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This book describes the natural and cultural history of an iconic
and unusual woodpecker – a species that nests in tree cavities
but which forages mostly on the ground. The Green Woodpecker, known
in folk English as the Yaffle, is afforded comprehensive coverage
in this work, with information on its origins, taxonomy, anatomy,
appearance, moult, calls, distribution, conservation status,
habitats, movements, breeding, diet and relationships with other
wildlife and humans all presented. The text is richly illustrated
throughout with quality photographs as well as sound spectrograms.
Many eye-opening observations of Green Woodpecker behaviour are
detailed. This all-encompassing and engaging account has been
written for a wide audience, whether professional ornithologist,
citizen scientist, amateur birder, woodpecker aficionado or simply
someone who wishes to learn more about this curious and remarkable
bird.
This book considers the natural history and cultural symbolism of a
most unusual woodpecker - a species that neither excavates nest
holes in trees, nor bores into wood to find insect prey. The
Wryneck is best renowned for performing a twisting, writhing head
and neck display when threatened, but this ground-breaking work
reveals many more secrets of its behaviour and evolution. Detailed
information is presented on the species' origins, taxonomy,
anatomy, appearance, moult, calls, distribution, conservation
status, habitats, movements, breeding, diet and relationships,
along with a chapter on its closest relative, the Red-throated
Wryneck. The text is richly illustrated throughout with high
quality photographs as well as sound spectrograms. The author
augments his many hours watching Wrynecks with comprehensive
literature research, creating what is surely the definitive volume
on the species. This all-encompassing and engaging account has been
written for a wide audience, whether professional ornithologist,
citizen scientist, amateur birder, woodpecker aficionado or simply
someone who wishes to learn more about this curious and remarkable
bird.
Woodpeckers remain one of the most popular families of birds, and
they are certainly one of the more unusual. Their legendary ability
to excavate holes in wood is well known, and they are uniquely
adapted for living in trees - though a few species have become more
adapted to ground-dwelling. The family ranges from the tiny
piculets of tropical forests to the mighty Imperial Woodpecker of
Mexico, sadly now extinct. In between there is a considerable
variety of species, all of a roughly similar shape and design,
inhabiting forests and woodlands through the world except
Australasia and Antarctica. Covering 239 species, this book is the
first definitive photographic guide to woodpeckers. Detailed text
looks in detail at the biology of the birds, with particular
emphasis on field identification, along with voice, habitat,
status, racial variation and distribution. The text is accompanied
by a series of high-quality photographs - more than 750 images,
carefully selected to highlight identification criteria. Each
species entry is completed by an accurate colour range map. A
sister to Owls of the World in the Helm Photographic Guides series,
Woodpeckers of the World is an informative, fact-filled and
beautifully illustrated guide to a group beloved by all birders.
'What I wanted was for Malachy Finegan to be exposed. I felt that
the wee boy I had been might be stepping from the darkness, and I
needed him to be heard and to be believed.' When he was twelve and
in first year at St Colman's College in Newry, Gerard Gorman was
abused by paedophile priest Father Malachy Finegan. Gerard was so
traumatised that for many years he was unable to talk about what
had happened to him. So Young is Gerard's powerful and courageous
account of how he finally found a voice to tell his story. In this
memoir - with the help of his brother, the poet Damian Gorman - he
talks openly about the abuse he suffered and the impact it had on
his life and on the lives of those around him. He describes too his
role in exposing Finegan and his long and painful battle with the
Catholic Church - in and out of the civil courts - to force it to
acknowledge the harm done to him and the cover-up that perpetuated
Finegan's abuse. Brave, moving and open-hearted, So Young is a
powerful account of surviving abuse and a damning indictment of an
institution that continues to stonewall victims.
Woodpeckers are fascinating birds, filling our forests with their
unmistakable drumming, and capturing our imaginations with their
incredible ability to drill holes in trees and their bright,
colourful plumage. Three species of woodpecker are resident in the
UK: the Green Woodpecker, often seen on lawns and in fields; the
Great Spotted Woodpecker, a frequent visitor at garden
bird-feeders; and the tiny Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, sadly now in
decline. The Wryneck - which twists its neck 'like a snake' when
threatened - also passes through the UK on its yearly migration and
has captivated people throughout the ages. Gerard Gorman provides a
close-up look at the lives of these birds, from their anatomy, diet
and nesting habits to their iconic drumming behaviour. He also
explores the relationship that humans have enjoyed with woodpeckers
for centuries, in folklore, myth and conservation, and gives tips
on how to observe these wonderful birds in the wild. The Spotlight
series introduces readers to the lives and behaviour of our
favourite animals with eye-catching colour photographs and
informative expert text.
Woodpeckers are among the most remarkable birds in the avian world,
having evolved a unique anatomy that enables them to peck and bore
into solid timber both to find food and to create nesting cavities.
They have been considered symbols of fertility, security, strength,
power, prophecy, magic, rhythm, medicine and carpentry, and have
been esteemed as the guardians of woodlands, tree surgeons,
fire-bringers, weather forecasters and boat-builders. Highly
regarded woodpecker expert Gerard Gorman delves into the natural
and cultural history of woodpeckers, presenting their natural,
social and cultural history. He explores their origins and where
they are found, and how they have fascinated humankind throughout
history, from ancient Babylon, Greece and Rome, via the tribes of
North America and the jungles of Amazonia and Borneo, to the modern
cartoon rascal Woody Woodpecker. He describes how they feature in
folk tales, myths and legends wherever they occur, and how their
fluctuating relationship with humans has developed. Featuring many
stunning photographs and illustrations from both nature and
culture, Woodpecker will appeal to anyone who is interested in
these extraordinary birds.
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