Mike Unwin – författare

'Exquisite' National Geographic'Fascinating and informative, this text will appeal to lay readers and bird enthusiasts alike' Booklist'Unwin's evocative prose is a perfect match for the vivid illustrations. This will be a hit with birdwatchers of all stripes' Publishers Weekly Author Mike Unwin invites readers on an avian journey around the globe, celebrating 80 of the world's most awe-inspiring birds and revealing their impact on our lives. From Namibia's sociable weaver, constructor of huge multi-nest 'apartment blocks' in the desert, to China's bar-headed goose, a high-flying migrant that crosses the Himalayas twice a year, each has a remarkable story to tell. Ryuto Miyake's exquisite illustrations grace every page, bringing to life this timely reminder of the ways in which birds need us, and we need them.

A unique collection of stunning photographs and detailed portraits of over fifty of the most striking owl species around the world. Recommended for viewing on a colour tablet. The less we know about something, the more we create a mythology around it. This is especially true for owls. Mainly nocturnal, generally silent, and reliant on the element of surprise in their attacks, they seldom encounter humans, but we have still created a vast body of legend around these mysterious avians – for some, they symbolise wisdom, for others they are the agents of evil or harbingers of death.Understanding these birds is a great challenge outstandingly met by award-winning natural history author Mike Unwin and David Tipling, one of Britain’s foremost photographers. Unwin, who has watched and admired owls all over the world, captures the essence of each species, while explaining the unique natural history that has made these silent assassins the most effective feathered predators of darkness. He describes a fascinating range of breeding and hunting behaviour, the unusual calls that have given rise to so much superstition, and the cultural impact of owls around the world. The stunning range of photographs, taken and compiled by David Tipling, captures the beauty of each species and the drama of the landscapes they inhabit.At once an investigation and a celebration, A Parliament of Owls looks at over fifty species of these infinitely fascinating birds, from the Snowy Owl hunting lemmings in the Arctic tundra to the rodent-eating Burrowing Owl of the dusty hollows beneath the South American pampas.

With an introduction from Michael Morpurgo. The boy untied the sack and, to everyone's amazement, out tumbled a little furry bear cub... Have you ever heard of mountain-climbing elephants? Could a brave dog make a parachute jump?Featuring over thirty true tales of incredible animal heroes, uncover the stories of:Heroic bearsDrone-catching eagles Diving dolphinsSassy cats And much, MUCH more! This book brings you the heart-wrenching real stories of the animals who traversed treacherous paths, made daring rescues and went above and beyond to save human lives. When caught in human conflicts, these animals have all shown bravery, friendship, or brought comfort. Journey throughout history from Hannibal's elephants, to a guide dog in the Twin Towers - and uncover 34 amazing real animal stories.

Be truly inspired by these powerful true stories of animal heroes: meet heroic bears, drone-catching eagles, loyal dogs, sassy cats, and much, MUCH more!This book brings you the heart-wrenching stories of the real animals who traversed treacherous paths, made daring rescues and went above and beyond to save human lives. When faced with human conflict, these animals have all shown bravery, friendship, or brought comfort.Journey throughout history from Hannibal's elephants to a guide dog in the Twin Towers. Uncover 34 amazing animal stories - and celebrate their humans.With a heart-warming introduction from Michael Morpurgo. Illustrated in vivid colour by five different illustrators, and with knowledge from the experts at the Imperial War Museums, this is a book to treasure and share.

A lavishly illustrated celebration of each of the world’s sixty-eight currently recognized eagle species in all their magnificence and beguiling diversity  Eagles hold a unique allure among birds for their combination of power, grace, and predatory prowess. Captivating the human imagination, these raptors have symbolized pride, freedom, and independence of spirit since humankind’s earliest times. This book, unlike any previous volume, encompasses each of the world’s sixty-eight currently recognized eagle species, from the huge Steller’s Sea-eagle that soars above Japan’s winter ice floes to the diminutive Little Eagle that hunts over the Australian outback. Mike Unwin’s vivid and authoritative descriptions combined with stunning photographs taken or curated by David Tipling deliver a fascinating and awe-inspiring volume.  Featuring chapters organized by habitat, the book investigates the lifestyle and unique adaptations of each eagle species, as well as the significance of eagles in world cultures and the threats they face from humans. A gorgeous appreciation of eagles, this book will dazzle both eye and imagination.

