RSPB ID Spotlight - Ducks, Geese and Swans - Stephen Message

Whether you are watching an Eider soar low over the water or listening to the iconic sound of a flock of geese flying overhead, chances are you will already be familiar with many different species of ducks, geese and swans found around the UK. But can you tell a Goosander from a Red-breasted Merganser? Or confidently distinguish between a Pink-footed Goose and a Greylag Goose? The varied habitats in the British Isles provide a home to many ducks, geese and swans that live here year-round, as well as the enormous number of birds that arrive in winter. RSPB ID Spotlight Ducks, Geese and Swans is a reliable fold-out chart with illustrations of 30 of the UK's most familiar wildfowl by renowned artist Stephen Message. - Species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification - Artworks are shown side-by-side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field - The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our ducks, geese and swans, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB is working to support them - Information on successful preservation campaigns of UK wetlands and how to take part in the Wetland Birds Survey is also included The ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

About the Author

Stephen Message is one of the UK's foremost bird artists and an experienced birdwatcher. He studied natural history illustration at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and has worked as a freelance artist ever since. He has twice been runner up for Bird Illustrator of the Year and was also the runner up for 2017's Birdwatch Artist of the Year. Stephen has illustrated many books, including Waders of Europe, Asia and North America and the Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. Marianne Taylor is a freelance writer, illustrator, photographer and editor. Marianne worked in publishing for seven years before taking the plunge as a freelancer in 2007. Since then, she has written more than 25 books for adults and children on a range of natural history subjects, including RSPB Garden Birds, RSPB British Birds of Prey, RSPB Seabirds and The Way of the Hare. A passion for all wildlife, but especially birds, has always been a driving force in Marianne's life.