This book sets out an approach for successfully combining a viable farming business with increasing biodiversity and other public goods. It draws on scientific research and demonstration projects from across Europe and outlines habitat measures designed to benefit the Grey Partridge. The reason the Grey Partridge is the focus of this book is because it is an indicator species for a healthy farmed habitat. As such, there are several sections about other species that will benefit from the Grey Partridge conservation such as Skylarks, Harvest Mice and Butterflies, which is most relevant in modern conservation. This book is aimed for famers, habitat managers and policy makers who wish to encourage partridge conservation. Therefore, it talks a lot about case examples and how specifically to encourage this bird on the ground, such as which specific plants to grow for food and shelter in winter. Therefore, this book is perhaps less relevant for anyone who is interested in general information about partridges and their natural history. The book is full of photographs, illustrations and figures and is very short, so can be read in just an hour or two, making it a good 'go-to' book for those who don't have time to pour over endless papers. Because of this, it is a good reference book, easy to flick through to the relevant pages if you are using it to draw a habitat management plan.

The vivid plumage used on the hat on the cover of this book is a reminder of the main reason birds are featured in a book on hats. Covering the history of hats from their earliest evidence at the end of the Stone Age through the peak of the fur and feather trade to modern hat styles, this book cleverly introduces us to the consequences of extravagant tastes in materials and fashions. I picked up this book intrigued as to what facts I might glean from its pages and found myself both fascinated and horrified by the scale of the feather trade that boomed in the 'Western world' that drove many species to be hunted to extinction. I knew this had happened but reading the numbers and weights of plumage and pelts auctioned in the major cities really put things into scale and made me wonder if it might be possible to examine the former population numbers of different species back before such trades put them into endangered numbers. The chapters follow a wide set of topics to take you through this journey, from the earliest hats and the fur trade to specifics of the European and North American markets and fashions ending with 20th Century outcomes. One chapter that might have information that is new to most readers is that called 'Ladies with influence'. This recounts the usually untold histories of how woman founded both the RSPB and Audubon Society with the aim to prevent the mass persecution of birds (and mammals) for the hat trade. Modern conservation efforts are then neatly discussed in the penultimate chapter pointing out where some species have been able to revive their population numbers but that fragmentation of populations means there are still many that have a long way to go. Modern fashions and principles may mean that fewer hats are made with real plumage and furs but there is still a long way to go to recover from the historic damages done. This book is perfect for both the budding historian of either conservation ecology or fashion history, providing many insights into the conflicting natures of the fashion trade and the superiority of natural feathers and fur over artificial substitutes.

This is a book for anyone curious about the lives of our woodland plants, and the processes and pressures that affect them. Keith Kirby’s career as a woodland ecologist gave him vast experience of woods and their conservation throughout Britain. This is the eighth title in the British Wildlife Collection series that already has a reputation for finely produced, informative, readable books. Keith Kirby’s book is a thought provoking, personal and richly illustrated contribution to it. The breadth of the book is somewhat greater than the title might imply. It is far more than a natural history of flowering plants. Although it focuses on plants of the woodland floor and climbers, there is much information about the trees themselves. Two chapters describe types of British woodland and their characteristic plants including the trees. The book is essentially a grand tour through the many ideas and issues relevant to understanding why, in Britain, we have the woods and woodland flora that we do. To give an indication of the scope, there are chapters dealing with the history of woodland botanising, past woodland management, what goes on below the ground, impacts of storms, grazing animals, the nature of primeval forests, the European context, newly created woodland, and human recreation. I liked the frequent use of concise illustrated essays focusing on a carefully selected plants that inform the reader about a particular concept or idea. Perhaps surprisingly, no single chapter is devoted to climate change though it features strongly in a chapter primarily devoted to atmospheric pollution. Keith Kirby points out that there is little evidence that the distributions of woodland plants, unlike those of birds, have started to change. Perhaps this is because the microclimates are more stable inside woodland than in more open habitats, or that many plants are relatively long-lived and have the reserves to tide them over unfavourable periods. Nonetheless, in the longer term, changes are to be expected. We could see species that are currently restricted to southern England expanding northwards, and non-native species of southern climates escaping from gardens into woodland. There is a discussion of ‘nativeness’ in an earlier chapter. Given the high probability of many introductions by humans of plants in past millennia, and the fact that garden escapes can obscure natural distributions, this topic is far more complex for plants than it is for birds. Whilst recognising that many woods have undergone damaging changes in recent decades, including the replacement of broadleaves by conifers and massive increases in grazing pressure, an optimistic outlook is adopted. Woodland flowers have fared much better than those of farmland over the last 60 years and Keith Kirby is hopeful that recent plantings will eventually give new opportunities.

