Chris Merkord

A comprehensive handbook covering all aspects of the conservation of Barn Owls. Written by the Barn Owl Trust, this book includes in-depth information on Barn Owl survey techniques, relevant ecology, Barn Owls and the law, mortality, habitat management, use of nest boxes and barn Owl rehabilitation. Essential reading for ecologists, planners, land managers and ornithologists.

When the Sibley Guide to Birds was published in 2000, it was an overnight sensation, selling 500,000 copies in its first nine months (more than 1.5 million copies have now been sold). It established David Sibley as the author and illustrator of the nation’s supreme and most comprehensive guide to birds. Used by millions of birders from novices to the most expert, the 'Sibley Guide' became the standard by which natural history guides are measured. It was published in Britain as The North American Bird Guide by Pica Press/Christopher Helm and won Birdwatch magazine's Best Bird Book of the Year award. The ‘Sibley Guide’ is one of three major North American field guides, and is widely considered by many to be the best of them. This highly anticipated second edition builds on this foundation of excellence, offering massively expanded and updated information, new artwork, new and rare species, and a new elegant design. There are hundreds of new paintings and all previously used art has been re-digitised following much modification by David Sibley to reflect the latest information; in addition, there are new maps throughout, new text, larger images and a new higher page count of 624 pages. This important work brings the genius of David Sibley to the world once again in a thoroughly updated and expanded volume that every birder must own. It is set to cement its reputation as the North American equivalent of the Collins Bird Guide.

This book covers difficult identification issues by looking at tricky species pairs or groups of birds, and comparing and contrasting their respective features. Designed as a field companion, it supplements the standard field guides and provides much additional information. As well as detailed texts, the books include extensive illustrations of all relevant ages and plumages of the species concerned.

Esther Woolfson has been fascinated by corvids, the bird group that includes crows, rooks, magpies and ravens, since her daughter rescued a fledgling rook sixteen years ago. That rook – named Chicken – has lived with the family ever since. Other birds have also taken their place in the household – a magpie, starling, parrot and the inhabitants of an outdoor dovehouse. But above all, it has been the corvids (a talking magpie named Spike, Chicken the rook, and, recently, a baby crow named Ziki) that she has formed the closest attachments with, amazed by their intelligence, personality and capacity for affection. Living with birds has allowed Woolfson to learn aspects of bird behaviour which would otherwise have been impossible to know – the way they happily become part of the structure of a family, how they communicate, their astonishing empathy. We hear about Chicken's fears and foibles: her hatred of computers and other machines and her love of sitting on Woolfson's knee in the evening and having her neck scratched; the birds' elaborate bathing rituals, springtime broodiness, and tendency to cache food in the most unlikely places. Woolfson tells the darker story of the way corvids have always been objects of superstition and persecution; and with the lightest of touches, she weaves in the science of bird intelligence, evolution, song and flight throughout. Her account of her experiences is funny, touching and beautifully written, and gives fascinating insights into the closeness human beings can achieve with wild creatures.

The Ring is an international journal dealing with problems of bird ringing, migration and monitoring bird numbers. The main fields of interest are original papers, review articles and methodical discussions. Information, progress reports, personal comments and short notes or news are also accepted to the informative columns of the journal. Although papers are refereed, conclusions, opinions and discussion are published on the author's responsibility. Innovative and even controversial ideas are appreciated.

Cheshire and Wirral provides a wide range of habitats for birds, from the internationally important estuaries of the Dee and Mersey in the west to the high moors of the Peak District National Park in the east. During 2004 to 2007 more than 350 volunteers spent over 50,000 hours surveying each 2×2 km tetrad in Cheshire and Wirral, recording every bird species in the breeding season and in winter. This Atlas reveals dramatic changes since the county’s first breeding bird Atlas of 1978-84, and also for the first time shows the detailed distribution of the wintering species. Lavishly illustrated with 300 pictures by local photographers and artists, this colour Atlas provides full accounts of 186 species, with briefer treatments for a further 31. More than 500 maps show the birds’ distribution in the two seasons as well as the difference between seasons and the spectacular gains and losses in breeding status over the last twenty years. For the first time at county level, this Atlas also includes figures for the breeding populations of 65 of the most numerous species, 35 of which also feature abundance maps. In a further innovation for a project of this nature, observers recorded details of the birds’ habitats, greatly increasing its overall conservation value.

