The Vanishing Mew Gull

Modern taxonomic studies have created a revolution in the genetic sequencing of bird families and have resulted in confusing changes to the names of many species, particularly in the scientific nomenclature. This book presents all the birds of the Western Palaearctic under the latest taxonomic scheme followed by the International Ornithological Congress. The geographic scope embraces about 10% of the world's bird species, covering almost 1,100 in total. Each species is considered in order, discussing aspects of both vernacular and scientific names, as well as supplementary information such as status, appearance and history. An introduction elucidates the history of the linguistic elements concerned, taking into account the major languages of Europe, and offers a condensed analysis of the 'authority' for any bird names. Good dictionaries of avian names are thin on the ground: most are only partial in coverage, and the majority are word-centric. Hence, British and European birds have long lacked a work that truly wraps the names - both vernacular and scientific - around the birds themselves. This reference will be appeal to any bird enthusiast, but also to those seeking out the background on particular species or simply trying to make some sense of what can seem like a somewhat confused scenario. Filling a critical gap, it will be a useful tool for any student of ornithology, whatever their level of experience.

The book “Biodiversity of Wetlands and Forests: A Nature Trail” focuses on biodiversity of wetlands and forests with special emphasis on field observations of plants, reptiles, birds and mammals recorded by the author in various geographical provinces of Gujarat, India. It highlights the need of biodiversity conservation, causes and concerns, exploitation of biodiversity, habitat destruction, interaction of man and technology with biodiversity, policy framework for biodiversity conservation, and wilderness and forests. Moreover, it summarizes a review on birds with special emphasis on geographical and ecological distribution of avifauna of north-western India, birds in ancient times with myths and motifs, an integral association of trees and birds, birds migration, magnetic orientation of birds, and mythological beliefs about birds. The present book covers exhaustive information on wetlands for tourism, important wetlands of national importance, wise use, characteristics and prime importance of wetlands as enduring habitats, and threats to viable wetlands. It emphasizes significant wetlands as abode for avifauna, wetlands as bird habitats, significant factors for survival of wetland birds, importance of wetlands for birds’ population, influence of wetlands on waterfowl population, wetland loss and decline of bird diversity, threats to avian habitats, and conservation and management strategies for potential avian ecosystems and legal policy framework for sustainability of waterbirds. The book is written in articulate manner citing notable sightings of some unique floral and faunal elements in the forested pockets. It encompasses archetypal records of plants, animals and birds along with their distinctive occurrence, feeding patterns, conservation, and management of threatened biodiversity, and many more. It describes some remarkable, noteworthy and astonishing sightings of species inhabiting in potential niches, habitats and ecosystems of Western India. Here, the author has shared his incidental as well as subsisting experiences in amazing habitats amidst the nature trails of forested patches and thickets. This book will undoubtedly enrich and enhance the knowledge and awareness of naturalists in the field. This book is a blend of two previously published books by the same author (Hiren B. Soni, Ph.D.) viz. ‘Biodiversity, Birds and Wetlands’, and ‘Biodiversity and Birds: A Field Journey’. This book is published to be handy and helpful to every reader and amateur of the world. Author believes that it would surely be a ready-reference for every researcher as well as nature lover in each and every corner of the world.

In 1995 the National Trust for Scotland acquired Mar Lodge Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms. Home to over 5,000 species, this vast expanse of Caledonian woodlands, subarctic mountains, bogs, moors, roaring burns and frozen lochs could be a place where environmental conservation and Highland field sports would exist in harmony. The only problem was that due to centuries of abuse by human hands, the ancient Caledonian pinewoods were dying, and it would take radical measures to save them. After 25 years of extremely hard work, the pinewoods, bogs, moors and mountains are returning to their former glory. Regeneration is the story of this success, featuring not only the people who are protecting the land and quietly working to undo the wrongs of the past, but also the myriad creatures which inspire them to do so. In addition, it also tackles current controversies such as raptor persecution, deer management and rewilding and asks bigger questions about the nature of conservation itself: what do we see when we look at our wild places? What should we see?

Insects are often overlooked because they are small or ignored because they are deemed trivial, and many are dismissed as nuisance pests. But their numbers and diversity are mind-numbing, and under even a modest hand lens they are beautiful or bizarre. Insects dominate the centre ground of all terrestrial and most aquatic ecosystems. They inform us of the conservation value of ancient woodland and chalk downland. They help monitor the purity or pollution levels of ponds, streams and rivers. And they can demonstrate the effects of climate change, acting as warning lights to alert us to the damage that humans are doing to the world. Recent insectageddon headlines are starting to make people sit up and take more notice. What better way to promote an interest in these fascinating creatures than by poetizing them? This cornucopia of discordant nonsense, with some quite frankly dubious rhyming clashes, is offered up so that entomological outreach will at least benefit from their shock value.