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Keith Brockie

The books are ordered by publication date with the most recent at the top.

Return to One Man's Island: Paintings and Sketches from the Isle of May

Keith Brockie

2011

"Keith Brockie's One Man's Island: Paintings and Sketches from the Isle of May (1984), immediately became one of the bestselling Scottish natural history books of all time. The combination of breathtaking wildlife images with notes and background information, captured unforgettably the beauty of nature, and in particular that of the Isle of May, a little gem of an island in the Firth of Forth. Since then Brockie has constantly returned to the Isle of May. From April through to October of 2010 he stayed on the island, working intensively to produce an entirely new set of drawings and paintings. With his eye for colour and characteristic attention to detail he has produced a huge number of artworks, mixing depictions of the majestic peregrine and white-tailed eagle with sketches of fluffy eider ducklings and kittiwake chicks. All the natural history of the island is represented, from its delicate maritime flowers to fish, crabs and lobsters."

The Kittiwake

John Coulson

Poyser

2011

"Returning to its breeding sites in the spring after a winter spent far out at sea, the Kittiwake is a familiar sight around the coasts of Britain and Europe. A pale, medium-sized gull with a 'gentle' expression and bright yellow bill, the Kittiwake has been the subject of behavioural research since the late 1950s - one of the longest running studies in the world. In this Poyser Monograph, John Coulson summarises these decades of research, revealing amazing insights into the life of these gulls, with wider implications for the behavioural ecology of all colonial birds. There are sections on life at sea, nest-site selection, breeding biology, feeding ecology, colony dynamics, moult, survivorship and conservation. This book is essential for academics working on colonial species, and is also of great interest to birders who want to learn more about these elegant cliff-dwelling birds."

The Puffin

Mike P. Harris & Sarah Wanless

Poyser

2011

"The Puffin is a revised and expanded second edition of Poyser's 1984 title on these endearing birds, widely considered to be a Poyser classic. It includes sections on their affinities, nesting and incubation, movements, foraging ecology, survivorship, predation, and research methodology; particular attention is paid to conservation, with the species considered an important ‘indicator' of the health of our coasts."

The Golden Eagle (2nd Edition)

Jeff Watson

Poyser

2010

"This comprehensive monograph is a second edition of one of the most popular Poyser monographs; it covers all aspects of this spectacular eagle's biology and ecology, including a full review of the literature and incorporating the considerable body of research on the species since the publication of the first edition in 1997. The late Jeff Watson was one of Scotland's foremost eagle experts, with more than 20 years of research on the birds; following Jeff's untimely death, the book is being completed by his colleagues Des Thompson and Helen Riley. Scottish studies provide the foundation for a treatment that also includes up-to-date information from work in North America, continental Europe and elsewhere. This global view allows fascinating insights into the species' relationships with a variety of different habitats and leads to many new and important conclusions regarding its ecology. This highly readable and authoritative account is destined to become the standard reference on the species, both in Scotland and elsewhere in the world. The text is enriched with many superb pictures of this majestic bird and additional wash landscapes capture the very special atmosphere of Scotland's Golden Eagle country."

The Lapwing

Michael Shrubb

Poyser

2007

" With its striking green-black and white plumage and distinctive pee-wit call, the Lapwing is one of Britain's best-known birds. Lapwings depend on agricultural land to breed and are considered a barometer of the health of this habitat; the population has crashed over recent decades, partly due to changes in farming practices. In winter, Lapwings switch to coastal areas and to wetlands, including those in suburban areas, where large, noisy flocks can gather. Michael Shrubb's The Lapwing is a concise yet authoritative monograph of this popular species; a thorough review of Lapwing biology contains sections on population dynamics, feeding ecology, habitat use, migration, and conservation; there is an impressively detailed review of our current understanding of breeding biology, plus discussion of some other species in the genus."

The Migration Ecology of Birds

Ian Newton

Academic Press

2007

"This book presents an up-to-date, detailed and thorough review of the most fascinating ecological findings of bird migration. It deals with all aspects of this absorbing subject, including the problems of navigation and vagrancy, the timing and physiological control of migration, the factors that limit their populations, and more. Author, Ian Newton, reveals the extraordinary adaptability of birds to the variable and changing conditions across the globe, including current climate change. This adventurous book places emphasis on ecological aspects, which have received only scant attention in previous publications. Overall, the book provides the most thorough and in-depth appraisal of current information available, with abundant tables, maps and diagrams, and many new insights. Written in a clear and readable style, this book appeals not only to migration researchers in the field and Ornithologists, but to anyone with an interest in this fascinating subject."

