Marianne Taylor

In Search of Scottish Wildcats

Tracking the Highland Tiger

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The ultimate illustrated guide to all known bat species Bats: An Illustrated Guide to All Species explores bats and their fundamental role in our ecosystems through lavish full-color photographs and lively narrative. From the Giant Golden Crowned Flying Fox, a megabat with a wingspan of more than five feet, to the aptly named Bumblebee Bat, the world's smallest mammal, the number and diversity of bat species have proven to be both rich and underestimated. Nocturnal, fast-flying, and secretive, bats are difficult to observe and catalog. This richly illustrated handbook presents bats' evolution, biology, behavior, and ecology. It offers in-depth profiles of four hundred megabats and microbats and detailed summaries of all the species identified to date. Complete with an introduction exploring bats' natural history and their unique adaptations to life on the wing, Bats includes close-up images of these animals' delicate and intricate forms and faces, each shaped by evolution to meet the demands of an extraordinarily specialized life.

An Illustrated Guide to All Species

Bats

Rachel Warren Chadd

Why are owls regarded either as wise or as harbingers of doom? What gave rise to the fanciful belief that storks bring babies? Why is the eagle associated with victory or the hummingbird with paradise? The answers are here in this new and engaging book. By re-telling the many legends, beliefs, proverbs and predictions associated with more than 80 birds from many nations, it brings into focus the close – and often ancient – links between humans and these remarkable feathered descendants of dinosaurs. Discover, for instance: Why the cockerel features on many church spires The one sacred bird that symbolises life and peace in most cultures How to dispel bad luck if you see this black-and-white bird The South-American 'devil bird' once thought to be a dragon Birds: lore, myth and legend draws on historical accounts and scientific literature to reveal how colourful tales or superstitions were shaped by human imagination from each bird's behaviour or appearance. It offers an enchanting and different perspective on birds across the world.

Birds: Myth, Lore and Legend

Mr. Renny's paintings are so good that they almost appear real. But no one seems to pay them any attention-until a strange man offers to make everything that Mr. Renny paints come to life. First there's the painting of the apple, which Mr. Renny can now eat. Then there's a huge hotdog, a new car, a cruise liner... Mr. Renny paints himself a life of luxury-until his friend Rose comes to ask if she can buy one of his paintings. But he doesn't have any real paintings left! The spell must be broken-and soon! A book containing subtle references to the work of Belgian surrealist Ren Magritte, the illustrations are full of clever and amusing details.

What It Is and How It Lives

The Nature Book

Everyone has wondered what it would be like to be their pet dog or cat—covered in fur, walking on all fours. But have you ever wondered what it would be like to have eight eyes and legs like a spider? What if you drank through a straw that was part of your mouth like a butterfly? The imagination runs wild in this book that explores the hilarious possibilities of what it would be like if people had the traits of animals all while learning distinct and disgusting facts about these animals. For instance, picture what it would be like if people . . . . . . carried their young in their mouths like jawfish do. . . . were as strong as carpenter ants, which can lift 850x their own weight. . . . could stretch over 10x their own length the way that ribbon worms can. . . . had eyes in their hands like starfish. . . . had skunk defenses and squirted some stink out of their rears when they’re attacked. What If Humans Were Animals imagines all these possibilities and more in hilariously graphic picture and gag-provoking text that entertains as well as educates. Readers will never be able to forget all these animal facts when they picture them in this zany and outrageous context.

The Amazing and Disgusting Life You'd Lead as a Snake, Bird, Fish, or Worm!

What If Humans Were Like Animals?

Delve into the mysteries of the ancient Earth with this highly visual, full-colour guide, written by renowned natural history author, Marianne Taylor. From the origins of life to the reign of the dinosaurs and the ice age, this fascinating book explores the diversity of life on Earth in the time before humans came to dominate the planet. Learn how species rose, fell, and evolved as they adapted to a changing climate and the varied ecosystems that arose. Discover the five mass extinction events and how life rose again despite the challenges. Explore the majesty of the dinosaurs and the fascinating ancestors of the many animals that we know and love today. The text is brought to life by superb full-colour photos, charts, maps and infographics to reveal the early history of the planet in all its splendour. A fascinating guide to the world which can be enjoyed by the whole family. ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus' Discovering... series brings together spectacular guides which explore the science behind our world, brought to life by eye-catching photography.

