Raven

Derek Ratcliffe grew up in Carlisle and began watching Ravens in the Lakeland fells while still a schoolboy. He later explored the Southern Uplands, Snowdonia and the Highlands, and developed a particular enthusiasm for the wildlife of the mountains and moorlands. In 1956, he joined the staff of the Nature Conservancy in Scotland, and worked for several years on the survey of vegetation in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. After this, Derek became involved in monitoring of the British Peregrine population and in the Monks Wood studies of the effects of organochlorine insecticides on birds of prey. In the late 1960s, he was responsible for the compilation of A Nature Conservation Review, an inventory of the most important terrestrial and freshwater sites in Britain for biological conservation. When the Nature Conservancy was set up anew in 1974, he became Chief Scientist and remained in his post until retirement in 1989. Although Ravens have always had to be largely a spare-time interest, he has managed to be in their nesting haunts in the spring of every year from 1945 onwards, and continues to enlarge his knowledge of their ways in the company of fellow Raven enthusiasts. He enjoys the freedom of retirement to pursue field work and to write about wildlife and its conservation.Chris Rose is an internationally acclaimed wildlife artist who specialises in wildlife within the landscape.

• AcknowledgementsIntroduction: The Raven: spirit of the wilds1 The Raven in Human History2 The Raven's Country3 Distribution and Numbers in Britain and Ireland4 Food and Feeding Habits5 Social Behaviour6 Raven Movements7 Associations with Other Animals8 Breeding: Nest and Nest Site9 Breeding: The Egg Stage10 Breeding: The Young11 Territorialism and Population Regulation12 Ravens in the Modern Scene13 Ravens Elsewhere in the World14 Intelligence in RavensAppendicesBibliographyTables 1-27

It is the sort of bird book I particularly enjoy because a fresh wind blows through much of it, showing the author to be what a writer about ravens should be--an acute observer. Guardian Powerful illustrations complement writing of real insight into these formidable, yet playful, birds. New Scientist Do buy this excellent book and read it. Cambrian Ornithology Society Bulletin No 112 Derek Ratcliffe has an enthusiasm that shines through the pages of his latest book. The text is supported by extensive appendices and tables, crammed with data and facts; serious matters of behaviour and ecology are addressed; but the presentation is constantly enlivened by anecdote. This is a book about real birds, not textbook abstractions. As such it is a joy to read as well as a valuable contribution to ornithology. Habitat [Ratcliffe] presents a comprehensive and historical picture of this once common town scavenger. Birding World The personal approach by the author is refreshing and his administration for the raven is evident throughout the very readable text. hland News Group