Sea Eagles

John Love

Illustrations: Keith Brockie, John Love, Claire Hewitt

Scottish Natural Heritage

2006

"A well organised reintroduction programme has brought the sea eagle back to Scotland. This colourful booklet tells a wonderful story, which is illustrated by some of the finest natural history photographers in Europe."

The World Guide to Whale and Dolphin Watching

Ben Wilson and Angus Wilson

Colin Baxter

2006

"The most comprehensive and wide-ranging guide available, providing everything you need to know about where, when and how to see whales, dolphins and porpoises around the world. An expert and readable text from an experienced research scientist together with an accomplished whale watcher. Easy reference identification section on cetacean species, with revealing portraits by wildlife artist Keith Brockie, surface profiles, distribution maps and key facts for species identification. An extensive directory section describing the best whale watching locations around the world, complete with local tips on when and where to go."

Speciation and Biogeography of Birds

Ian Newton

2003

"This book should be of value to anyone interested in bird evolution and taxonomy, biogeography, distributional history, dispersal and migration patterns. It provides an up-to-date synthesis of current knowledge on species formation, and the factors influencing current distribution patterns. It draws heavily on new information on Earth history, including past glacial and other climatic changes, on new developments in molecular biology and palaeontology, and on recent studies of bird distribution and migration patterns, to produce a coherent account of the factors that have influenced bird species diversity and distribution patterns worldwide."

Rural Portraits: Scottish Native Farm Animals Characters and Landscapes

Polly Pullar

Wildlife Art Series: Volume 1

Langford Press

2003

"This magnificent journey around every breed of Scottish native farm animal portrays in words and pictures, the essence of rural life, its wildlife, people, places and unsurpassed landscapes. Polly Pullar's writing is clear, informative, and full of anecdotal humour. Her vivid images of landscape and the sights and sounds of nature are perfectly complimented by the detailed illustrations of Internationally renowned artist Keith Brockie."

Dancing With Ospreys

Polly Pullar

Crachan Press

2001

The story of lives of a pair of Osprey.

Artists for Nature in Alaska's Copper River Delta

Riki Ott

Artists for Nature Foundation

1998

"Alaska's Copper River Delta visits the largest wetland on the Pacific coast of North America - with its associated rainforests, barrier islands, mountains, and glaciers and its wildlife and human inhabitants -and reveals the delta through the work of 22 artists of 11 countries."

Artists include: Tony Angel, Victor Bakhtin, David Barker, David Bennett, Keith Brockie, Vadim Gorbatov, Andrew Haslen, Piet Klaasse, Dylan Lewis, Pat McGuire, Susan Ogle, John Paige, Colin See Paynton, Bruce Pearson, Andrea Rich, David Rosenthal, Todd Sherman, Tim Shields, Juan Varela Simó, Siegfried Woldhek

Population Limitation in Birds

Ian Newton

Academic Press

1998

"Based on results from field studies, this book aims to be an introduction to understanding the processes of population limitation in birds. There are three sections covering: behaviour and density regulation; natural limiting factors; and human impacts."

The Golden Eagle

Jeff Watson

Poyser

1997

"A comprehensive covering all aspects of Golden Eagle biology and ecology. Main themes include an exploration of factors that limit Golden Eagle numbers and breeding performance, a review of eagle predation on livestock and a discussion of conservation issues. The work is based on research from around the world giving a global view of the species in a wide range of habitats."

Drawn From Nature

Keith Brockie

1995

"Brockie is one of Scotland's best known wildlife artists, and has had much of his work published. Most of the work that he has selected for this collection, however, has never before appeared in print, and consists of sketches and water-colours completed not only in his native Scotland but also as far afield as Greenland and Yemen. The plates are accompanied by the author's notes and recollections."

Robert Burns: A Man for All Seasons: The Natural World of Robert Burns

John Young

Scottish Cultural Press

1996

"This book analyzes and catalogues the natural history references contained in Burns's writings. Each floral/faunal entry is accompanied by its common name, its generic name and its local name (including Scots and Gaelic) and is supported by extracts from Burns poems where appropriate. Appendices condense all the information into concise sections, giving descriptions of each species mentioned."

Cuaderno de Campo de la Naturaleza Espanola

Illustrations: Keith Brockie

Text: Miguel Delibes de Castro

Editor: J.M. Reyero

Spanish wildlife illustrated with watercolors, oil paintings and pencil drawings by Keith Brockie."