A Guide to the Astonishing Forms of Early Life on Earth

Discovering the Prehistoric World

I Used to Know That: Science covers the many facets of the modern scientific world including the general principles of physics, chemistry, and biology and explains how they affect our everyday lives. Do you know why we are able to see light and hear sound? What is the Earth made of? How does the body produce energy? And, most important, does any of this matter? In I Used to Know That: Science, Marianne Taylor will answer those questions and more and will tell you why the answers are vital to us and to the scientists working on the cutting edge of scientific research. In this book, you will learn about: Physics-Energy and Electricity: How electricity is generated; how heat moves from one place to another; the relationship between electricity and magnetism Forces: The four fundamental forces; the origins of the universe; the composition and behavior of planets, stars and galaxies; the basic laws of mechanical physics Waves, Radiation and Space: How waves behave and how they affect us; the electromagnetic spectrum; radioactivity Chemistry-The Periodic Table: How to read the table; how atoms work; chemical bonds and reactions Fuels, Air and Pollution: Chemicals, both helpful and dangerous, in the air; crude oil and its useful chemicals; live cycle assessments Metals: The Earth’s structure; metals and alloys; construction materials Organic Chemistry: Natural polymers and their usefulness; nutrition; which chemicals are harmful Biology-Human (and Other) Bodies: The body’s systems-circulatory, skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, reproductive, respiratory and sensory Cell Biology: The structure of a cell; how photosynthesis works; what hormones do Evolution and Environment Ecology: The origins of life; how the eukaryotic cell evolved; mutation and natural selection; population, predation and extinction Genetics: what chromosomes are; how you inherit genetic traits; reproduction and cloning I Used to Know That: Science is a necessary read for anyone who wants to understand the modern scientific world and how the general principles of physics, chemistry, and biology affect our everyday lives.

Fascinating Truths About How Animals Evolve, Plants Grow, Molecules Bond, and Stars Explode

I Used to Know That: Science

Michael Fogden

Hummingbirds have always held popular appeal, with their visual brilliance, extraordinary flight dexterity and jewel-like size and colour. Only recently has their serious scientific study started to gain the attention it demands. With the increasing interest in biodiversity, they are a subject growing in significance with every new species discovery made. Hummingbirds presents every species, with over 300 birds shown in dazzling, life-size, cut-out photography.

A Life-Size Guide to Every Species

Hummingbirds

Steve Martin

Clive Gifford

Each themed page is full of number-led facts that are sure to amaze and enthrall readers from ages 8-80. Discover how fast a sneeze travels, how many Earths could fit inside the Sun, the size of a T-Rex's teeth and much, much more. From animals and adventures, to fashion, food, bugs and buildings - there's something for everyone in this brilliant book.

The World in Numbers

RSPB Spotlight: Ducks and Geese is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist. This will be a detailed 'biography' of ducks and geese that breed in or regularly visit the UK – covering 30 species in all. It will include chapters on the evolution of ducks and geese, their place in the natural world, their anatomy and physiology, various feeding methods, spectacular courtship displays and diverse breeding behaviour. Marianne Taylor will reveal their often epic migrations and examine their social interactions with their own and other species, including their unusual readiness to hybridise. She will also detail their relationships with humankind over the centuries, including their presence in folklore and literature and their role in our lives as both prey and pets. She will also explore their presence as feral and sometimes invasive species outside their natural ranges, and their current status within their native wild ranges as the group includes several species recently recognised as being of global conservation concern.

RSPB Spotlight Ducks and Geese

Engineered by evolution to thrive in the wild A tiny textbook to learn on your own How Birds Work goes beyond the typical field guide to show us not only what birds look like but why. Why do many owls have asymmetrical ear openings? (Hint: It helps them pinpoint prey; see page 40.) And why does the Grey Heron rest on one leg at a time? (Hint: Not because it’s tired; see page 66!) Birds boast a spectacular array of adaptations suited to their incredibly diverse diets and habitats. In this in-depth handbook, discover the ways they’re even more astounding than you know—inside and out. Detailed analysis and illustrations illuminate: Skeleton Muscles Circulation Digestion Respiration Reproduction Feathers Colors and Patterns And much, much more!

An Illustrated Guide to the Wonders of Form and Function—from Bones to Beak

How Birds Work

A lavish celebration of 47 of the most frequent and familiar birds found in gardens around the British Isles. From urban rooftops to open meadows, the incredible diversity of gardens in the British Isles can provide refuge and feeding opportunities for a vast array of birds. Even the smallest gardens can attract some birdlife and watching garden birds is a great joy for all nature lovers, brightening each day and providing an immediate connection with the wider and wilder world beyond the fence. Nature is facing challenges throughout the world, including right here in the UK, and the changing fortunes of our garden birds are strong indicators of the overall health of our wildlife. With information on how to encourage birds to visit our gardens and boost their survival and breeding success, and how to identify them, this book describes the small steps we can all take to help these birds survive the hardships of winter and bring forth a healthy new generation that we can recognise, appreciate and enjoy for decades to come. RSPB Garden Birds is a lavish celebration of 47 of our most frequent and familiar garden birds, and the final chapter looks at some of the less regular – but equally welcome – visitors. Detailed biographies outline each species' life history, distribution, behaviour and breeding habits, and an extensive introduction provides guidance on the general practicalities of garden birdwatching and managing a wildlife garden. Featuring more than 200 spectacular photographs revealing every detail of our garden birds' appearance and behaviour, this book will appeal to anyone who has discovered their love of wildlife through watching the birds in their garden.

