RSPB British Birds of Prey

Product Information

Hardcover, 2014). 2014 1st edition. 8vo (155 x 222mm). Pp272. B/w illustrations by Bruce Pearson. Green boards, spine titled in gilt. Fine in dust-wrapper. This book is about all species of breeding raptors in Britain, not just about sparrowhawks. "Britain is home to fifteen species of breeding birds of prey, from the hedgerow-hopping Sparrowhawk to the breathtaking White-tailed Eagle. In this handsomely illustrated book, acclaimed British filmmaker and naturalist David Cobham offers unique and deeply personal insights into Britain s birds of prey and how they are faring today. He delves into the history of these marvellous birds and talks in depth with the scientists and conservationists who are striving to safeguard them. In doing so, he profiles the writers, poets, and filmmakers who have done so much to change the public's perception of birds of prey. .athough there are success stories - five birds of prey that were extinct have become reestablished with viable populations - persecution is still rife: so much so that one bird of prey, the Hen Harrier, became extinct in England as a breeding bird in 2013. Featuring drawings by famed wildlife artist Bruce Pearson, this book reveals why we must cherish .our birds of prey, and why we neglect them at our peril. In [this book] you will learn how the perfection of the .shotgun sounded a death knell for British birds of prey in the nineteenth century, how the conscription of gamekeepers during two world wars gave them a temporary reprieve, how their fortunes changed yet again with the introduction of agricultural pesticides in the 1950s, why birds of prey are vital to Britain's ecosystems and cultural heritage and much more." . An impressive bird, the Golden eagle hunts medium and large mammals and birds, including rabbits, voles, ptarmigans and sometimes even small or baby deer. We have a number of different birds of prey and they can be an awesome and inspiring sight as they soar and glide high up in the sky or swoop down with devastating accuracy to catch their prey. You may see them in woodland or above farmland, in scrubland or even in cities or at the side of a busy motorway - and you may well see one hovering above your garden.

There are a lot of different bird identification books available and they do vary in quality and the amount of detail they provide.

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Widely regarded as the fastest animal on the planet, the Peregrine falcon can dive at an incredible speed of 200mph. Its compact, slim and aerodynamic body has inspired aircraft design, and is especially impressive for allowing the bird to control flight in high winds and turbulent conditions. The Golden eagle eclipses most raptors in terms of sheer size and weight. Golden eagles live in Scotland, primarily in the Highlands and on the Scottish islands, but there are plans to reintroduce them in Wales and Northern Ireland. In 2016, there were an estimated 500 breeding pairs of Golden eagles in Scotland, and their populations are gradually climbing. With over 300 bird species in Britain alone, we are spoilt with the amount of wildlife that is right on our doorstep.

Small but deadly, the Sparrowhawk is a small to medium-sized bird of prey from the Accipiter family. The female is as much as 25% bigger than the male - the size difference is so significant that females have a more diverse diet than males as they’re able to catch a wider range of prey. For even more birdwatching gear, take a look at our garden bird guide or invest in some of the best kit for wildlife watchers. Alternatively, treat friends and family to some gifts for bird lovers. The best British bird identification books to buy in 2023 Peregrine falcons are found primarily in Wales, southern Scotland and northwest England, but their numbers are slowly climbing throughout much of the UK. Feeding primarily on airborne birds such as pigeons and doves, songbirds, waterfowl and even corvids, the Peregrine falcon is one of the world's most spectacular and efficient aerial hunters. Appearance

Red kites are the UK’s largest common birds of prey, with an impressive wingspan of 175 to 185cm. Famed for their graceful hovering flight and playful and gregarious nature, Red kites are a conservation success story. Red kites are exceptionally large birds, measuring some 60 to 70cm on average with a wingspan of 175 to 185cm, and have a reddish-brown body and broad, white-tipped wings and large forked tail. Sparrowhawk numbers crashed during the late 20th century, mainly due to poisoning from organochlorine pesticides. Their numbers have increased dramatically, and they’re found all throughout the UK except the Scottish Highlands, but recent surveys have shown that Sparrowhawk populations are starting to fall again. For conservationists, boosting the Sparrowhawk population is a risky endeavour as they’re very efficient at hunting and killing small birds and negatively impact songbird populations. Appearance

In much of the 20th century, Red kites were heavily persecuted for their eggs and became confined to small parts of Wales. They were reintroduced to the Chilterns, East Midlands, Yorkshire and other parts of northern England throughout the 1990s and are now thriving across virtually all of the UK. For example, in 1990, 13 Red kites were released in the Chilterns, and as of 2020, there are probably some 4,000 breeding pairs. These graceful, imposing raptors are now a common sight over both urban and rural areas. Appearance Despite many species of our UK birds of prey being driven almost to extinction, due to hunting amongst other things, mammoth efforts over the last 50 years have seen our bird of prey population recovering and with a keen eye, you can spot them in most parts of the UK. It is always great to know a little bit more about the birds visiting your garden. Browse a selection of the best British bird identification books to help you recognise the different species in your local area. Britain’s Birds (Second Edition)Golden eagles mate for life and often hunt cooperatively in pairs. Though they can swoop from great heights at speeds exceeding 150mph, they prefer to hunt from fairly close to the ground, or even from a treetop perch. Some studies suggest that Golden eagles are faster than the Peregrine falcon, which is widely touted to be the world’s fastest bird and animal. Appearance Many of the best bird identification guides come with large colourful images to make it as easy as possible to recognise birds, along with additional information of how many of the species there are in Britain and what geographical regions they are typically spotted in. A bird of prey is a medium to large bird which has a hooked bill, strong sharp talons, excellent eyesight and senses and which hunts small mammals, other birds and insects. It’s understood that birds of prey have been used and worked by man for almost 10,000 years and Genghis Khan is believed to have used them both in battle and to catch food. Being able to identify the birds visiting your garden will help you know what bird food to put out, where to put it and if they need anything extra depending on the time of year.