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In this work, John Busby conveys his own remarkable ability to capture the grace and motion of living birds, illustrating his ideas and suggestions with many examples of his own work.He also uses illustrations from over 45 other talented bird artists to demonstrate a variety of principles and techniques. The text covers a wealth of topics, including choice of media, sketching from life, composition and different ways of interpreting the subject matter.With a foreword by Bill Oddie, this is a beautiful and inspiring book which will appeal to aspiring artists and anyone who has ever been entranced by the beauty of birds.

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 RSPB-endorsed book is a practical, exciting and comprehensive introduction to watching birds, for children aged 8-12 years.Lavishly illustrated throughout with full-colour photographs and paintings, it begins by discussing general birding - where to go and when, what equipment to take with you, tips on attracting birds to your garden, how to take field notes etc.The second half of the book comprises a field guide to more than a hundred and thirty of the commonest species of Britain and Ireland, using clear illustrations backed up by concise, straightforward text describing key identification points, such as behaviour, voice and habitat.This informative and lively book will greatly enhance children's enjoyment of birdwatching, and will help to engender a lifetime of enthusiasm for birds and birding.

A pocket-friendly photographic field guide to 290 birds of the British Isles.RSPB Birds of the British Isles features all regularly occurring birds in Britain, Ireland and the Isle of Man, covering familiar year-round species such as Wren and Sparrowhawk, winter and summer visitors including Purple Sandpiper and Arctic Tern, and a selection of rarer birds.Featuring concise identification text and expert photography, this photographic reference guide is suitable for both beginner and experienced birdwatchers alike. Species accounts include succinct descriptions of each bird’s appearance, behaviour, calls and songs, and seasonal movements. The guide also identifies where to see each species and showcases this clearly through up-to-date distribution maps of the British Isles. Author and photographer Rebecca Nason has carefully chosen over 500 colour photographs to illuminate key identification points, including photos of male and female birds for sexually dimorphic species.Whether you are birdwatching in your garden or exploring wetlands, woodlands, mountains or coastlines, RSPB Birds of the British Isles is an ideal companion.

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 comprehensive single source of information on the plants and animals that live alongside us. This updated edition features new material on climate change, recycling and wild spaces in gardens.This friendly handbook is full of practical advice on attracting wildlife to your garden and encouraging creatures to stick around. A helpful introductory section includes expert tips on green gardening, seasonal planting, how to deal with garden predators and how to get children involved in gardening. A DIY chapter, with a step-by-step guide on creating projects for your garden – from building nest, bat and hedgehog boxes to making your own pond – is also included. From foxes to finches and from lizards to ladybirds, colour photographs illustrate almost 400 garden species, including mammals, birds, insects, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians, flowers, trees, shrubs and fungi, while the comprehensive text explains everything you need to cultivate a haven for nature.

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.

This accessible, practical guide includes everything you need to know to capture fantastic photographs of birds on your doorstep.Celebrated photographer and wildlife writer Mark Carwardine shares his expert advice and insider tips and tricks for capturing the perfect photo. Whether you have a professional camera and a garden filled with birds, or a smartphone and access to a bird table, his guidance will improve your photography in leaps and bounds.Packed with beautiful photographs, this book is a step-by-step masterclass on garden bird photography – from attracting different species to using artificial rain and capturing spectacular images of birds in flight.Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can make garden bird photography as simple or as challenging as you like. A robin perched on a garden spade? Easy. A blackbird feeding among fallen leaves? No problem. A blue tit in flight? Might take some planning but still very achievable.And there’s more. Garden bird photography isn’t only rewarding in its own right – it’s also a sensational way to hone wildlife photography and field skills that you can then adapt to suit any subject anywhere in the world.

Spotlight: Hares is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct and detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist.With their wild glare, swift turn of foot and secretive nature, hares are the rabbit’s mysterious and untameable cousin. Always a thrilling wildlife spot, the hare has long been a symbol of Britain’s sweeping, open countryside. Hares have also been associated with human culture and folklore for many centuries - their associations with spring can be traced back to the druids. Focusing on our two British species, the Brown Hare (found throughout the UK and widely distributed in Europe and Asia) and its more northerly relative the Mountain Hare (found in Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia and the Russian Federation), RSPB Spotlight Hares offers exciting and up-to-date information on these incredible lagomorphs, with chapters covering their biology, evolution, natural history, behaviour, including courtship rituals, and ecology. Information on some of the more charismatic species of hare found elsewhere in the world and on hares’ other relatives, the rabbits and pikas, is also provided. The author discusses in detail Hares’ interactions with humans, in agriculture, habitat management, shooting and hunting, as well as in more culinary matters, and reveals why this almost mythical animal of hill and meadow is so sensitive to the changes we make to age-old farming landscapes. The presence and significance of hares in our culture is also discussed, including the Easter hare, Lewis Carroll’s mad March hare, and hares as shape-changers. Nancy Jennings also offers useful tips on where and how to see hares for yourself in the wild.

