Clinging to the Edge
A Year in the Life of a Little Tern Colony
Published on 15. October 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
152 pages
978-1-78427-489-4 (ISBN)
Description
A summer migrant to Europe from West Africa, the Little Tern is one of our most threatened and most captivating seabirds. This book is the story of one breeding season at the Beacon Ponds colony on the North Sea coast, near Spurn Point in East Yorkshire. In elegant and evocative prose it offers an intimate portrait of these endangered birds, covering everything from foraging and breeding to predators and conservation.
The colony's small size means that it can be monitored, protected and documented in an unusual level of detail. Close observation of the birds' behaviour and an in-depth knowledge of the natural history of their environment raise important questions about how and why we seek to preserve and protect species for whose decline we are ourselves largely responsible. A tight focus on the spectacular natural, geographical and cultural headland that is Spurn Point also provides new insights into the ecology of Little Terns. Covering the progress of the colony month by month, through an eventful spring and summer, Clinging to the Edge brings these charismatic and endearing birds vividly to life.
The colony's small size means that it can be monitored, protected and documented in an unusual level of detail. Close observation of the birds' behaviour and an in-depth knowledge of the natural history of their environment raise important questions about how and why we seek to preserve and protect species for whose decline we are ourselves largely responsible. A tight focus on the spectacular natural, geographical and cultural headland that is Spurn Point also provides new insights into the ecology of Little Terns. Covering the progress of the colony month by month, through an eventful spring and summer, Clinging to the Edge brings these charismatic and endearing birds vividly to life.
Reviews / Votes
A crisply-written and often amusing account of the numerous challenges that the author and his fellow wardens had to overcome to safeguard these tiny, enchanting and incredibly vulnerable seabirds... packed with fascinating information both about the breeding behaviour of the terns and also about the daily trials and tribulations (and rewards) of being a shorebird warden. -- James Wright * The Wryneck * This book is a must-read for anyone with an interest in Little Terns. -- Ian Paulsen * The Birdbooker Report * A very enjoyable read. -- John Miles * Bird Watching Magazine * This book is special... we get an intimate and vivid account of the resilience of the terns as well as those dedicated to protecting them. -- Des Thompson * The Niche * Richard Boon has written a detailed and compelling account of a year in the life of the Little Tern colony at Beacon Ponds... This well-written book is an important account for other Little Tern management teams as well as biologists. -- David Cabot * IBIS * ...beautifully written... Anyone interested in birds and nature conservation will enjoy reading a copy. * Conservation Biology * I see a few small rays of hope in this super read. -- Bo Beolens * Fatbirder * Readers with similar experience as well as those curious about how colonial seabirds are studied and protected will enjoy this book. -- Roger F. Pasquier * The Wilson Journal of Ornithology * Boon's elegant and evocative prose paints a vivid picture of these delicate birds... The author's keen observations and in-depth knowledge of their behavior bring these fascinating creatures to life... Clinging to the Edge is a must-read for serious birders and bird watchers alike. -- John Hague * 10,000 Birds * Richard's talent for anecdotes about the trials and tribulations of the colony and the detail he gives on the day-to-day monitoring, maintenance of electric fences and protecting the birds from predators makes a charming read. -- Gill Birties * BTO News * A must read... There is something for everyone in this book. -- Keith Betton, Hampshire Ornithological SocietyMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Exeter
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Illustrations
45 Illustrations, color
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
347 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78427-489-4 (9781784274894)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
10/2024
Pelagic Publishing
€36.99
Available for download
Person
Richard Boon is chair of the Beacon Ponds Little Tern Project Management Committee. A retired academic who now volunteers for Spurn Observatory Trust, he also sits on its research committee. Richard has volunteered for the BTO and the RSPB, and has made occasional contributions to the birding press, most recently in British Birds.
Content
Preface
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Map
Introduction
The 2022 Season
April
May
June
July
August
Afterword
Appendix: The Year in (some) Statistics
Image credits
Select bibliography
Index
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Map
Introduction
The 2022 Season
April
May
June
July
August
Afterword
Appendix: The Year in (some) Statistics
Image credits
Select bibliography
Index