Surprisingly, for one of Europe's commoner birds of prey, relatively little is known about some aspects of the Kestrel's behaviour and associations. Dr Village's book leaves us far better informed and is an inviting combination of readability and scholarship that reflects his dedication and enthusiasm for Falco tinnunculus. The author studied the Kestrel for several years in Scottish hill country and sheepwalk, then in two agricultural areas of eastern England, but his book also includes much valuable observation and data from Europe and elsewhere. Its twenty-one chapters cover all aspects of the Kestrel's life cycle, with special emphasis on breeding performance, population densities and turnover, and age and sex ratios. A section of over seventy tables of supporting data concludes the book. Keith Brockie has contributed over 30 illustrations which admirably enhance the pages.

Widespread across open lands and cities of Europe, Africa, and Asia, the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is one of the most abundant and studied birds of prey. This book brings together and synthesises the results of research on kestrels for professional ornithologists and scientists that seek to consolidate a vast body of literature. It is also a reference for those readers who may not have the depth of scientific knowledge to navigate new fields of scientific enquiry. It examines many aspects of the species' biology, from the reproductive strategies to the behavioural and demographic adaptations to changes of environmental conditions. It also discusses the roles of physiology and immunology in mediating the adaptability of kestrels to the ongoing environmental changes with a particular focus on contaminants. This volume presents new and exciting avenues of research on the ecology and behaviour of the common kestrel.

In the second volume of the Westmark trilogy, Theo is about to be Prince of Westmark, a province marked by great poverty and corruption. But an assassin's pistol shot makes things even more dangerous for the new monarchy.

Life is tough and cheerless for Billy Casper, a disillusioned teenager growing up in a small Yorkshire mining town. Violence is commonplace and he is frequently cold and hungry. Yet he is determined to be a survivor and when he finds Kes, a kestrel hawk he discovers a passion in life. Billy identifies with her proud silence and she inspired in him the trust and love that nothing else can. Intense and raw and bitingly honest, A KETREL FOR A KNAVE was first published in 1968 and was also madeinto a highly acclaimed film, 'Kes', directed by Ken Loach.

Rune, Robin and Nightingale together they will save us all. (If we're very lucky) Rune: She ran away from an abusive home to become the greatest violinist her world had ever known¾and when The Ghost of Skull Hill tried to stop her, she played him to sleep! Robin: No mean musician herself, she must make her own visit to Skull Hill¾to recruit the dreadful ghost to their cause. Nightingale: Alone she could accomplish nothing. So she joined forces with T'fyrr, a strange nonhuman with the face of a raptor and the voice of an angelic choir. This unlikely set of heroes had the daunting task of saving the King¾and through him the Gypsies, Free Bards, and non-humans of the twenty kingdoms. Fortunately, their opponents had no idea how potent a weapon music could be . . . . At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management). " . . . fast and furious. Romance, action, intrigue all blend in a believable fantastic setting. Fans of Lackey and fantasy will be delighted with this addition to her series." ¾Kliatt

"This extensive work represents a nuts-and-bolts approach to training and flying kestrels...A must-have for all apprentices and others who wish to know more about the intricacies of maintaining and flying a small raptor such as the American Kestrel." --Publisher's description.