formidable ferocity – of owls.

This monograph provides the first in-depth look at howmothers and young children talk about gender, to discoverthe potential role of language in fostering gender stereotypes.Mothers and their sons/daughters, who were 2-½,4-½, or 6-½ years of age, were videotaped discussing apicture book that focused on gender. A consistent contrastwas found between mothers’ explicit endorsementof gender stereotypes and implicit emphasis on gender.Although mothers rarely expressed gender stereotypesdirectly, they emphasized gender concepts indirectly, byreferring to gender categories, providing gender labels,contrasting males and females, and giving approval totheir children’s stereotyped statements. With increasingage, children were more focused on gender categoriesand stereotypes, but also more gender-egalitarian.Gender-egalitarian items (e.g., a female firefighter) wereassociated with less overt stereotyping, but also with moreimplicit talk about gender. Altogether, mothers’ languageinput conveys a wealth of subtle messages about genderfrom which children may construct their own beliefs.

Uncover the astonishing inner lives of the animal kingdom and challenge everything you thought you knew about intelligence, communication, and consciousness.Are animals capable of complex thought, culture, and deep emotion? In this fascinating and gorgeously illustrated book, acclaimed nature author Marianne Taylor and award-winning photographers (including Joel Sartore, Melissa Groo, and Peter Delaney) take you on an illuminating journey through the latest discoveries in animal cognition.The Animal Mind profiles 60 diverse species—from the smallest insects to the largest mammals—revealing breathtaking instances of remarkable behavior: Perfect for fans of such books as Sy Montgomery's The Soul of an Octopus.Bridging the gap between human and animal understanding, this book explores complex subjects like empathy, grief, tool use, problem-solving, and cross-species communication. Through thought-provoking essays, surprising insights, and stunning portraits, The Animal Mind provides an essential roadmap to animal intelligence, urging us to reconsider the complexity of the minds that share our planet.Does the prairie dog’s sophisticated vocal language mean they are discussing more than just immediate threats?Do gorillas truly ruminate on past events when using sign language to describe them?Is the ability of an ant to recognize itself in a mirror definitive proof of self-awareness?A must-read for animal lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the cutting edge of ethology and evolutionary biology.

An exploration of the relationship between humans and the charismatic and elusive hare.To the people of rural Britain, hares are deeply beloved, perhaps above all other animals. They thrive in abundance in imagery but can be maddeningly elusive in reality. In our stories – ancient and modern – they are magical, uncanny and illogical beings which commune with the moon, vanish at will, and lose their minds when spring arrives. Yet despite the breadth and depth of its legends, the brown hare of the lowlands is a relative newcomer to our islands, and our ‘real’ ancient hare is the mountain hare of the most unforgiving high mountainsides.Hares of myth have godly powers, but real, earthbound hares walk a dangerous line – they are small animals with many predators but have no burrow or tunnel to shelter them from danger. They survive by a combination of two skills honed to unimaginable extremes – hiding in plain sight, and running faster than anything and anyone. The need to excel as hiders and runners ultimately directs every aspect of hare biology and behaviour, as well as inspiring our own wild ideas about hare-kind.This book explores hares as they are and as we imagine them, and the long and often bloody history of our association with these enigmatic animals. Elegant studies of molecular biology and biomechanical physics help us understand how hares are put together, while centuries of game estate records reveal how humans have commodified and exploited them. But it is ultimately the moments spent in the company of wild hares that allow us to bring together myth and reality to celebrate the magic of the living animal.

A species-by-species guide that shows you how to find and watch nearly 300 mammal, reptile, amphibian and invertebrate species in the UK.Most wildlife books are designed to help you identify the animals you have seen. This book is different. In this new, user-friendly guide one British species is highlighted per page, and each account explains in accessible text how to find it, where to find it and how to ensure you have the most rewarding wildlife-watching experiences.Within the ‘How to Find’ section, author Marianne Taylor explains the best time to look for each species, its preferred habitat, and offers tips to help make your search easier or more productive. In ‘Watching Tips’ she advises on how to get the most from your encounter, how to observe the species at length and with luck witness its most fascinating behaviour. A colour panel indicates each species’ geographical distribution on a map, including ‘Super Sites’ where the species is particularly abundant or regular. A calendar shows when each species is present or active in the UK to help you plan your visits to nature reserves. Colour photos serve as a reminder of each species’ key identification features.In total, RSPB British Naturefinder features nearly 300 species, and it includes all British mammals, reptiles and amphibians, along with a carefully chosen selection of other British animals of interest, such as butterflies, moths, dragonflies, spiders and fishes.

A mysterious and rarely seen beast, the Scottish Wildcat is Britain’s rarest mammal, and one of the most endangered carnivores in the world.Over the centuries, one by one, Britain’s most formidable wild animals have fallen to the thoughtless march of humankind. A war on predators put paid to our lynxes, wolves and bears, each hunted relentlessly until the last of them was killed. Only our wildcats lived on.The Scottish wildcat’s guile and ferocity are the stuff of legend. No docile pet cat, this, but a cunning and shadowy animal, elusive to the point of invisibility, but utterly fearless when forced to fight for its life. Those who saw one would always remember its beauty – the cloak of dense fur marked with bold tiger stripes, the green-eyed stare and haughty sneer, and the broad, banded tail whisking away into the forest’s gloom.Driven to the remnants of Scotland’s wilderness, the last few wildcats now face the most insidious danger of all as their domesticated cousins threaten to dilute their genes into oblivion. However, the wildest of cats has friends and goodwill behind it. This book tells the story of how the wildcat of the wildwood became the endangered Scottish wildcat, of how it once lived and lives now, and of how we - its greatest enemy - are now striving to save it in its darkest hour.

