Madeleine Floyd – illustratör

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.

‘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.