In my career as a field ornithologist, I would rate one of the best projects I ever worked on as the season I spent assisting on the long-running Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) monitoring project at Glen Clunie in Aberdeenshire. That project initiated my passion for the mountain blackbird and having the opportunity to spend hours among the heather and crags peering into the intricacies of Ring Ouzel life taught me so much about interpreting the behaviour of individual birds. From being a part of that project, I was able to join the Ring Ouzel Study Group; a motley band of dedicated fieldworkers and conservationists from all over the UK that meet once a year (in normal times) to talk about all things related to the moon-chested beauties, one of our least-studied Red-listed species. It was at the last group meeting that I met the authors of this new book, Vic Fairbrother and Ken Hutchinson, and since getting a taster of their remarkable fieldwork achievements in their update at the group’s meeting, I have been waiting in anticipation for their book to be published. First and foremost, The Ring Ouzel: A view from the North York Moors is a thorough compendium of two decades worth of careful field study of a single species. But it is also a love letter to the landscapes and wildlife of Yorkshire, and the authors’ affection for these shines through. The book consists of 19 chapters, starting with a general introduction to Ring Ouzels and the current knowledge base we have about their status in the UK, and a summary of the main Ring Ouzel study areas. The major focus of the book is the authors’ study site at Rosedale in the North York Moors, and each chapter is devoted to one aspect of the Ring Ouzel annual cycle. Starting with their arrival in spring from their wintering grounds, through to breeding history at particular locations through Rosedale, and their breeding behaviour through egg, chick and fledging stages, detailed descriptions of each of these life stages are compared and contrasted with what is known about Ring Ouzel ecology elsewhere using field notes and observations from the Rosedale study site. The book also includes a very interesting chapter on Ring Ouzel communication and song which will be useful for upland ecologists in an age where sound recording is becoming more commonplace. Chapters on predation and shared habitats neatly show the interactions Ring Ouzels have with other species in the moorland ecosystem. The final chapter discusses the multitude of conservation issues that Ring Ouzels face and work that is ongoing to further study and protect them. I really enjoyed the use of transcribed field notes and diary accounts throughout the text, as they allow the reader to be there in the field with the authors to experience the finding of a nest, a particular quirk of behaviour of one of the birds, or a change in the weather. If nothing else the book shows the value in taking brief but detailed notes in the field. A real highlight is the use of evocative watercolour plates of Ring Ouzels; a difficult subject to photograph, the paintings really show the subtleties of their character and behaviour, and they complement the photographs used in the book beautifully. A criticism though, is the use of website addresses in the main text. These work well as handy links to further reading and references when used in a digital format like a PDF, but in a book they are jarring, and would have been better consigned simply to a references section or as footnotes. In all this is a beautifully presented book, a treasure trove of knowledge and a great examination of Ring Ouzel ecology. It is a comprehensive endorsement of single-species studies and will be a useful touchstone for the future monitoring and conservation of one of our most vulnerable thrushes.

The Kestrel is probably not a book for those with a passing interest in kestrels, but would be a useful addition to the library of anyone who has a keen research interest in this widespread but declining falcon. The book, published by Cambridge University Press, looks at some of the not-inconsiderable volume of research that has been published on kestrels over the past 30 years in particular, since the publication of the Poyser monograph of the same title by Andrew Village in 1990. It focusses on aspects of the ecology, behaviour, and biology of kestrels but also explores the latest research on movement and conservation. I should say too that this book does not aim to be a complete update to Village’s Monograph, which it definitely isn’t, but more of a companion piece focussing on synthesising updates on specific aspect of kestrel research. Focussing primarily on the Common Kestrel, the book also provides insights into some of the other kestrel species currently recognised, comparing and contrasting research findings, although the coverage of these other species is uneven with most reference made to the American Kestrel and Lesser Kestrel. The book itself contains a good number of maps, photographs, graphs and tables; these are all in black and white, although a small number are replicated in colour plates. The distribution maps were very difficult to read due to colour choices but that’s a small criticism. Each of the 10 chapters provides a short introduction to the subjects covered and then summarises the main findings and gaps in knowledge at the end. Chapter contents include evolution, feeding ecology, habitat use, breeding ecology, physiology, immunology, toxicology, movement ecology, conservation and population dynamics. The scope of the book can mean it is sometimes challenging to pull out information most relevant to kestrels in the UK (if that’s your interest!) as although most of the research comes from Europe, there can be large variations in the ecology of kestrels in southern Europe and those in the north or north-west, let alone in the rest of the Common Kestrels range... I don’t think this is a failing necessarily, as in a book of this length it is probably inevitable when synthesising research across so many different ecological regions, but it may be worth noting. The authors also acknowledge that many of the studies only cover quite discreet areas, but hope that the results from these studies might stimulate others to conduct similar studies in other parts of the Common Kestrel's range. If I had to find fault it would be that at times I would get to the end of a section or chapter and feel like the main conclusion was that there was no conclusion and that more work needed to be done. This is the reality of research, but I think more in the way of a discussion on some of the findings would have made some sections more absorbing. Overall this would seem like a expansive summary of published kestrel research bringing us right up to date. It might not be the most accessible book on kestrels out there, but this is not its purpose. The book does a commendable job of synthesising the latest information and providing plenty of references to follow up on if more detail is required. It should prove useful in helping identify research topics for any budding researchers out there or for anyone with a deep interest in these fantastic birds.