RSPB Garden Birds

Their melodious voices, bright red breasts and cheeky attitudes have always endeared Robins to the public, but how much do we really know about these familiar garden visitors. The characteristic image of a Robin on a spade handle is actually a consequence of their keen territorial instincts - males are often to be seen seeking a favourable lookout post. Despite their cute appearance, Robins are aggressively territorial and because they hold their territories all year round, Robins are one of the only UK birds that can still be heard singing in our gardens on Christmas Day, which has perhaps contributed to their longstanding association with the Christmas season. In this delightful new book Marianne Taylor provides a revealing account of their life cycle, behaviour and breeding, what they eat, how they hold their territories, and she looks into the many cultural representations of these much-loved little birds.

RSPB Spotlight: Robins

Owls are charismatic and exceptionally well-loved characters in British wildlife, and have always held a special place in our folklore and legends. Their nocturnal habits mean few of us have been lucky enough to see them up close. In RSPB Spotlight: Owls Marianne Taylor introduces readers to every aspect of their lives including their physiology, biology and behaviour, as well as their history, and future in conservation in Britain and abroad. Five species of owl currently live in Britain - the Tawny, Barn, Little, Long-eared and Short-eared Owls - and each of them, as well as their relatives abroad, are introduced here in detail alongside top quality colour photographs and fascinating behavioural images, which will delight and inform the whole family. The book begins with a look at owls in general then examines the five British species in more detail. It discusses their evolutionary history and distribution around the world. Their anatomy and adaptations are examined, as well as their natural behaviours including hunting, nesting and mating practices. Next, we are introduced to their life cycles, beginning as eggs, moving onto fledging and independence, migration, and finally death. Marianne also includes a discussion of conservation as it affects owls, and owls' unique relationships with humans and our culture.

RSPB Spotlight Owls

RSPB ID Spotlight - Woodland Birds

A lavish celebration of seabirds with outstanding depth of coverage and stunning photography, illustrating all aspects of seabird life and behavior.

RSPB Seabirds

A reliable, attractive fold-out identification chart illustrating 50 of Britain's most familiar and popular garden bird species. This RSPB-licensed ID guide features 80 artworks illustrating 50 of Britain's most common and popular garden bird species. Artworks are printed on one side of the fold-out chart with species grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with species identification. On the reverse of the artworks, informative and engaging text is provided about the featured species, as well as helpful advice on how to set up a wildlife garden or put up nest boxes to attract more birds to your garden. Conservation issues our garden bird species are facing, and information on the RSPB's work to support them will also be included.

RSPB ID Spotlight – Garden Birds

Whether you are following the progress of a moth as it flutters around a street lamp or become captivated by the sight of a hawk-moth feeding from lavender, moths are everywhere. But can you tell a Peach Blossom from a Buff Arches? Or distinguish between a Cinnabar and a Six-spot Burnet? Mostly active by night, moths are often overlooked compared to colourful day-flying butterflies. But the UK is home to more than 2,500 moth species, many of which are beautiful and varied, with different wing shapes, sizes and patterns. RSPB ID Spotlight Moths is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of 90 of our most widespread and familiar moths by renowned artist Richard Lewington. - 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 moths, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB and other conservation charities are working to support them - Practical tips on how to monitor moth populations and turn your garden into a moth haven are 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.

RSPB ID Spotlight - Moths

An exploration of the mysterious Scottish Wildcat--Britain's rarest mammal, and one of the most endangered carnivores in the world. These cats are fierce and very wild--completely untameable. Just like domestic cats prowling in the garden, wildcats hunt for a wide range of prey, from mice and voles to grouse, rabbits and red squirrels. Their kittens are born in March, and quickly begin to learn key hunting skills. Wildcats have endured centuries of habitat loss; they have been hunted for fur and been killed as vermin, and are threatened by inbreeding with domestic moggies, along with other issues such as disease and vehicle collisions. In this book, Marianne Taylor--author of the award-winning Way of the Hare-- seeks out the beautiful and enigmatic Scottish Wildcat in a rich narrative interwoven with what we know about the cat's biology and history in Britain. The Highland Tiger is a great read for anyone with an interest in Britain's wildlife and wild places, and especially to those who are fond of felines.

Marianne Taylor

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