This is the most comprehensive account of Gloucestershire’s birds ever produced, covering all the species recorded in the county in modern times. There are detailed maps showing the distribution and abundance of over 130 regular species, based on four years of fieldwork carried out by hundreds of volunteers. Graphs, tables and statistics illustrate the patterns of occurrence of many species, including passage migrants and rarities. Also included are descriptions of the bird habitats and the history of bird watching and conservation in the county. Some of Britain’s most prominent bird artists, past and present, including Jackie Garner, Robert Gillmor, Terence Lambert, Peter Partington, Peter Scott and Keith Shackleton, have provided beautiful illustrations, which sit alongside sumptuous photographs of many of the birds and the county’s landscapes. The volume includes a Foreword by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.

The Manx Bird Atlas project was established to undertake the first comprehensive survey of all bird species to be found on the Island during both the winter and summer. During the five-year programme of work professional ornithologists surveyed the entire Island using new and innovative survey techniques. The survey, which ran from 1998 to 2003, is the most detailed of its kind ever undertaken in Europe. Such methods have generated data that provides distribution and abundant information for 150 species. Beautiful hand-drawn illustrations and full colour maps sit alongside the survey in this landmark publication. Whether you are an amateur or professional ornithologist, or simply interested in the natural beauty of the Isle of Man, this long-awaited book provides a fascinating account of the Island's bird life. A beautiful special edition of the volume, casebound and in a slipcase is also available for £100.00.

Drawing upon a remarkable sixty years of surveys, this fascinating and richly illustrated book provides an in-depth picture of birdlife in the very heart of the United Kingdom, the twelve 10km squares surrounding Banbury and including parts of Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire. The product of annual surveys since 1952, Birds of the Heart of England creates a snapshot of remarkable changes in the distribution of many birds through the use of clear colour maps, species accounts and a variety of illustrations. It will be required reading in the region but its sheer depth of data will make it an important volume for ornithological groups across the UK.

Since the 1980s the bird life of the Cotswolds has seen significant changes, many of them subtle but some spectacular. This beautifully illustrated and extensively researched book, the product of five years’ field work exposes these changes with the aid of simple and clear colour maps which give not only a detailed but easily understood picture of the breeding distributions of bird species in the area today, but also a comparison with 20 years ago. The maps are accompanied by descriptive accounts for each species, often containing fascinating local information. The book discusses the relative difficulties of surveying the different species, which will be of help to others undertaking the same task elsewhere. It is richly illustrated by colour photographs of the birds and their habitats. Its easy style and clarity will make this book of great interest not only to ornithologists, but to everyone with a concern for the natural environment of the Cotswolds, and to anyone planning a visit to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Trinidad & Tobago are popular tourist destinations and the islands are also a top location for visiting birders. This comprehensive and portable field guide covers every species found on the islands. The concise text includes descriptions of every species, highlighting plumage variation and distinctions from similar species. The plates use the relevant images from Birds of Northern South America to create new plates specific for Trinidad & Tobago. This new edition has been completely revised. The plates have been extensively re-worked, with many images replaced and repainted. As a result, there are now eight extra plates, and some groups, such as flycatchers, have been repainted almost in entirety. The text has also been updated. This new edition supersedes all previous field guides to these popular islands.