Like the author, I too spent many a childhood holiday in Pembrokeshire. In those days the five hour drive from the mountains of Snowdonia to the Mediterranean-like coast of Pembrokeshire was well worth it, especially the boat trips to Caldey to see my first Grey Seals. Now in later life I visit Pembrokeshire again mainly to the coast and Islands for the bird life - little realising what other treasures the county has to offer. I am fortunate in having a number of friends in the area who never fail to remind me that there is an awful lot more to Pembrokeshire than birds. Jonathan Mullard has reinforced this and has opened my eyes to what a diverse place Pembrokeshire is. His broad knowledge of natural history and meticulous research really broadened my view of the county and when next I visit there will be a lot more to see than birds. The historical research I find fascinating, especially the islands. How the military presence has preserved so much, and how the climate differs between north and south. The diversity of the sea life, explained by the sea floor geology and tides, bought back memories of watching Jacques Cousteau, such was the readability of the book. As a regular contributor to the Pembrokeshire Bird Conference every November, I can now look forwards to discussing some of the more 'off grid' sites, as well as having a better understanding of some of the more popular sites. Anybody who visits the county ether as a birder or an all-round naturalist will find lots in this volume to educate them and a few new species and places to visit.

Once again, Ian Newton has produced another brilliant book. As always, it is packed with facts and ideas presented in a clear and easy style that both grips one’s interest and deepens one’s understanding. The uplands are often thought of as more natural or unspoilt than the lowland landscapes of Britain, their state determined largely by their topography, geology and climate. But Newton shows how today’s upland landscapes have been created by human activities over thousands of years. He deals with the management, ecology and birds of grouse moors, deer forests, hill farms, native woodlands and conifer plantations and with the conflicting aims and views that different people have about their management. As in the lowlands, changing land-use has much affected the distribution and numbers of birds, sometimes by deliberate intent (such as the persecution of birds of prey) but often unintended (such as the loss of eagle territories following blanket afforestation). Newton has taken as his task not the promotion of particular solutions to the contentious arguments about upland land-use but the full presentation of the facts that need to be considered if we are to arrive at solutions that satisfy our conservation objectives and society’s needs. As an example of his approach, we may take the management of grouse moors, the hottest topic in upland land-use, at least for birdwatchers. Provision of grouse-shooting is competitive, for the value of the land (about the only financial benefit that the moor delivers to its owners) depends on the numbers of grouse available to be shot. To try to produce large numbers, managers burn vegetation, drain peat, control predators (both legally and illegally), put out grit medicated with antihelminthic drugs and control ticks using acaricides on sheep and by culling hosts such as Mountain Hares. Unlike farmers and foresters, who are greatly supported by the tax-payer, the shooters of grouse (and deer) fund their own expensive hobbies. And, although their activities impose costs on the wider community (such as the treatment of peat-laden water originating from the drainage of moors and the damage to trees by deer), they bring employment to economically deprived communities in places where other land-uses may not be feasible. Newton concludes that “Management for Red Grouse arguably causes less damage than any other form of upland land use as currently practised, apart from rewilding.” But this does not present us with a simple solution to upland management for “Raptor killing is the main issue that divide grouse-moor managers and conservation organisations, which otherwise have much in common.” Although the entrenched positions of the two sides make it difficult, “Only dialogue and compromise on both sides is likely to lessen this conflict.” Any birdwatcher will enjoy this book and benefit from reading it. No hunter, farmer, forester, conservationist, politician or public servant should pontificate on how the uplands should be managed without carefully studying what Newton has to say…