“Magnificent. . . . David Tipling’s lush photographs stun and delight with every page. . . . Mr. Tipling’s skill in telling the birds’ stories is broad and unrivaled. Flights of Passage is a privileged look at birds as we’ve never seen them before.”—Julie Zickefoose, Wall Street Journal  A visually stunning, photographically driven celebration of bird migration—one of the great marvels of the natural worldThe vast transcontinental journeys made every year by millions of feathered migrants were not known to naturalists before the late nineteenth century. Even today, while cutting‑edge technology such as geolocators and isotope analysis helps us map these journeys in detail, much of the science remains poorly understood.  In this luxuriously illustrated volume, celebrated nature writer Mike Unwin and award‑winning photographer David Tipling highlight sixty‑seven different species of birds from around the world and explore how each has adapted to its migratory cycle. As they bring to life the drama of the Bar‑headed Goose’s journey over the Himalayas and the amazing sixty‑thousand‑mile annual round trip taken by the Arctic Tern between the United Kingdom and Antarctica, Unwin and Tipling offer deep insights into the science, mysteries, and wonders of migration.

A beautiful picture book about garden birds that will appeal to families with young children. Rachel Lockwood's wonderful illustrations will delight children aged from two to seven, and will help them to discover and identify the most common birds in their everyday surroundings. Each bird is introduced on a right-hand page in an illustration where it is partly obscured or turned away from the viewer. The text gives some clues and invites readers to guess the bird's identity. The reader then turns the page to find out more. '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

This beautiful and inspiring book tells the stories of 80 birds around the world: from the Sociable Weaver Bird in Namibia which constructs huge, multi-nest 'apartment blocks' in the desert, to the Bar-headed Goose of China, one of the highest-flying migrants which crosses the Himalayas twice a year.Many birds come steeped in folklore and myth, some are national emblems and a few have inspired scientific revelation or daring conservation projects. Each has a story to tell that sheds a light on our relationship with the natural world and reveals just how deeply birds matter to us.

RSPB Spotlight: Eagles is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist.Eagles are among the most impressive hunters of the animal world. Their predatory prowess and flying skills have imbued them with a romance and mystique that runs deep in our culture and has elevated them to emblems of freedom and power across the globe. At the same time, however, people have long seen eagles as competitors. Reviled by farmers and gamekeepers as snatchers of livestock, many species have been driven into decline by persecution and disturbance.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.

A FUN, SIMPLE GAME of matching pairs, suitable for ages 6+. In the format of a classic memory game, Under the Sea will have you pairing up ocean animals from dolphins to sea urchins.50 BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED CARDS featuring diverse wildlife from the world's oceansLEARN ABOUT THE ANIMALS in the accompanying full-colour booklet with text from acclaimed nature writer Mike UnwinTHE PERFECT GIFT for budding marine biologists, animal lovers, or anyone looking for a beautiful family gameLAURENCE KING PUBLISHING has been capturing imaginations and inspiring creativity in new and unexpected ways for over 30 years, with playful and eye-catching games, gifts and booksCan you find a pair of puffins? A couple of clownfish? A duo of dolphins? Remember where the animals are hiding and match them up to win this fun family game for ocean adventurers.Learn about the fish, mammals and crustaceans from the game in the accompanying booklet as you play. Play as a memory game with the cards face down and collect the most pairs to win!Other matching games from Laurence King Publishing include: Match a Track, Match a Pair of Birds, Who Did This Poo?, Pick a Flower, Match These Bones, Match a Mummy, Match a Leaf, Dogs & Puppies, Cats & Kittens, Do You Look Like Your Dog?, Do You Look Like Your Cat?

Match 25 pairs of adult and young birds from around the world in this avian memory game. Collect the most pairs to win but watch out as not all baby birds look like their parents! Includes a booklet packed with feathered facts.With all kinds of species from around the world - from the bald eagle to the emu and the snowy owl to the scarlet ibis - this fun and educational game is an ideal gift that will appeal to bird lovers everywhere.50 BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED CARDS with 25 pairs of birds to match!EXPERT AUTHOR Mike Unwin guides you through a range of birds in the accompanying booklet. Mike Unwin is an award-winning writer of popular natural history books for adults and children.STUNNINGLY DETAILED ARTWORK from Christine Berrie whose intricately drawn illustrations bring the birds to life.SUPPORTED BY THE RSPB the world-leading conservation charity working to protect habitats and restore the health and diversity of the natural world.LAURENCE KING has been capturing imaginations and inspiring creativity in new and unexpected ways for over 30 years, with playful and eye-catching games, gifts and books.

