From the renowned naturalist Stephen Moss comes the must-have gift for
bird lovers this Christmas.
'Wherever there is a stretch of water for them to find food and make
their nest, you will come across swans'
With beautiful illustrations throughout, this eye-opening biography
reveals the hidden secrets of one of Britain's best-known birds.
The Mute Swan is not so much a bird, as a national treasure: the avian
equivalent of Sir David Attenborough or the Queen. These huge and
stately creatures are part of our urban and rural landscapes, a constant
presence on lakes, rivers and ponds throughout Britain. Yet despite
their familiarity, they are often misunderstood; and while many people
love swans, others fear them.
Swans also feature in myths and legends, art and literature, dance and
music, not just in Britain but all around the world. Stephen Moss delves
into the facts and fiction about these charismatic birds, describes
their seasonal life cycle and examines their central role in our history
and culture. He also includes stories about 'wild swans' - Whooper and
Bewicks - that visit us in winter; and the Black Swan of Australia.
'A superb naturalist and writer' Chris Packham
'Moss has carved out an enviable niche as a chronicler of the natural
world' Daily Mail