Mountain Reflections

Keith Brockie

1993

"In "Mountain Reflections" Keith Brockie paints a personal journey through the seasonal rhythms of the mountain hare and the ptarmigan, two prime examples of Arctic creatures which have evolved strategies to survive a harsh and inhospitable environment. Through illustrations he shows in detail how they relate to the landscape and its various textures and how their cryptic spring and autumn camouflage is moulted to a thick white coat during the winter months. He witnesses the vagaries of the climate from icy winter scenes to unseasonable June snowfalls which threaten incubating birds and new-born hare leverets. By rearing a brood of captive ptarmigan he has been able to witness at first hand the growth from hatching of downy chicks to full winter plumage. His drawings and paintings for "Mountain Reflections" present an insight into an intriguing life cycle. However, Brockie has not ignored the other aspects of mountain wildlife. The book features detailed studies of the patterns and textures of red deer fawns, aggressive cock-red grouse and delicate dotterel chicks. Necessary predators such as the red fox, golden eagle and peregrine falcon complete the food chain, while the artist draws also on his experiences of expeditions to Greenland to feature the Nearctic counterparts of the hare and ptarmigan as well as musk oxen, Arctic fox and lemmings. Throughout the volume the flora and faunas are reproduced with a sympathy and knowledge born of many hours, days and weeks working in the field."

Portrait of a Living Marsh: 32 International Artists Visit Northeast Poland

(Leven Tussen Land en Water)

Robin D'Arcy Shillcock

Inmerc

1993

Published in English and Dutch

"A land, where centuries-old traditions of farming, have existed in harmony with a nature rich in plant and animal life. Here it is still possible to meet with elk, beaver and wolf. Over 230 species of birds can be found, and many plants unique to the area. 32 artists from 15 countries lived for two weeks in a village on the edge of the marshes recording the many memorable sights they found and saw."

Artists include: Kim Atkinson, Larry Barth, Robert Bateman, Keith Brockie, John Busby, Ad Cameron, Jean Chevallier, Denis Clavreul, Tomas Cofta, Victoria Crowe, David Daly, Jaap Deelder, Charles Donker, Piet Eggen, Jon Fjeldsa, Hans Geuze, Vadim Gorbatov, Robert Greenhalf, Andrew Haslen, Alan Johnston, Lawrence McQueen, Peter Partington, Bruce Pearson, Dag Peterson, Darren Rees, Chris Rose, Robin D'Arcy Shillcock, Michael Warren, Siegfried Woldhek

Wind, Wad & Waterverf: 25 Kunstenaars tekenen en schilderen op Schiermonnikoog

Benjamin & Partners

1992

Published in Dutch

"This is the first publication of ANF. It is a portrait of one of the most pristine barrier islands of the Netherlands. The publication has helped to create the Schiermonnikoog National Park."

Artists: Keith Brockie, John Busby, Ad Cameron, Denis Clavreul, Jaap Deelder, Charles Donker, Julian Friers, Hans Geuze, Vadim Gorbatov, Andrew Haslen, Alan Johnston, Kees de Kiefte, Piet Klaasse, Dag Peterson, Thomas Quinn, Darren Rees, Robin D'Arcy Shillcock, Hendrik Slijper, Freek van Binsbergen, Walty Dudok van Heel, Erik van Ommen, Peter Vos, Michael Warren, Siegfried Woldhek

The Status of Seabirds in Britain & Ireland

C.Lloyd, M.L.Tasker and K.Partridge

Poyser

1991

"This book presents the most up to date information available on these seabird populations, their numbers and distributions, and their changing fortunes in recent years. The surveys of Operations Seafarer, carried out in 1969 and 1970 provided a baseline for future work which led to the establishment of the Seabird Colony Register by the Seabird Group and the Nature Conservancy Council. The result and analysis of their counts during 1985 to 1987 form the basis for this book. Improved census methodology and a new computerized data base set the standards for seabird monitoring in future decades. The book begins by describing the general biology and population trends of British seabirds and goes on to assess the results and to analyze each of the 24 breeding species in detail. Full descriptions of the counting methods and the estimating factors used provide guidelines for future surveys not only in Britain, but whenever seabirds are of interest and importance."

The Kestrel

Andrew Village

Poyser

1990

"This book examines many aspects of the Kestrel's life with emphasis on breeding performance, population densities, and age and sex ratios."

Puffins

Roy Dennis

1990

"A short study of Puffins with colour photographs and a drawing by Keith Brockie."