A lavish celebration of 47 of the most frequent and familiar birds found in gardens around the British Isles.From urban rooftops to open meadows, the incredible diversity of gardens in the British Isles can provide refuge and feeding opportunities for a vast array of birds. Even the smallest gardens can attract some birdlife and watching garden birds is a great joy for all nature lovers, brightening each day and providing an immediate connection with the wider and wilder world beyond the fence. Nature is facing challenges throughout the world, including right here in the UK, and the changing fortunes of our garden birds are strong indicators of the overall health of our wildlife. With information on how to encourage birds to visit our gardens and boost their survival and breeding success, and how to identify them, this book describes the small steps we can all take to help these birds survive the hardships of winter and bring forth a healthy new generation that we can recognise, appreciate and enjoy for decades to come.RSPB Garden Birds is a lavish celebration of 47 of our most frequent and familiar garden birds, and the final chapter looks at some of the less regular – but equally welcome – visitors. Detailed biographies outline each species' life history, distribution, behaviour and breeding habits, and an extensive introduction provides guidance on the general practicalities of garden birdwatching and managing a wildlife garden.Featuring more than 200 spectacular photographs revealing every detail of our garden birds' appearance and behaviour, this book will appeal to anyone who has discovered their love of wildlife through watching the birds in their garden.

A lavish celebration of the seabirds of the British Isles.Seabirds are the living links between land, air and sea. They enjoy a freedom that even humans, with all our technological assistance, can barely imagine. Many species travel mind-boggling distances across the length and breadth of our planet before returning to land to breed in large, deafening and confusingly crowded colonies. Yet within this commotion each mated pair forms a bond of extreme closeness and tenderness that survives separation each winter and may persist for decades.The long and geologically varied coastline of the British Isles provides homes for internationally important numbers of breeding seabirds. Visiting their colonies is always unforgettable, whether they are cliff-faces packed with Guillemots, islands white-capped by clustered Gannets on their nests, flat beaches crowded with screaming Arctic Terns or seaside rooftops overlaid with a second townscape of nesting gulls. The changing fortunes of these seabird cities reveal to us the health of the vast, unseen but incredibly rich marine world that surrounds us.RSPB Seabirds showcases some of our most exciting and enigmatic bird species as vital and living components of one of our greatest natural assets: our coastline. The author presents detailed biographies of all the seabird species that breed in and around the British Isles, and also looks at the many species that breed elsewhere but which, regularly or occasionally, visit British waters. Every page of this sumptuous book features beautiful photographs of wild seabirds engaged in their daily work of hunting, travelling, protecting themselves and their territories, courting and raising a family.

Most bird books are designed to help you identify the birds that you've seen. This book is different.It is a species-by-species guide that shows you how to find and watch more than 250 species of birds that can be seen in Britain. Some are common; others are rare migrants or scarce breeding birds, but this book will tell you the best places to see and watch all of them.Sections include:- How to find including the best time of day, how to search the habitat and behavioural signs - Watching tips including ways to get close to the bird without disturbing it and how to attract it to your garden. - Super sites includes a short list of some of the best places to see the species.Readers will be able to see their most coveted species but also enjoy rewarding watching experiences that will enhance their understanding of the species, of bird behaviour and of key fieldcraft techniques.

RSPB Spotlight: Ducks and Geese is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist.This is a detailed 'biography' of ducks and geese that breed in or regularly visit the UK – covering 30 species in all. It will include chapters on the evolution of ducks and geese, their place in the natural world, their anatomy and physiology, various feeding methods, spectacular courtship displays and diverse breeding behaviour. Marianne Taylor reveals their often epic migrations and examine their social interactions with their own and other species, including their unusual readiness to hybridise. She also details their relationships with humankind over the centuries, including their presence in folklore and literature and their role in our lives as both prey and pets.She explores their presence as feral and sometimes invasive species outside their natural ranges, and their current status within their native wild ranges as the group includes several species recently recognised as being of global conservation concern.

Robins is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos and succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable expert.Our most iconic bird, the Robin, is one of the most characterful and familiar of all our garden visitors. Their melodious voices, bright red breasts and cheeky attitudes always endear them to us, but how much do we really know about them?Despite their cute appearance, Robins are aggressively territorial and hold their territories all year. Their year-round presence has helped them become a beloved and instantly recognisable species. In this delightful book, Marianne Taylor provides a revealing account of their life cycle, behaviour and breeding, what they eat and how they hold their territories, and she looks into the many cultural representations of these much-loved little birds.The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviour of our favourite animals.

RSPB ID Spotlight Garden Birds is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of 39 of our most widespread and familiar garden birds by renowned artist Stephen Message.Whether you are watching small birds at your garden bird feeder or a raptor soaring overhead, birds are everywhere. But could you recognise a Marsh Tit from a Coal Tit? Or distinguish between a Song Thrush and a Redwing? These are just a handful of the array of birds that are attracted to the UK's gardens to nest and feed.The species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification, while the artworks are shown side by side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field. The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our garden birds, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB is working to support them. Practical tips on how to make your own 'bird pastry' and put up nest boxes are also included.The ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.