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Shire Natural History

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

The Mole

R. David Stone

1992

The Common Toad

Fred Slater

1992

"The common toad is in evolutionary terms an ancient creature and has variously been the subject of hate, curiosity, superstition and legend. It is an animal that generally goes unseen except by the diligent garener or in spring, when it is drawn back to its traditional spawning pond. These breeding migrations have brought the species to the attention of the general public because of the number which are regrettably killed by vehicles as they cross major roads. Although much is known about the migrations and the subsequent aquatic phases of the toad's life history, far less is known about the cues and controls of migration or about the terrestrial part of the toad's year.This book draws together the scattered strands of information to provide a fascinating account of this unusual animal."

The Wren

Edward A. Armstrong

1992

Poplars Of The British Isles

Theresa Brendell

1990

Harriers Of The British Isles

Roger Clarke

1990

"A study of the three species of Harrier that breed in the British Isles. Provides information on their distribution, migration, mortality, diet, hunting, breeding and roosting behaviour, together with the significance of their structural adaptions and the differences between the sexes in both plumage and size."

The Golden Eagle

John Love & Jeff Watson

1990

"The Golden Eagle is the first comprehensive monograph on this majestic bird in over 40 years, and covers all aspects of this spectacular and popular species' biology and ecology. Jeff Watson has worked on eagles in Scotland for over 15 years and his studies provide the foundation for a treatment which also includes the most up-to-date information from work in North America, continental Europe, and throughout the world. This global view allows fascinating insight into the species' relationships with a variety of habitats. Key Features: explores factors limiting Golden Eagle numbers and breeding performance; reviews eagle predation on livestock; and addresses conservation issues and the species' fortune in the past and present."

The Curlew

Gerry Cotter

1990

"The curlew is the largest of the Paleartic waders, its long down-curving bill making it instantly recognisable. There are few other birds which can match the beauty of its calls. This book first describes how the curlew's habitat range has expanded considerably in the twentieth century to include many lowland breeding areas, and then examines its lifestyle. The various calls are set out, after which the breeding cycle is discussed in detail from the initial courtship through to the raising of the young. The book then deals with the bird's inland and coastal feeding habits, its patterns of migration and its enemies, inevitably including mankind."

Mice Of The British Isles

Michael Leach

1990

The Mandarin Duck

Christopher Lever

1990

The Kestrel

Gordon Riddle

1990

The Barnacle Goose

Myrfyn Owen

1990

"This book is an introduction to the barnacle goose, describing its characteristics, populations and distribution. It outlines the year of the barnacle goose as it migrates long distances between its breeding and wintering areas, using staging posts on the way."

Butterflies of the British Isles: The Pieridae

Michael Easterbrook

1989

One of three publications in the series covering butterflies.

Umbellifers of the British Isles

Sabina Knees

1989

The Nightjar

Peter Tate

1989

"This book describes the distribution of the European Nightjar, its breeding cycle, the food it eats, its migration routes and the folklore that surrounds it."

Newts of the British Isles

Patrick J. Wisniewski

1989

Lizards of the British Isles

Peter Stafford

1989

Land Snails of the British Isles

A.A. Wardhaugh

1989

Grasses of the British Isles

Patricia Hawley

1989

The Blackcap And The Garden Warbler

Ernest Garcia

1989

"This book compares the habitats, distributions, diets, life histories and behaviour of the two species, emphasising the vigorous ways in which they interact. It describes the results of experimental studies into their song, migration and territorial behaviour and discusses the possible causes and consequences of their mutual intolerance."

The Barn Owl

Iain R. Taylor

1989

"This book covers all aspects of the biology of the barn owl: its distribution, habitat, feeding behaviour, breeding, movements and mortality. Special attention is given to the problem of conservation, why the species has declined and what might be done to help it in the future. The account is based mainly on an eleven-year study of barn owls in southern Scotland but also draws on other published work from elsewhere."

The Song Thrush

Eric Simms

1989

"A study of the Song Thrush in Britain. Provides information on vocalisation, habitats, feeding, courtship and breeding cycle, roosting ands migrations and movements."

The Red Squirrel

Jessica Holm

1989

The Rabbit

Michael Leach

1989

Primulas of the British Isles

John Richards

1989

"The Primula is one of the best known and loved and most studied genera of plants. This book attempts to view Primula from the approach of the naturalist, gardener and biologist."

The Great Crested Grebe

K.E.L. Simmons

1999

"This book describes the biology and behaviour of the Great Crested Grebe."

The Gannet

Bryan Nelson

1989

"This book describes its life of the Gannet from hatching until death and the obstacles faced during the transition from naked squab to successful breeding adult."