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.

A beautiful celebration of Britain's best-loved birds, featuring illustrations, folktales, stories and seasonal crafts and activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family.A rich treasury of fact, folklore, traditional tales and seasonal crafts and activities, RSPB Bird Tales celebrates 25 of our most familiar and best-loved British birds, offering a wealth of ways to deepen our relationships with our feathered friends.Organised by month and highlighting important moments for birds throughout the year – including courtship, nest-building and migration – in-depth portraits of each species give vivid insights into their fascinating, hidden lives.Each beautifully illustrated bird biography includes a roll call of folk names, a traditional tale, fascinating folklore covering traditions, superstitions and beliefs, key identification features, tips to help birdlife thrive and awe-inspiring facts that reveal the true wonder of birds’ lives.From learning to recognise distinctive bird songs and calls to making a mini pond and bird box to benefit garden birds, this enriching and practical book encourages readers to reconnect with nature through bird-related activities for the whole family.

A perfect companion for nature enthusiasts and birdwatching beginners, in a revised and updated edition. The RSPB Everyday Guide to British Birds describes 80 common and widespread species that we're most likely to come across in the British Isles and explains what makes each of them unique. Packed with fascinating facts and written in a friendly style, this RSPB guide is ideal for anyone who wants to identify and learn more about the birds they encounter, whether that's in their back garden or while they're out and about in urban and suburban settings or the British countryside.Alongside new photos to show both male and female birds where relevant, this second edition includes updates to species distribution and population numbers, as well as information on seasonal changes to British birds and how to attract birds to your garden. The guide also features updates to the UK’s Red List species and a new section on birds that are flying high despite the current biodiversity crisis. From owls to finches and crows to woodpeckers, this RSPB guide is ideal for beginner and casual birdwatchers looking to discover more about British birds.

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.

This informative and engaging guide for beginner wildlife-watchers and nature enthusiasts describes the mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects commonly seen in the British Isles.Do you know the difference between a hare and a rabbit? And could you tell a grasshopper from a cricket or a porpoise from a dolphin? A companion to our popular photographic bird guide, The RSPB Everyday Guide to British Wildlife will help you identify more than 100 of our most common and widespread species, from the back garden and town centre to the countryside and coast.Species accounts include friendly text written by Charlie Elder, beautiful colour photos, fun facts and top tips to help you identify crucial species characteristics while you're out and about. The easy-to-use layout helps beginners quickly find what they are looking for, and the book also includes practical advice and information on a range of fascinating topics, including wildlife ponds, gardening for pollinators and rockpool residents.Richly detailed and accessible, this helpful guide is a perfect introduction for anyone keen to get outside and learn more about the extraordinary range of wildlife we can see in Britain.

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.

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.

An updated edition of the popular RSPB guide to interpreting the signs that animals leave behind.Every animal leaves traces as it passes through its habitat. By learning to interpret signs like paw prints, leftover food and scrapes in the earth, you can build the story of an animal's life and discover intriguing details and hidden meanings.Updated and refreshed for this new edition, this popular and attractively designed RSPB handbook takes a new approach to the fascinating science of nature tracking. Detailed diagrams, hundreds of photos and easy-to-read text by nature presenter Nick Baker make this the ideal guide for families and beginner naturalists of all ages. You'll learn how to find and interpret the evidence animals leave behind, from a pile of mangled feathers or a bent blade of grass to a delicately nibbled mushroom or a patch of disturbed soil. And by combining the clues you find with other signs, tracks and trails, you can build a profile of a huge range of species.Nick reveals how technological advances help conservationists interpret tracks and traces to deepen their understanding of the natural world. He explains how we can use some of that technology to hone our nature detective skills, and demonstrates essential tracker tools and activities, like taking a cast of a paw print and dissecting owl pellets to reveal their last meal.

