Eric Hosking's owls

`A work of great love and skill by Britain's foremost bird photographer...a wonderful pictorial record of Eric Hosking's favourite birds' - Vogue An enthralling survey of the owl world, illustrated by an unrivalled portfolio of outstanding photographs. The authoritative and highly readable text examines the natural history of the owl in full, with notes on its evolution, taxonomy, distribution, habitats, anatomy, behaviour and breeding patterns. Owls from all over the world, ranging in size from the tiny Pygmy Owl to the majestic Eagle Owl, feature in Eric Hosking's magnificent illustrations. With over 100 colour photographs and 90 in black and white, this book represents the culmination of a lifetime's observation of owls. Eric Hosking's great love of his subject, matched only by his mastery of photographic techniques, is clearly communicated through his superb photographs. `The finest collection of owl photographs ever found between two covers' - Camera `A beautiful and useful book. . . a vivid testament to Eric Hosking's consummate skill' - Wildlife `The photography is superb, alongside a text of the highest distinction from Dr Jim Flegg'- The Times Educational Supplement

I was very excited about this book - if only because Eric Hosking's reputation had preceded him. Just as soon as it arrived I knew I had an excellent book to review. Bearing in mind that I actually keep various species of owls and also attempt to photograph them in the wild, I was already aware of some of what this author had to say. It is, however, a testament to this man's overall knowledge that I began to learn something about owls from the very first page. A quick glance at the contents reveals the way in which the book is laid out. We commence with chapters on; The Fascination of Owls, their Exploits, Way of Life, Breeding, The Tawny Owl and the Barn Owl in Close-up and finally a Gallery of Owls in which so many different species are shown and explained. This book contains a lot of information about Owls in general and two species in particular - all of which is supported by some excellent photography. NM