Moult is a fascinating basic life history event in birds which, despite its major impact on their life cycle, is relatively poorly understood and even neglected. This is a companion to the excellent Moult and Ageing of European Passerines (secodnd edition, 2020) by the same authors, previously reviewed in BTO News 335. It started life as a revision of the short summary in the introductory chapters of the Moult and Ageing of European Passerines (first edition, 1994) for the second edition, before being expanded into a book in its own right, as arguably the first general review on moult in birds covering the biology, physiology and ecology of moult. The book itself is divided up into five main chapters covering: 1) the functions of moult, 2) plumage maintenance and why it needs renewal, 3) the actual process of moulting, 4) the effects of environmental conditions during moult on plumage quality and its consequences, and 5) how moult fits into the annual cycle with regards to moult strategies. Each chapter can more or less stand on its own, which does result in some repetition due to the same topics and findings being relevant to more than one area, but it does also avoid the need to read it from cover to cover if you are primarily interested in only part of the work. To aid this, each chapter is subdivided into sections and subsections with helpful short summaries at the end of many of the subsections, and a longer summary and concluding remarks at the end of each section to summarise current knowledge and suggest further research ideas, allowing readers to get the gist of sections quickly. While perhaps not the lightest of reading at about 240 pages plus many pages of references, the more complex topics are explained and summarised well and anybody with an interest in bird moult, such as bird ringers, should find it easy to get into. It’s not a guidebook so don’t expect species accounts, but a wide range of species is mentioned as the authors draw from moult literature across the bird families, highlighting both relatively common moult strategies and traits along with the more unusual, including at times considering differences in moult of closely related species and even subspecies. As the authors, their work (and perhaps most of this book’s likely readers) are based in Europe, there is perhaps an understandable slight bias towards European breeding and moulting species so a more in-depth exploration of the complex moults of North American passerines or topical moulting species including our own migrants could have being interesting, but this a minor quibble and they are still covered. The figures, both diagrammatic and photographs, are excellent and informative throughout, including many example photos of bird wings with in-depth explanatory captions and sometimes labelling in similar vein to their books on European passerine,s although also including non-passerines. All in all, if you want a deep understanding of bird moult biology and processes this book is easily the most in-depth book in existence on this topic while remaining accessible. Although the primary readership is likely to be bird ringers and academics, this book is of potential interest to all ornithologists seeking a greater understanding of bird moult and appearance.

With developments in bat detectors, particularly passive detectors which are left outside to automatically trigger and record any bats that fly past, there is the potential to provide representative acoustic monitoring of bat species distribution and activity as a measure of relative abundance. Whilst software for semi-automating the analysis of sound files is available and can save considerable time in helping to assign recordings to species as a first analyses, acoustic identification using these approaches is not perfect for many species. For this reason, having a clear understanding of how bats calls vary and how far to push identification is essential. Acoustic Ecology of European Bats, which was first published in English in 2015, is the result of over 30 years of research by the author. My previous review of the first edition can be found here. In 2020, a second edition was produced, which I was keen to review again. As with the first edition, the introduction summarizes the basis of biological sonar and gives an overview of the technologies used to convert ultrasound into audible frequencies. The identification criteria for 34 European bat species (and covered all British bats) are given in detail, with an entire chapter devoted to the methodology of the acoustic study of their foraging habitats. Acoustic Ecology of European Bats focuses on the concept of acoustic ecology, illustrated with many examples. This concept explains how the acoustic behaviour of a bat sheds light on its flight environment, its activity, and diet, contributing in all cases to improving the reliability of species identification. For this edition, rather than including a DVD, a downloadable folder of sound files is available online here, which I have found extremely useful. It also includes figures in .xls format, comparing important call parameters for helping in the identification of all bat species. Acoustic Ecology of European Bats contains a wealth of information indispensable to amateur naturalists and professionals involved in the management of protected areas or in environmental impact studies. With the second edition of this book published five years after the first, this remains the most extensive reference to date on the acoustic identification of European bats. For readers who already have the first edition of this book, changes from the first to second edition are small. The main change being an increase in the total number of sound recordings underlying the analyses in the book from 1,058 to 1,153, but there is little new interpretation. For owners of the first edition, there are likely to be too few changes to warrant purchasing the second edition, but those who don’t, and are interested in the sound identification of bats, this is essential reading.