The Common Seal

Paul Thompson

1989

"This book covers all aspects of the biology of the common seal, basing itself largely on a study of their ecology in Orkney, but drawing also on previously published studies from North America and Europe. It describes their distribution around Britain and explains where they are most likely to see seals in the wild. Common seal behaviour, both on their haul-out sites and in the water, is described and information given on their population dynamics, annual cycle and feeding ecology. Deit and feeding ecology are discussed in relation to the ability to dive and exploit food resources which are unavailable to most mammals. These feeding specialisations do, however, bring common seals into conflict with man, and the final chapter examines attitudes to their conservation and management."

The Avocet

David Hill

1989

"This book has chapters dealing with avocet plumage, world distribution and populations, food, feeding ecology and predators. A further chapter details courtship, breeding and migration. The final chapter deals with managing and conserving avocet habits and shows how they can be encouraged to breed."

The Redshank

W.G. Hale

1988

"This book briefly covers all aspects of the biology of the Redshank. Includes sections on the origins of the different races, breeding distribution, differences in migration patterns of different populations, courtship displays, breeding biology, feeding, moult and population fluctuations."

The Hedgehog

P.A. Morris

1988

The Dipper

Stephanie Tyler and Stephen Ormerod

1988

"A study of the Dipper in Britain. Provides information on adaptation to an aquatic life style, distribution, territorial behaviour, breeding habits, diet, movements and mortality."

Shrews of the British Isles

Sara Churchfield

1988

The Pheasant

P.A. Robertson

1988

A study of the ecology and behaviour of the Pheasant.

The Oystercatcher

Desmond Nethersole-Thompson

1988

"A study of the Oystercatcher with information on life history, voice, food and feeding, predators and pirates, flocking, and distribution."

The Mute Swan

Janet Kear

1988

"This book examines a number of aspects of Mute Swan natural history and its relationship with man. Includes colour and black and white photographs."

The Grey Seal

Sheila Anderson

1988

Grasshoppers and Bush-crickets of the British Isles

Andrew Mahon

1988

Butterflies of the British Isles: The Lycaenidae

Michael Easterbrook

1988

One of three publications in the series covering butterflies. This includes the Blues, Coppers and Hairstreaks.

The Cuckoo

Ian Wyllie

1987

"This book describes the lifestyle of the Cuckoo and the adaptations it has made to suit its parasitic breeding strategy."

Longhorn Beetles of the British Isles

Norman Hickin

1988

Ants of the British Isles

G.J. Skinner

1987

"This book concentrates particularly on ant species likely to be found in the garden or on a ramble in the countryside. The most striking aspect of ant biology is their social behaviour. This and its effects on the environment are considered."

The Brown Hare

Stephen Tapper

1987

"This book presents a straightforward account of the state of knowledge, the main pressures on and interests in the hare, and what measures can be taken to ensure its continued presence on our farms."

Butterflies of the British Isles: The Nymphalidae

Michael Easterbrook

1987

One of three publications in the series covering butterflies. This family includes the Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral.

The Adder

Peter Stafford

1987

"This book provides a concise account of adder natural history and ecology, giving details of the sort of places likely to be inhabited by adders and describing precisely how, where and when to look for them."

The Blue Tit

Jim Flegg

1987

The Sparrowhawk

Ian Newton

1987

"This book discusses aspects of the behaviour and biology of the Sparrowhawk including distribution, habitat, food preferences, breeding, movements and mortality."

Bats of the British Isles

A.A. Wardhaugh

1987

The Lapwing

Peter Weaver

1987

The Blackbird

David W. Snow

1987

"This book describes in detail the life and times of the blackbird including information on identification, breeding, populations, longevity and mortality, and its relationship with man."

The Swallow

Peter Tate

1986

The Kingfisher

David Boag

1986

"A study of the Kingfisher in the UK. Sections are: The Kingfisher; Territorial Aggression; Feeding; Breeding and Watching Kingfishers."

Lichens

Jack R. Laundon

1986

Gorse

C.J. Humphries and E. Shaughnessy

1986

Willows of the British Isles

Theresa Brendell

1985

The Starling

C.J. Feare

1985

"This concise study of the Starling provides information including distribution, feeding, breeding, and social life."

Buttercups

Stephen Blackmore

1985

"This book describes where to look for the many different kinds of buttercup and how they may be recognised. it discusses the detailed structure of the flowers, how they are pollinated and how they set seed."

Parasitic Worms

Jim Flegg

1985

Fungi

Pamela Forey

1985

Bee Orchids

Stephen Blackmore

1985

The Puffin

Jim Flegg

1985

Hawk-moths of the British Isles

Michael Easterbrook

1985