Think you know your birds? Think again! Did you know that Kingfishers and Kookaburras are cousins and that Roadrunners and Cuckoos are related? Based on Happy Families and Go Fish, in Bird Families the aim is to collect as many sets of birds as you can. As you rush to collect four finches, four parrots or four woodpeckers before your opponents, marvel at the diversity of bird shapes, sizes and colours from around the world. This beautiful and educational game comes with a booklet describing all the species featured. It's fun for all the family and is sure to delight players of all ages.SIMPLE GAMEPLAY: Based on Happy Families and Go Fish, this card game is quick and easy to learn for all the family, meaning instant screen-free fun!BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED: With rich and colourful illustrations and a high-quality box and cards, this is a game to cherish foreverLEARN AS YOU PLAY: The accompanying booklet has information about all the birds in the game from nature writer Mike UnwinUNIQUE GIFT: The perfect present for bird watchers and nature loversIN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE RSPB: The RSPB is the UK's largest nature-conservation charity, protecting habitats, saving species and helping to end the climate and nature emergency. By buying this product you are helping to fund the RSPB's conservation work.LAURENCE KING PUBLISHING has been capturing imaginations and inspiring creativity in new and unexpected ways for over 30 years, with playful and eye-catching games, gifts and books.The Orion Publishing Group Ltd will donate a minimum of £5,000 to RSPB Sales Ltd, which gives all its distributable profits through Gift Aid to the RSPB, in connection with the Bird Vision and Bird Families products which carry the RSPB trade marks.

Reunite animals with their bottom halves or create absurd creatures in this mix and match memory game. Combine a crab with a cheetah, a grasshopper with a greyhound or a slow loris with a snail, there are endless combinations and several ways to play for hours of fun! Discover fun facts about the animals in the accompanying booklet.MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY: play as a matching or memory game or have fun mixing the pairs to create crazy creaturesEASY TO LEARN and simple to play for kids age 3+FUN TO PLAY ON THE MOVE to give kids a screen-free activity50 BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED CARDS by illustrator Daniel Frost, with 25 animals you can match or mix upPUBLISHED BY LAURENCE KING: Laurence King has been capturing imaginations and inspiring creativity in new and unexpected ways for over 30 years, with playful and eye-catching games, gifts, and books

Captivating illustrations and lively text make this follow-up to the bestselling My First Book of Garden Birds the perfect first introduction to garden animals. 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.

Take a journey through the garden and discover the bugs that are living there. The beautiful illustrations create the world of the garden, combined with text that leads young readers to the hiding places of various bugs. inviting them to guess what creature they have found. My First Book of Garden Bugs is the perfect introduction to the names of some common garden insects, along with interesting facts about them.

THE INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON SOLD IN 10 LANGUAGES – FROM AWARD-WINNING ILLUSTRATOR JENNI DESMOND AND UK TRAVEL WRITER OF THE YEAR MIKE UNWINBrrrr! It’s the middle of the Antarctic. All you can see for miles is ice. But look closer. A line of figures is trooping over the frozen terrain. From a distance they look like people. But soon you can see that they’re penguins, each follows the one in front.Follow the amazing migrations of 20 creatures in this spectacular book: trek across South Africa with gigantic elephants, scour Christmas Island and find a million red crabs, and observe a cloud of fruit bats as they take to the midnight sky over Kasanka Forest. Travel around the globe with some of the world's most incredible animals and discover their unique migration stories. Written by Mike Unwin, a UK Travel Writer of the Year, and illustrated by Jenni Desmond, winner of the New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book, prepare yourself for a journey like no other.

The new 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 ebook covers all aspects of the Red Fox biology and lifestyle, including hunting and caching food, defending a territory, raising a litter and understanding the secrets of its complex vocalisations and body language. Finally, he examines the complex, often troubled relationship that the Fox has enjoyed and both endured with humankind, and suggests what the future might hold.

The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviours of our favourite animals with eye-catching, colour photography and informative expert text.Eagles are among the most impressive hunters of the animal world. Their predatory prowess and flying skills have imbued them with a romance and mystique that runs deep in our culture and has elevated them to emblems of freedom and power across the globe. At the same time, however, people have long seen eagles as competitors. Reviled by farmers and gamekeepers as snatchers of livestock, many species have been driven into decline by persecution and disturbance.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 ebook covers all aspects of the Red Fox biology and lifestyle, including hunting and caching food, defending a territory, raising a litter and understanding the secrets of its complex vocalisations and body language. Finally, he examines the complex, often troubled relationship that the Fox has enjoyed and both endured with humankind, and suggests what the future might hold.

The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviours of our favourite animals with eye-catching, colour photography and informative expert text.Eagles are among the most impressive hunters of the animal world. Their predatory prowess and flying skills have imbued them with a romance and mystique that runs deep in our culture and has elevated them to emblems of freedom and power across the globe. At the same time, however, people have long seen eagles as competitors. Reviled by farmers and gamekeepers as snatchers of livestock, many species have been driven into decline by persecution and disturbance.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.

