The Goshawk: (Poyser Monographs)

A large and spectacular bird of prey, the Goshawk lives in boreal forests throughout the Northern hemisphere. The Goshawk is an authoritative yet highly readable monograph of the species. A powerful hunter of large birds and woodland mammals, it was persecuted for many years by game keepers to the point of extinction in the UK. However, escaped falconry birds led to the establishment of a new population in the 1960s, though the species remains rare and elusive - birders need a combination of hard work and a little luck to see this magnificent raptor. The Goshawk includes chapters on nomenclature, races and morphs, biometrics, nesting, incubation and chick-rearing, migration, feeding ecology, population dynamics, and conservation, punctuated throughout with illuminating tales from author Robert Kenward's extensive field research. The book is packed with illustrations, figures and maps, and contains a selection of the author's superb photographs of the birds. The product of almost 30 years work, this title is a classic Poyser monograph; birders will enjoy the fascinating insights into the biology of the bird, while academics will appreciate the book's comprehensive literature review.

Table of Contents:
Prologue Foreword 1 Names, Races and Relatives 2 Weights and Measures 3 Nesting and Laying 4 Incubation and Rearing 5 Markers and Movements 6 Diet and Foraging 7 Prey Selection and Predation Pressures 8 Death and Demography 9 Falconry and Management Measures 10 Conservation Through Protection and Use Appendices 1 Scientific names of vertebrates mentioned in the text 2 Sources for figures that used data from more than ten publications References

About the Author :
An expert radio-tracker, Robert Kenward is an ecologist and an international authority on raptors. He has made the study of the Goshawk his life's work. Kenward has written numerous papers and articles on this species.

Review :
This fine book will serve equally as the standard reference for biologists and birders as well as providing delight for anyone with a more general interest in wildlife. This is the type of bird book you wish everyone could write: full of fascinating information but written in an entertaining, easy-to-read, almost confiding style. Raptor enthusiasts will love this book. This long awaited title in the acclaimed Poyser series of species monographs is an authoritative, well-written and nicely produced volume... Kenward's unparalleled knowledge and intimate relationship with his subject make this book an interesting read. [This] volume will remain an insightful overview and contemporary reference for many years... I found this book both interesting and stimulating. I strongly recommend it for both professional and enthusiast.