This page provides information on articles, papers, books and other publications relevant to raptors and raptor workers. It will primarily relate to current material and please Contact Us with any suggestions for inclusion.

Title: Avian predators and avian prey populations Author(s): S.E.Newson, E.A.Rexstad, S.R.Baillie, S.T.Buckland & N.J.Aebischer Published by: Journal of Applied Ecology Vol.47 Issue2, 244-252, 12th March 2010 ISBN: 00 Price: £0 Availability: Official journal of British Ecological Society through Wiley Inter Science. Full abstract at http://www.3interscience.wiley.com/journal/123314383/abstract Summary: full title is Population change of avian predators and grey suirrels in England:is there evidence for an impact on avian prey population. This research was sponsored by Songbird Survival. Using national bird monitoring data, examined whether 29 bird populations had been depressed by Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzard, as well as other nest predators such as Carrion Crow, Magpie , Jay etc. For 22 species no evidence that increases in avian predators are associated with large scale depression of prey abundance or population declines. More detailed work is probably required on the other 7 species.

Title: The Eagle Watchers Author(s): Ruth E. Tingay & Todd E.Katzer (Editors) Published by: Cornell University Press, 03rd March 2010 ISBN: 978-0-8014-4873-7 Price: £18.95 Availability: In UK through booksellers or from www.nbninternational.com Summary: This publication is about observing and conserving raptors round the world and features personal narratives from twenty-nine leading eagle researchers in which they share their experiences of studying eagles around the world. The book covers twenty-four species on six continents from the well known Bald Eagle to the New Guinea Harpy Eagle, and from common African Fish Eagle to the endangered Phillipine Eagle. It features 14 colour photographs, 29 halftones, information on raptor conservation, and a global list of all eagle species with ranges and conservation status. Co-editor Ruth Tingay is an active member of Lothian & Borders RSG, and three field stories were written by SRSG members :- Golden eagle - Jeff Watson; White-tailed sea eagle - Justin Grant & John Love.

Title: Variation in the diurnal breeding activity of Short-eared Owls Author(s): John Calladine, Graeme Garner, Chris Werham & Nigel Buxton Published by: BTO - Bird Study Vol 57 Part 1 pp89-99, 25th February 2010 ISBN: 00 Price: £0 Availability: by subscription from www.bto.org Summary: This study was conducted in three areas of Scotland during the 2006 and 2007 breeding seasons. The interpretation of field surveys of breeding Short-eared Owls should take into account the effect of season and time of day on the likelihood of detection. Surveys may only be able to reliably identify pairs that successfully reach the chick-rearing stage and, therefore, the most robust survey/monitoring unit may be pairs that successfully hatch young. Distances at which owls could be reliably detected suggest that a survey of any defined area will require vantage points separated by a minimum distance of about 1.5. km with the allowance for topography and a 180 degree field of view. Evidence of a disturbance or deterrence effect of field surveyers on the owls supports the need for unobtrusive survey methods.

Title: Reproduction of insular Buzzards Author(s): Beneharo Rodriguez et al Published by: BTO - Bird Study Vol 57 Part 1 pp75-83, 25th February 2010 ISBN: 00 Price: £0 Availability: by subscription from www.bto.org Summary: The aim ws to analyse the density and nesting habitat preferences of Buzzards on the island of Tenerife, and describe the life history traits of this population. Buzzards mainly used cliffs to nest, especially taller and sheltered ones, located in rugged ares and in sympatry with Barbary Falcons. Characteristics of breeding territory did not predict productivity. All reproductive rates were similar to those reported for some continental populations except nesting success, which was higher.

Title: Habitat and breeding performance in Barn Owl Author(s): William R. Meek, Peter J.Burman et al Published by: Bird Study - BTO - Vol56 Part 3, 19th December 2009 ISBN: Price: £0 Availability: by subscription from www.bto.org Summary: The study examines the relationship between habitat variables and various aspects of breeding and foraging performances for 257 Barn Owl breeding attempts involving both released and wild birds over a 14 year period. It concluded that the paucity of significant results may be evidence that Barn Owls are rather catholic and adaptable in their habitat requirements, and not as dependent upon large areas of Field Vole (or other) habitat as has often been stated.

Title: Raptors: a field guide for surveys & monitoring Author(s): Jon Hardey, Humphrey Crick, Chris Werham, Helen Riley, Brian Etheridge, Des Thompson Published by: TSO - The Stationery Office, 05th October 2009 ISBN: 9780114973452 Price: £18.99 Availability: through the TSO at 0870 600 5522 or www.tsoshop.co.uk Summary: This is the second edition of the SRSGs 'bible' which has been extensively revised and now includes a photographic guide to ageing chicks and to the identification of moulted raptor feathers. Please see the members area for further details of purchase and full content.

Title: The Thin Green Line Author(s): Alan Stewart Published by: Argyll Publishing, 20th September 2009 ISBN: 978 1 906134 37 2 Price: £11.99 Availability: available widely through bookshops Summary: with assistance from other WCO's Alan presents a variety of fascinating case studies from all corners of Britain and Ireland and also recounts how the effects of international crime manifests itself on these shores, from water voles to elephants and from rare bulbs to Indian tigers. There are many cases from Scotland and a number involving birds of prey.

Title: Resolving conflict between grouse and hen harriers Author(s): P.S.Thompson, A.Amar, D.G.Hoccom, J.Knott & J.D.Wilson Published by: Journal of Applied Ecology, 18th September 2009 ISBN: 00 Price: £0 Availability: By subscription from British Ecological Society Summary: This is the RSPB response to the recent Redpath/Thirgood paper on the 'population ceiling scheme' for Hen Harriers. The authors question the legitimacy of driven grouse shooting as a sustainable land use if driven grouse shooting is only viable when birds of prey are routinely disturbed and killed. They suggest that moorland owners need to consider more broadly sustainable shooting practices for the 21st century.

Title: Hen Harrier and Red Grouse economics Author(s): Nick Sotherton, Stephen Tapper & Adam Smith Published by: Journal of Applied Ecology, 18th September 2009 ISBN: 00 Price: £0 Availability: By subscription from the British Ecological Society Summary: This paper suggests that consideration of social and economic factorswill be needed to resolve conflict but suggests that a reduction in management effort from driven to walked up shooting is not the answer. The authors suggest that a more satisfactory approach to harrier/grouse conflict would be to reduce harrier predation by means of diversionary feeding and to address the problem of the rapid buil up of harrier numbers by exploring the use of ceilings on harrier densities.

Title: Harriers and Grouse - moving towards consensus Author(s): Steve Redpath & Simon Thirgood Published by: Journal of Applied Ecology, 18th September 2009 ISBN: 00 Price: £0 Availability: By subscription from the British Ecological Society Summary: The authors claim that for the first time stakeholders, researchers and policy advisors are engaged in effective dialogue and are striving for solutions. There are apparently encouraging signs that all sides are now willing to listen to alternative viewpoints and are apparently prepared to seriously consider compromises. The authors hope that that a solution can be found as this will have positive ramifications for management of heather moorlands in the UK and wider implications for the conservation of predators around the world.