RSPB Spotlight: Swifts and Swallows is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist.People all over Britain and Europe have long welcomed the arrival of swifts and swallows as a promise of summer being just around the corner. And with their similar long wings and dashing flight, it is perhaps understandable that we often confuse the two birds. After all, they have much in common: both feed on flying insects, both breed around buildings, and both are long-distance migrants that spend winter in Africa. But appearances can be deceptive. Swifts and swallows are completely unrelated birds that have adapted through evolution to survive in similar ways. In Spotlight: Swifts and Swallows, Mike Unwin reveals their fascinating lifestyles, explains how and why they have acquired their similarities, and ways in which we can help protect them. The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviour of our favourite animals with eye-catching colour photography and informative expert text.

RSPB Spotlight: Swifts and Swallows is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist.People all over Britain and Europe have long welcomed the arrival of swifts and swallows as a promise of summer being just around the corner. And with their similar long wings and dashing flight, it is perhaps understandable that we often confuse the two birds. After all, they have much in common: both feed on flying insects, both breed around buildings, and both are long-distance migrants that spend winter in Africa. But appearances can be deceptive. Swifts and swallows are completely unrelated birds that have adapted through evolution to survive in similar ways. In Spotlight: Swifts and Swallows, Mike Unwin reveals their fascinating lifestyles, explains how and why they have acquired their similarities, and ways in which we can help protect them. The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviour of our favourite animals with eye-catching colour photography and informative expert text.

RSPB Spotlight: Swifts and Swallows is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist.People all over Britain and Europe have long welcomed the arrival of swifts and swallows as a promise of summer being just around the corner. And with their similar long wings and dashing flight, it is perhaps understandable that we often confuse the two birds. After all, they have much in common: both feed on flying insects, both breed around buildings, and both are long-distance migrants that spend winter in Africa. But appearances can be deceptive. Swifts and swallows are completely unrelated birds that have adapted through evolution to survive in similar ways. In Spotlight: Swifts and Swallows, Mike Unwin reveals their fascinating lifestyles, explains how and why they have acquired their similarities, and ways in which we can help protect them.The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviour of our favourite animals with eye-catching colour photography and informative expert text.

From Ravens to Jackdaws and Choughs to Jays, crows are among some of Britain''s most familiar, abundant and opinion-dividing birds. The UK''s eight crow species all belong to the Corvidae family, and they have been deeply intertwined in our lives and culture since prehistoric times. Crows have long attracted a bad press. Reviled as scavengers, crop raiders and jewellery thieves, these birds – known to scientists as corvids – have often found themselves on the wrong end of a shotgun. Yet behind crows'' supposed misdemeanours lies exceptional intelligence and resourcefulness, which both explain their success and have taught us much about animal behaviour. In Spotlight Crows, Mike Unwin introduces the UK''s eight corvid species, outlining their fascinating natural history and offering essential identification tips. He also explores the mythology and folklore that have embedded these remarkable birds so deeply in our culture, from nursery rhymes to horror movies. The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviour of our favourite animals with eye-catching colour photography and informative expert text.

From Ravens to Jackdaws and Choughs to Jays, crows are among some of Britain''s most familiar, abundant and opinion-dividing birds. The UK''s eight crow species all belong to the Corvidae family, and they have been deeply intertwined in our lives and culture since prehistoric times. Crows have long attracted a bad press. Reviled as scavengers, crop raiders and jewellery thieves, these birds – known to scientists as corvids – have often found themselves on the wrong end of a shotgun. Yet behind crows'' supposed misdemeanours lies exceptional intelligence and resourcefulness, which both explain their success and have taught us much about animal behaviour. In Spotlight Crows, Mike Unwin introduces the UK''s eight corvid species, outlining their fascinating natural history and offering essential identification tips. He also explores the mythology and folklore that have embedded these remarkable birds so deeply in our culture, from nursery rhymes to horror movies. The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviour of our favourite animals with eye-catching colour photography and informative expert text.

From Ravens to Jackdaws and Choughs to Jays, crows are among some of Britain's most familiar, abundant and opinion-dividing birds. The UK's eight crow species all belong to the Corvidae family, and they have been deeply intertwined in our lives and culture since prehistoric times. Crows have long attracted a bad press. Reviled as scavengers, crop raiders and jewellery thieves, these birds – known to scientists as corvids – have often found themselves on the wrong end of a shotgun. Yet behind crows' supposed misdemeanours lies exceptional intelligence and resourcefulness, which both explain their success and have taught us much about animal behaviour. In Spotlight Crows, Mike Unwin introduces the UK's eight corvid species, outlining their fascinating natural history and offering essential identification tips. He also explores the mythology and folklore that have embedded these remarkable birds so deeply in our culture, from nursery rhymes to horror movies. The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviour of our favourite animals with eye-catching colour photography and informative expert text.

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.