Those with Webbed Feet [All about British Ducks, Geese and Swans] | By Edward Giles | Brambleby Books | 2017 | Paperback | 152 Pages | Colour photos | Colour Illustrations | Colour Distribution Maps | ISBN: 9781908241573

Jacket

The Publisher’s View: I The main aim of Those with Webbed Feet is to introduce waterfowl to novice waterfowl enthusiasts, both young and old. That said, the book is equally appealing to anybody with a new interest in these birds. Besides the fundamental information to understand and identify each family member, the book’s characterful and animated style is complemented by lots of ‘Fun Facts’, quiz questions and hand-drawn illustrations.Introduction and overview of the family structure are followed by over 100 pages of detailed information of 34 species of swans, geese and ducks, including their appearance, habitat, behaviour, locations and the best time of year to see them, as well as their population and conservation status. Edward further lists the work by various charities, especially the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), of conservation and protection of birds, places to visit, important wetlands around the world, and finally gives advice on how to start your own waterfowl collection.

The Author: Edward Giles has ever been excited about anything feathered, living on water and with Webbed feet. At the age of thirteen, Edward was lucky enough to start his own collection of waterfowl at his home in Shropshire. Six years later, after graduating from university, he planned to write a hook to enthuse and encourage others of the same age to start to enjoy wildlife, such as birds, and especially waterfowl. Early on he would seek

advice and help from WWT and later, in return, would run marathons in aid of WWT’s various projects.

Fatbirder View:Here’s another book which niche I can’t quite understand. It’s a sort of ‘dip into’ book with some ‘factoids’ mixed with solid habitat or status info illustrated with paintings that, shall I say, are an acquired taste supported with reasonable phots. But its neither a monograph of a bird family nor an ID guide, not quite a bedside light read, nor a ‘starter’ for newbie birders. I wish it well and am sure it has an audience in waiting, I just can’t quite grasp who make up that potential readership is.

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