A pocket-friendly field guide to the trees of the British Isles.RSPB Trees of the British Isles features all tree species that regularly occur in mainland Britain, Ireland and the Isle of Man. From iconic British species like English Oak and Silver Birch to evergreens like Yew and Juniper and endangered rarities such as the Arran Whitebeam, this photographic guide presents tree species found in every habitat across the British Isles.Written by forest scientist and tree expert Gabriel Hemery, this guidebook explains how tall each tree grows, where they can be found, and what we use them for, and offers intriguing details about their British heritage. Each species account includes a concise description of the tree and its seasonal variations to help you use flowers, berries and leaves to identify species and tell them apart. To illuminate key identification points, Gabriel Hemery has carefully selected photographs to show the whole tree, its bark, leaves, flowers, fruit and twigs.Compact, accessible and authoritative, RSPB Trees of the British Isles is an ideal companion for both beginners and more experienced tree enthusiasts looking to learn more about the amazing and varied world of trees.

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.

Step into the delightful, hidden world of hedgehogs with this beautiful book. This charming book combines engaging, accessible writing with delightful line illustrations, inviting you to learn how hedgehogs live in the wild, consider how we capture their character in our own stories, and understand how we can help them thrive – in our gardens and beyond.The RSPB Pocket Book series celebrates iconic British wildlife and is produced in collaboration with the RSPB. Hugh Warwick, an expert on hedgehog biology and conservation, instils this beautiful book with his insight and enthusiasm for one of the British Isles’ most beloved wild animals, making it an ideal gift or personal keepsake.With Hugh's help, you'll enjoy quirky and lesser-known hedgehog facts, uncover the vital role hedgehogs play in garden ecosystems, and explore their place in folklore, mythology and cultural history. Hugh also highlights how making small changes in our gardens and communities can make a big difference for hedgehog survival.With beautiful artworks and an inspiring message, this is ideal for nature lovers, gift buyers, and anyone with a soft spot for our prickly friends.

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.

RSPB Spotlight: Bats is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photographs and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalistThanks to their speed, size and nocturnal habitats, bats are among the most interesting, and least understood, mammals that frequent our homes and gardens. From their ability to make sounds that are above the range of human hearing, to their reliance on echolocation to navigate objects and find prey, their unique behaviour means that bats are seldom seen or heard.With nearly 1,400 species worldwide, bats make up around 25 per cent of all mammal species. Spotlight Bats features all 17 species that live and breed in the British Isles, as well as an array of the most fascinating bats from around the world, including some of the more charismatic species such as vampire bats and fishing bats. Nancy Jennings uses up-to-date research to provide insights intothe lives of these elusive mammals, covering the biology, diversity, evolution and ecology of bats, as well as their interactions with humans and folklore.The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviours of our favourite animals with eye-catching colour photography and informative expert text.

RSPB Spotlight: Hedgehogs is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct and detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist.Much loved - but about to be lost? The Hedgehog regularly tops polls of the UK’s favourite animal, yet numbers in our countryside have halved this century. Generations of children have been captivated by Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, though our complex and contradictory relationship with the Hedgehog is also characterised by persecution and death. This unmistakable, spiny mammal is a ‘gardener’s best friend’, but one that we rarely see alive and in our midst.In Spotlight: Hedgehogs, James Lowen reveals what a Hedgehog is and how it lives, unveiling the secrets of its lifestyle, such as foraging and hibernating, rolling into a ball and building a nest. He also investigates the relationship between Hedgehogs and people – from film and fun to conservation and crisps – and offers practical advice on how to find, watch and help these charming animals in the wild.

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.

Woodpeckers are fascinating birds, filling our forests with their unmistakable drumming, and capturing our imaginations with their incredible ability to drill holes in trees and their bright, colourful plumage.Three species of woodpecker are resident in the UK: the Green Woodpecker, often seen on lawns and in fields; the Great Spotted Woodpecker, a frequent visitor at garden bird-feeders; and the tiny Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, sadly now in decline. The Wryneck – which twists its neck ‘like a snake’ when threatened – also passes through the UK on its yearly migration and has captivated people throughout the ages.Gerard Gorman provides a close-up look at the lives of these birds, from their anatomy, diet and nesting habits to their iconic drumming behaviour. He also explores the relationship that humans have enjoyed with woodpeckers for centuries, in folklore, myth and conservation, and gives tips on how to observe these wonderful birds in the wild.The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviour of our favourite animals with eye-catching colour photographs and informative expert text.