The magic and misfortune of the world's greatest migrating bird. Albatross are best known for their enormous wingspan and global migrations. They are also the subject of intense scientific scrutiny. Recent DNA studies have revealed that there may not be just 13, but 21 to 25 albatross species. With all but two of them endangered, the albatross may disappear just as we are discovering more about it. Tui De Roy and Mark Jones set out in a 43-foot sailboat to cross the world's oceans in search of the albatross. They weathered storms, finally arriving to camp on barren landfalls, where they studied and photographed these fascinating birds. Albatross features the very best writing and research on these extraordinary creatures. The book includes a breathtaking photographic portfolio, a series of essays by leading experts, and a natural history section with detailed information on each species. Along with commentary on the authors' adventures, topics include: Size and population distribution Biology and recent DNA discoveries Food and reproduction Breeding sites and courtship behavior Albatross in exploration, exploitation, myth and legend Migratory routes and the mysteries of migration Conservation threats and status. Albatross is an impassioned, authoritative and richly illustrated study of a magnificent creature.

Following on from its hugely successful launch in 1999, Collins Bird Guide - the ultimate reference book for bird enthusiasts - now enters its second edition. With expanded text and additional colour illustrations, the second edition of the hugely successful Collins Bird Guide is a must for every birdwatcher. The book provides all the information needed to identify any species at any time of the year, covering size, habitat, range, identification and voice. Accompanying every species entry is a distribution map and illustrations showing the species in all the major plumages (male, female, immature, in flight, at rest, feeding: whatever is important). In addition, each group of birds includes an introduction which covers the major problems involved in identifying or observing them: how to organise a sea watching trip, how to separate birds of prey in flight, which duck hybrids can be confused with which main species. These and many other common birdwatching questions are answered. The combination of definitive text, up-to-date distribution maps and superb illustrations, all in a single volume, makes this book the ultimate field guide, essential on every bookshelf and birdwatching trip.

The standard text on the identification of the northern hemisphere's gulls, this book covers the plumage variation through age and subspecies of all 80 species in the region. With exhaustive coverage, detailed maps, and superb plates and photos, this book remains the definitive work on these birds, which represent the trickiest of all ID challenges.

The parks, reservoirs, rooftops and gardens of London – here defined as the area within 20 miles of St Paul’s Cathedral – have a surprisingly rich avifauna, including a healthy population of one of Britain’s rarest breeders, the Black Redstart. The region also has a remarkable list of rarities – in recent years Canary Wharf has proven to be a magnet for vagrants, while one of the very few British records of Tengmalm’s Owl hails from Plaistow - an unfortunate bird stoned to death by local urchins in 1877. Some species, like the Peregrine Falcon, Black-headed Gull and Ring-necked Parakeet, have seen their fortunes soar over recent decades; others, such as House Sparrow, have suffered a population collapse, while as recently as a century ago, the London area had breeding populations of birds such as Wryneck and Red-backed Shrike, which are now nationally extinct. The status, distribution and history of every species on the regional list is discussed in rich detail in this ebook, the first comprehensive avifauna for the London area ever published. The County Avifauna series provides detailed information on the range and status of bird species at county level. Areas covered in the series so far include Norfolk, Suffolk, Dorset, the Shetland Islands, Leicestershire and Rutland, Essex and Gwent. Each title covers all species on the county list, with a breakdown of rarity records, and there are introductory sections describing the area’s ecology, climate, weather patterns, its ornithological history and conservation record, as well as an in-depth review of the best sites to visit.

Derbyshire to many visitors is synonymous with Britain’s most visited National Park, The Peak District, almost all of which lies within the county. The spectacular White and Dark Peak landscapes are one of the main visitor attractions. The Park contains a wide variety of flora and fauna of which birds are of particular interest. To county residents and more regular visitors, however, Derbyshire birding offers much more than just the Peak District. Very different landscapes and habitats to the east and south are home to a birdlife contrasting with that found in the Peak District. This book is the result of almost 20 years of endeavour by the Derbyshire Ornithological Society. It follows on from the only two previous books devoted to Derbyshire’s birdlife, Whitlock (1893) and Frost (1978). It contains 319 accounts of species that have been reliably recorded in the county. Amongst those are 135 breeders for which distribution maps are given and over 100 are illustrated with black and white vignettes. Also included are sections on a history of Derbyshire ornithology, the Derbyshire Ornithological Society, ringing in Derbyshire, a general description of the county, a summary of Derbyshire statistics, changes to the county boundary, place names, the natural areas, a chronology of additions to the county list, fossil species, escaped and released species, unacceptable historic records, the breeding bird survey and a comprehensive gazetteer. Beautifully illustrated and with an abundance of information for the serious and armchair ornithologist alike, The Birds of Derbyshire will be the definitive study of the region’s birds for many years to come.

