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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 magnificent 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. There are success stories-five birds of prey that were extinct have become reestablished with viable populations-but persecution is still rife. Featuring drawings by famed wildlife artist Bruce Pearson, this book reveals why we must cherish and celebrate our birds of prey, and why we neglect them at our peril.
List of contents
Foreword 5 Introduction 6 The Sparrowhawk 9 The Osprey 26 The Honey Buzzard 42 The Red Kite 59 The White-tailed Eagle 77 The Marsh Harrier 95 The Hen Harrier 112 The Montagu's Harrier 131 The Goshawk 148 The Common Buzzard 165 The Golden Eagle 183 The Kestrel 203 The Merlin 218 The Hobby 237 The Peregrine Falcon 253 Conclusion 269 Further reading 270 Acknowledgements 271
About the author
David Cobham is a renowned British film and television producer and director, notable for such films as The Goshawk, The Vanishing Hedgerows and Tarka the Otter. Bruce Pearson is the author and illustrator of Troubled Waters: Trailing the Albatross, An Artist's Journey; Birdscape; and An Artist on Migration.
Summary
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 magnificent 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. There are success stories—five birds of prey that were extinct have become reestablished with viable populations—but persecution is still rife. Featuring drawings by famed wildlife artist Bruce Pearson, this book reveals why we must cherish and celebrate our birds of prey, and why we neglect them at our peril.
Additional text
"This is an interesting and educational book for raptor lovers and others seeking to learn about the raptors of Great Britain."---R.E.H., Wildlife Activist
