The Hen Harrier's Year
Understanding the struggles of a remarkable bird of prey
Ian Carter author Dan Powell illustrator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Pelagic Publishing
Published:11th Oct '22
Should be back in stock very soon
This book chronicles the life of the Hen Harrier, highlighting its struggles and triumphs throughout the year while addressing conservation challenges.
In The Hen Harrier's Year, readers are introduced to the struggles of one of Britain's most captivating birds of prey. While many raptors have rebounded from past persecution, the Hen Harrier faces ongoing challenges that hinder its recovery. This beautifully illustrated work provides an in-depth exploration of the species, highlighting not only its majestic behaviors, such as sky-dancing and food passes, but also the harsh realities of its existence in the modern landscape.
The narrative follows the Hen Harrier throughout the year, capturing its life cycle from nurturing young hidden in heather to enduring the bitter cold of winter. Each month offers a glimpse into the bird's resilience and adaptability, juxtaposed with broader discussions on its historical context and the pressing conservation issues it faces. Notably, the conflict surrounding grouse moors reveals the complexities of wildlife management and the precarious position of the Hen Harrier amidst competing interests.
Richly detailed illustrations accompany the text, showcasing the beauty and grace of the Hen Harrier as it navigates its environment. These visuals not only celebrate the bird's existence but also aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for its plight. The Hen Harrier's Year serves as both a tribute to this remarkable raptor and a call to action for its conservation, emphasizing the urgent need for collective efforts to ensure its survival.
This is an exploration and introduction to the ecology of the species and does that job very well...an affectionate portrait of a wonderful species.
-- Mark Avery, author and environmental campaignerA truly great read...this book will inspire you to get out into the countryside, not only to watch the harriers, but also to wonder at the marvels that British nature has to offer.
-- Alan Snook, Hampshire Ornithological SocietyFor anyone who wants to learn more about the life history and ecology of the hen harrier, but has been put off by dry, academic scripts, this is the book for you. Ian Carter has done a wonderful job of assimilating the scientific knowledge about the hen harrier and presenting it in such an engaging format that you’re left deciding whether to turn the page or grab your coat to go in search of this precious species.
-- Raptor Persecution UKFor the writing of this work, Ian Carter and Dan Powell followed the Hen Harrier for a year: from hatching the eggs and raising the young to the struggle for survival in winter's harshest months. Beautiful illustrations from life…will delight admirers of this species and the authors hope that this will also generate more interest its welfare.
-- Walter Belis, AlaudaIf, like me, you love raptors, this is for you.
-- John Miles, birdwatching.co.ukThis book is a must have for anyone with an interest in the Hen Harrier!
-- The Birdbooker ReportThe Carter and Powell duo have triumphed again. This book is informative and relevant, and a delight both to read and simply to look at.
-- Keith Betton, British WildlifeThis is the book to get if you want an easy-to-read and informative account of the Hen Harrier, its history in Britain and its interaction with the grouse-shooting industry. I found it a pleasure to read.
-- Ian Newton, British BirdsThis is a beautifully presented book, a worthy sequel to the previous offering, a love-letter to Hen Harriers and the places they inhabit, and a scathing appraisal of the failure to bring this delicate species back from the brink in the UK. This would provide the perfect introduction to anyone interested in learning more about them and the challenges they face.
-- Anthony Wetherhill * BTO News *The book gives you an insight into this amazing bird with Dan’s large number of paintings/sketches adding to the story. If you liked the Red Kite book in this series, you will certainly enjoy this book.
-- John Miles, IBISDan Powell's illustrations throughout the book are delightful... This book is well worth a read and anything that brings the Hen Harrier's plight to a wider audience can only be a good thing.
-- Sandy McNeil * De Tha DISBN: 9781784273859
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 493g
180 pages