The Birds of Sussex is a once in a generation book by the Sussex Ornithological Society, written by some of the top authors and experts in the county. It describes the status and changing fortunes of all 397 species on the Sussex List. The SOS’s database of over two million records plus four years of Atlas field work underpins this compelling book. Authoritative and informative, the book reveals What birds are found where Why they are there ‘Winners and losers’ - those birds doing well and those in trouble What the threats and outlook are for each species The book Is over 600 pages long and in full colour Has hundreds of photos of nearly 300 species, all taken in Sussex (it is worth buying for the stunning photos alone) Has informative charts and tables, and interprets key Atlas tetrad maps Besides species accounts, has chapters on habitats, climate, bird ringing and the overall state of birds in Sussex The book is authoritative and informative. However, it does not overload you with data – its Editor, Adrian Thomas, has worked hard to make sure that it remains a good read throughout.

The author explores the natural history of Skomer Island and provides a personal reflection on life and work of a beautiful and remote seabird colony off the West Wales coast.

Located in northern Tanzania, the Serengeti is one of the world’s most famous wildlife regions. Birds of the Serengeti is a groundbreaking and essential photographic guide, featuring more than 270 bird species most likely to be encountered in the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This easy-to-use guide includes 480 dazzling color photos, an attractive and handy layout, and informative and accessible text that discusses interesting behaviors and provides insights into species background. Rich in detail, this indispensable volume uses a habitat-based approach, making it simple for everyone—from the novice to the experienced birdwatcher—to locate diverse birds in this fascinating area of the world. Looks at more than 270 bird species most likely to be encountered in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Speke Gulf Features major plumage variations Habitat-based approach Informative and accessible text

The creation of Dolly the sheep in the 1990s was for many people the start of a new era: the age of genetically modified animals. However, the idea was not new, for in the 1920s an amateur scientist, Hans Duncker, decided to genetically engineer a red canary. Favored originally for their voice, by the middle of the nineteenth century canaries had become so popular that millions were exported from Europe to the United States to satisfy demand. During the 1870s, English canary breeders caused a scandal by feeding their birds red peppers to turn them orange. In the 1930s, Duncker’s genetics efforts caught the attention of the Nazi regime who saw him as a champion of their eugenic policies, even though his ingenious experiments were not successful. Nonetheless, Duncker’s work paved the way thirty years later for an Englishman, Anthony Gill, and an American, Charles Bennett, to succeed, after recognizing that the red canary would need to be a product of both nature and nurture. In Tim Birkhead’s masterful hands, this highly original narrative reveals how the obsession of bird keepers turned the wild canary from green to red, and in the process, heralded exciting but controversial developments in genetic manipulation.

The ABA Chandler Robbins Award Education/Conservation Given for making significant contributions to birder education and/or bird conservation. This award recognizes outstanding efforts in birder education, bird conservation or in the management or preservation of habitats on which birds and birding depends. It is presented to an individual in either area or to someone who has achieved in both areas. ABA considers that the quality and scope of Chan Robbin’s work make him an outstanding person after whom to name the award.

Given for excellence in publications pertaining to field ornithology. The award is given specifically for publications on the subjects of field identification and bird distribution in North America. It is given to either authors or artists. This award recognizes professional achievements in field ornithology literature.

Given to individuals who have dramatically advanced the state of ornithological knowledge for a particular region. This may be through their long-time contributions in monitoring avian status and distribution, facilitating the publication of state bird books, breeding bird atlases and significant papers on the regional natural history of birds. This may also be through the force of their personality, teaching and inspiration.