The Golden Eagle - Hardcover

Watson, Jeff

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0856610992 ISBN 13: 9780856610998

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 1997

Synopsis

The Golden Eagle is the first comprehensive monograph on this majestic bird in over 40 years, and covers all aspects of this spectacular and popular species biology and ecology. Dr. Jeff Watson has worked on eagles in Scotland for over 15 years and his studies provide the foundation for a treatment which also includes the most up-to-date information from work in North America, continental Europe, and throughout the world. This global view allows fascinating insight into the species relationships with a variety of habitats.

Key Features
* Explores factors limiting Golden Eagle numbers and breeding performance
* Reviews eagle predation on livestock
* Addresses conservation issues and the species fortune in the past and present

About this title

From the Back Cover

This is the first comprehensive monograph on the Golden Eagle for over 40 years, and covers all aspects of this spectacular and popular species' biology and ecology. The author has worked on eagles in Scotland for over 15 years and these studies provide the foundation for a treatment which also includes the most up-do-date information from work in North America, continental Europe and elsewhere. This global view allows fascinating insights into the species' relationships with a variety of different habitats and leads to many new and important conclusions regarding its ecology. Reference is made throughout to other related species worldwide, further serving to put Golden Eagles into a wider ecological perspective.
Key chapters explore the factors limiting Golden Eagle numbers and breeding performance, particularly the all-important influence of food supply. The sensitive issue of eagle predation on livestock is reviewed in depth, as is the phenomenon of 'cainism'. Other important chapters deal with conservation issues and the species' fortunes in the past and present, with special emphasis on the situation in the Scottish Highlands. The book closes with fascinating chapters on the place of Golden Eagles in human culture and folklore, and a summary agenda for the future of Golden Eagle research.
This highly readable and authoritative account is destined to become the standard reference on the species, both in Scotland and elsewhere in the world. It is extensively referenced with over 500 text and bibliographic citations and 78 text figures. The text is enriched with many superb pictures of this majestic bird by Keith Brockie. Additional wash landscapes and a colour plate by Donald Watson capture the very special atmosphere of Scotland's Golden Eagle country.

About the Author

Jeff Watson was raised in rural Galloway, southwest Scotland where his interest in birds was inspired by his father, bird artist and ornithologist, Donald Watson. He took a degree in zoology at Aberdeen University, graduating in 1974. He then spent 4 years in the Seychelles, initially doing research for a doctorate on the endemic Seychelles Kestrel, followed by work on the conservation of various endangered landbirds for WWF.On return from the Seychelles he worked for a short time with the Scottish Wildlife Trust before leading a research project on Golden Eagles and land use in the Scottish Highlands with the Nature Conservancy Council. His interest in raptors goes back over 25 years as well as Golden Eagles has included work on Merlins and Hen Harriers, mainly in his native Scotland. He is presently acting Regional Director for Scottish Natural Heritage in northwest Scotland. Although his job is now largely 'administrative' he has kept a close involvement with Golden Eagles as an active member of the Scottish Raptor Study Group in the Highlands. He lives on the Black Isle near Inverness with his wife Vanessa and son Ronan.

Edition details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0856610992
• ISBN 13: 9780856610998
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 392