Product Description

The Skylark is one of Britain's most popular and inspirational birds, and in recent years it has also been one of the most newsworthy. The species' population has plummeted as a consequence of changes in farming practice, and the RSPB has launched a major research and fund-raising campaign to save the 'blithe spirit' from further decline. This book looks at all aspects of the life of the Skylark, from its biology, migratory patterns, breeding behaviour and habitat requirements, to its role in legend and folklore. It also discusses its recent rapid decline which has led to the species being placed on the top-priority 'red list' of Birds of Conservation Concern by the leading governmental and non-governmental conservation organisations in the UK. Three closely related species, Oriental and Japanese Skylarks and the enigmatic Raso Lark are also discussed.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #279213 in Books
• Published on: 2004-02-27
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 264 pages

About the Author
Paul Donald is a Senior Research Biologist in the RSPB's International Research Team, and has written numerous papers on Skylarks and other farmland birds.

Customer Reviews

What a lark!
You may think that the larks are some of the most boring birds in the world - small, dull and brown, and that a scientific book on them would be even duller - You'd be very wrong! In this excellent book Dr. Paul F. Donald has managed to combine and explain some fairly complex and thorough scientific data with some wonderful explanations. I would recommend this book to anyone who has wondered about that small brown bird singing high in the sky above the fields as well as to conservation scientists and budding ornithologists wanting to know more and as an example of how to tackle the difficult task of communicating real science to a lay audience. The Skylark is the new jewel in the Poyser monograph series crown.

If you get one book on larks, make it this
I've been looking to aquire a decent book on larks for a while now, but they seem a bit thin on the ground. This was before I stumbled into this little jewel of a book.

This book is the cream if you want to know the reasons why our beloved skylark has been in decline. It summarises the work of Dr Paul F Donald, someone who is without doubt the world expert on everything lark.

And for all you tight wads out there, you really get your money's worth-an entire chapter devoted to the lark family.

Without a doubt, a gem of a book, and a lark to read.