The Birds of North-east Scotland

S.T. Buckland, M.V. Bell and N. Picozzi

1990

"This book forms the most comprehensive study published on the birds of north-east Scotland (Aberdeenshire,Kincardinshire and part of Banffshire).The region is one of the most varied and exciting in Britain.Habitats range from the high, wild plateaux of the Cairngorm mountains with such arctic breeders as Ptarmigan,Dotterel and Snow Bunting, through remnants of the ancient Caledonian pine forest, home of Britain's only endemic species,the Scottish Crossbill,through moorland, farmland, rivers and lochs, to the coastal cliffs and sand dunes.A survey of the birds was threrefore a particular challenge.Presented here are maps and data from the first year-round atlas of bird numbers and distribution to be attempted in britain.The survey period ran from January 1981 to December 1984, and involved 290 contributors.In addition, all bird records received between 1975 and 1988 have been analysed and are summarised in the species accounts. Illustrated by Scottish artists under the editorship of Keith Brockie."

The Silvery Tay: Paintings and Sketches from a Scottish River

Keith Brockie

1988

"150 paintings, sketches and drawings of the birds, animals, flowers and plants that are to be found along the River Tay."

Birds in Scotland

Valerie M.Thom

Poyser

1986

"This impressively comprehensive study and review of the birds in Scotland by Valerie Thom, editor of Scottish Birds and past-President of the Scottish Ornithologists' Club, may be said to follow on where the celebrated two volumes of The Birds of Scotland (1953), by Dr Baxter and Miss Rintoul, left off. It does more than that, however, since not only has there been a profound increase in ornithological coverage and data (as reflected in the species accounts), there have also been great changes in habitat and environment since the days of Baxter & Rintoul. These aspects form the themes of the ten preliminary chapters reviewing the Scottish scene today in terms of habitat, conservation, birdwatching and the changes in species status and distribution.The species accounts, the backbone of the book, review the period 1950-83 but include, where practicable, records of rarities and details of counts up to the spring of 1985; there are also brief summaries of earlier data based on the researches of Baxter & Rintoul. In all, 497 species are dealt with.The texts of major species accounts are complemented by 173 distribution maps and many tables of relevant data, and there are 129 species drawings by a team of artists under the editorship of Donald Watson, who also contributes chapter head pieces and other drawings. A section of photographs illustrates the varied habitats typical of Scotland today. There are, further, appendices and an extensive bibliography."

The Sparrowhawk

Ian Newton

Poyser

1986

This book is based on the study of many individual Sparrowhawks during a 14 year period in South West Scotland.

The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain & Ireland

Peter Lack

Poyser

1986

A guide to the distribution and status of wintering birds in Britain and Ireland based on surveys carried out during the winters of 1981/82, 1982/83 and 1983/84. The surveys were organised by the British Trust for Ornithology and the Irish Wildbird Conservancy.

One Man's Island: Paintings and Sketches from the Isle of May

Keith Brockie

1984

"When the original hardback edition of this book was published in 1984, it was an immediate bestseller. Keith Brockie's remarkable artistry and his extraordinary sensitivity to wildlife drew admiration from readers and reviewers all round the world. His 150 exquisite paintings and sketches from the island of May in the Firth of Forth, Scotland, representing not only a year's intensive fieldwork but also a decade of observation devoted to this important wildlife centre."

The Puffin

M.P. Harris

Poyser

1984

"A monograph on Fratercula arctica, the Atlantic or Common Puffin. Contents are: The auks; The morphology of the Puffin; Distribution in Britain and Ireland; Monitoring of Puffin numbers; The Puffin outside Britain and Ireland; Breeding biology; Behavior; Puffins at colonies; Food and feeding; Growth of young; Predators, pirates and competitors; Man and Puffins; Migration, survival and winter at sea; and Factors influencing the numbers of Puffins. Includes drawings by Keith Brockie, 24 pages of photographs, distribution maps and other diagrams."

Birds New to Britain and Ireland

J.T.R. Sharrock and P.J. Grant

Poyser

1982

"The 83 species featured in this book, in date sequence of discovery, had not been recorded in Britain or Ireland before 1946. The original accounts of the sightings published in issues of British Birds* between 1947 and 1982 are now reprinted and supplemented with comment by Dr Sharrock on subsequent occurrences and current status. In addition, Peter Grant provides identification notes drawing attention to points not covered in the original accounts. There is also a world distribution map for each species and a line illustration to head each of the accounts. At the end of the book a section of plates reproduces 81 'first-sighting' photographs covering 32 of the species in the book."

Keith Brockie's Wildlife Sketchbook

Keith Brockie

1981

"Sketches and drawings of Scotland's wildlife."

Local Birds and Mammals

Norman K. Atkinson

Dundee Museums and Art Gallery

1977