A Vulture Landscape is more than just a book about vultures, in the same way that these majestic flyers are more than just birds. Vultures are a crucial part of many of the world’s ecosystems, and without these specialist environmental cleansers the ecosystems wouldn’t work properly. A calendar year in the lives of these gargantuan raptors is explored as they live, breed, feed and fly with effortless ease across the skies of the vulture landscape that is Extremadura in central Spain.

There are four species of vulture in Europe, and a fifth that is becoming more of a regular visitor as its own global population plummets. The serious conservation issues faced on a day-to-day basis by these species, and their relatives spread across the globe, are explored, issues that in many cases threaten their very survival. However, this book is a celebration of the vulture and the landscape in which it reigns.

Using the latest science, his keen eye and his passion for the birds themselves, the author takes the reader on a journey, introducing readers to the vultures, their lives and their landscape. Along the way, much of the other wonderful wildlife of the vulture landscape, from exotic Bee-eaters and bewitching Montagu’s Harriers to rutting Red Stags as well as some very excitable cattle, are included. Ian explains how watching vultures is not only addictive, but that it can often lead to vulture gazing, surely the most relaxing form of bird watching there is!

With his fine descriptions, readers can enter the world of the vulture, get to know these brilliant birds and learn how they control diseases that threaten us, why some species have bald necks, as well as how they have mastered the art of flying without expending any energy. The author has spent several years living permanently in Extremadura and now splits his time between his native county of Devon and his beloved vulture landscape, where he leads bird tours introducing people to the birds and the area he clearly loves.

This will be of special interest to birders and will appeal to everyone with an interest in wildlife and the natural world.

'Ian paints a fascinating picture of the landscape in Extremadura and the huge variety of birds that can be seen. Reading the book I felt I was alongside him... is well illustrated with very clear colour plates... is written by an author who is an expert in his subject and is a delight to read. I'd have no hesitation in recommending the book to anyone who has even a flicker of an interest in birds; it would not disappoint'. Alan Stewart, Wildlife Detective Blog

'...a fascinating insight into the lives of vultures and how they play such a crucial role in the world's ecosystems. ...anyone wanting to learn more about these birds of prey will no doubt revel in this wonderfully personal account of such magnificent birds'. Wild Planet Photo Magazine

‘Ian’s enthusiasm for this place, its varied wildlife and for vultures in particular leaps off the pages. He is a good observer of behaviour, well-versed in the biology of the species he sees and a good writer who brings the scenes to life… reading his observations and thoughts, particularly about vultures, will reward your investment…is well produced with a large number of quality colour photographs by the author’. Mark Avery, Standing up for Nature Blog

‘...this book is a great read. ...above all it’s a text that is a love affair with birds, nature and wild places. ... This is among the very best because it really is beautifully written. ... Every paragraph painted a scene well enough for me to feel the sun’s heat on my back and the ubiquitous call of hoopoes’. FatBirder

'...presents the reader with great ideas for setting-up story-telling shots and anyone wanting to learn more about these birds of prey will no doubt revel in this wonderfully personal account of such magnificent birds'. Wild Planet Photo Magazine

'an unusual and interesting portrayal of three species of vulture.... makes for exciting reading in every chapter.... he is to be congratulated on writing such a factually accurate book....this is an enjoyable book, and thoroughly to be recommended'. IUCN Journal 

Customer Comments