This New Naturalist volume provides a much-anticipated overview of these fascinating birds - the first book on the natural history of British and Irish terns since 1934. Terns are small seabirds that are commonly seen along coastlines and estuaries in the summer months - their graceful flight and command of the air are among their most attractive features. Most of the five species of terns breeding in Britain and Ireland today are under intensive...

A definitive natural history of the Wye Valley covering the geology, geomorphology, conservation and ecological history of this diverse area of outstanding natural beauty. The spectacular landscape of the Wye Valley region has attracted visitors for over 250 years. Designated one of the few lowland Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1971, it is dominated by the river Wye, which has done much to form this varied ecological landscape. George Peterken...

British Bats is a comprehensive account of the natural history of these fascinating animals, from their origins and evolution to their feeding habits and reproduction. Bats are arguably the most successful and diverse mammals ever to evolve. In Britain, one in three of our native land mammals is a bat. Their ecology and behavior is fascinating. Few mammals live closer to humans; in fact many species roost unnoticed in our homes, and some are now...

The Broads discusses the history of the Broads, the people who come into contact with and influence these waterways, and what the future holds. The unique complex of eastern English wetlands known as the Norfolk Broads is an outstanding example of Man's exploitation of nature: the Broads are almost entirely artificial, waterlogged pits left by medieval turf-cutters. Largely owing to their origin they are astonishingly varied. Some contain fresh water,...

A comprehensive, authoritative account of the natural history of the seashore, from earliest times to the present day. The seashore, with its endlessly changing tides, is one of the most fluctuating physical environments on the planet. Home to an abundance of animal and plant life, it is also one of the richest habitats the naturalist can explore. Here in Britain, we are fortunate to have a long and varied coastline, and our relatively large tidal...

Falcons have been a source of inspiration to writers, artists, historians and naturalists alike. In a much-anticipated volume on one of Britain's most fascinating group of birds, Richard Sale draws on a wealth of experience and research, providing a comprehensive natural history of the four British breeding falcons. The book takes each of the four breeding species in turn (Kestrel, Merlin, Hobby and Peregrine Falcon), exploring its form, habitat,...

British Game ranges beyond the strict legal interpretation of game and is full of interesting details about the birds and beasts that should interest sportsmen. Mr. Brian Vesey-Fitzgerald is the editor of The Field. He is also a considerable naturalist in his own right. It will be a simple matter for the reader to determine this for himself, for at every page he will discover the original observations and personal opinions of the writer. Mt. Vesey-Fitzgerald...

A rich and dramatic story of a poor young Indian boy who fights like a tiger to achieve fame and fortune. In a village just outside present-day Calcutta, Koonty, a young girl, is squatting in pain beside the river, convinced that her agony is the result of a fish allergy. It's not - she's giving birth and as the realisation dawns on her, she makes the connection with the encounter she had all those months ago with the swimming stranger with the golden...

The hedgehog is regularly voted Britain's favourite mammal, and yet we know surprisingly little about the life of this spiny mammal. Pat Morris provides an all-encompassing new study of the hedgehog and its habitat, shedding new light on conservation efforts crucial to the survival of this charming creature of our countryside. In recent years the hedgehog has ousted the badger, dolphin and red squirrel from heading the list of the most popular...

What did we know about birds a thousand years ago, and how has our understanding developed? 'A History of Ornithology' offers a complete history of birdwatching in Britain, a classic for every nature lover's bookshelf. Today there is a huge interest in birdwatching as a hobby, and over the years amateur birdwatchers have contributed enormously to our understanding of the birds around us. At the same time, ornithology has developed as a science - in...