Book review: Tracks and Signs of the Animals and Birds of Britain and Europe by Lars-Henrik Olsen

Tracks and Signs of the Animals and Birds of Britain and Europe

Lars-Henrik Olsen
Princeton University Press | 2013
272 pp. | 16 x 23.5 cm | 600 colour illustrations & photographs. 25 maps
Paperback flexibound | £17.95 / $29.95 | ISBN: 9780691157535

This is a very well produced, abundantly illustrated guide to the tracks and signs of 175 species of European mammals and birds, bound in a field-friendly, flexible cover. The first hundred pages are thematic sections on bird and mammal tracks, scat, feeding signs, nests and dens, pellets and feathers, while the remainder of the book comprises species accounts for mammals. The first part of the book is the most useful in identification since, for example, different types of owl pellet and comparative illustrations of footprints are presented in the same place.

The only guide to tracks and signs I have on my shelves is the Collins Guide (Bang & Dahlstrom 1974), acquired in the late 1970s. Surprisingly, this (in a 2001 2^nd edition) and the Hamlyn Guide (Brown et al. 1992) have remained the standard European field guides, despite their age. How does Olsen's guide measure up? Over the period of a few months last autumn, I made an effort to consult Bang & Dahlstrom and Olsen on every track, trail or sign I encountered.

The first test was a badger sett and obvious runs on nearby farmland. Bang & Dahlstrom cover this well, with a good description, clearly differentiating it from a fox's earth, and photos (monochrome in the original, colour in the newer edition). Olsen goes a little further, with a lot more text and images of bedding, as well as the quintessential sett.

Cutting the hay on our village green in August revealed a network of Field Vole runs. These are well depicted in my Bang & Dahlstrom, replaced by a colour photograph of winter runs in the newer edition, similar to the one used in Olsen.

Next a Goldfinch feather – easy enough to identify without a guide. None of the guides included it. Olsen has four pages dedicated to feathers of a dozen species, but not this one. He does, however, provide a lovely photograph that shows just how the Waxwing got its name.

Our garden is full of Bank Voles and Wood Mice, but which of them has been at the Hazel cobs? According to Bang & Dahlstrom, who provide excellent comparative illustrations, this neat round hole that looks to have been made by a mini tin-opener was the work of the Wood Mouse. Confusingly, Olsen has strikingly similar paintings, but with different incisor marks to illustrate the work of the Bank Vole.

Goshawk-killed Woodpigeon, Norfolk, December 2013

Over winter I encountered several Goshawk kills, all Woodpigeons, but scattered throughout the pair´s territory. Bang & Dahlstrom include a photograph that might have been taken of one of the kills I found; this is substituted with a Mallard in the 2001 edition. Olsen has a photograph of a Goshawk astride a mass of black feathers – the remains of a Coot – which is probably not as helpful.

By springtime, the first crocuses were attracting the attention of House Sparrows. All credit to Bang & Dahlstrom for including a colour photograph that captures this perfectly. Oddly, this seems to have disappeared from the newer edition, nor does Olsen mention this behaviour.

To be fair, the old Collins and Hamlyn books are true field guides – compact, portable and laid out for field reference – whereas Olsen is more of an introduction to tracks and signs for home use. Including, as it does, plenty of photographs of the animals that make tracks, as well as distribution maps, it will be particularly useful for those who do not already have a field guide to mammals. Over half the book is dedicated to species accounts of this sort rather than comparative analysis of tracks; arguably, in an identification guide, this space could have been better used for tracks themselves. This is a book aimed more at a European then a UK readership, with eight pages devoted to Red Squirrels and just one to Grey, and the inclusion of large carnivores like Lynx, Wolf and Bear, as well as ungulates like Moose and Musk Ox.

Nevertheless, there is much to enjoy here, from the new illustrations to the excellent photographs. A useful addition to the literature on tracks and signs, which adds to the previously available guides. Sadly, we still do not have a European reference equivalent of Mark Elbroch's superb Mammal tracks and signs: a guide to North American species.
 

References

Bang, P. & Dahlstrom, P. (1974) Animal tracks and signs. Collins: London. 240 pp.

Bang, P. & Dahlstrom, P. (2001) Animal tracks and signs. Oxford University Press: Oxford. 264 pp.

Brown, R.W., Lawrence, M.J., & Pope, J. (1992) Animal tracks, trails and signs. Hamlyn: London. 320 pp.

Elbroch, M. (2003) Mammal tracks and signs: a guide to North American species. Stackpole Books: Mechanicsburg, PA. 780 pp. 

What do the scientific names of birds mean?

I have always found it easy to remember the scientific names of the birds and other organisms with which I work. In fact, for groups like fungi, insects and Neotropical birds, I find it easier to memorise a scientific name than to try to recall the often inappropriate English name that the species in question happens to be called in one place or another throughout its range. I think this preference for scientific names comes down to at least a rudimentary understanding of their meaning. Admittedly, I am the kind of person who likes to read a field guide or a dictionary, as many people read a novel. The Compact Oxford English dictionary is one of my favourite reads, albeit with the aid of a magnifying glass these days. So, naturally, I love James Jobling's A dictionary of scientific bird names. My particular copy was a gift from two fanatical world birders, Mark Sokol and Lanie Langlois, the sort of people who spend their Californian winter weekends and evenings researching the minutiae of avian systematics and taxonomy in order to better understand which taxa – potential species – they need to see on their next trip. At the time Jobling was extraordinarily difficult to find and was rather pricey, so I am eternally grateful to have received the book. A decade later, I suspect that I have had their money's worth: this is a book that I consult constantly and read for pleasure as well.

While I have been using HBW Alive over the last few months, I have noticed that as my mouse passes over a bird name, a box pops up with a surprising amount of etymological information. I have come to spend some time exploring this. I've always had a soft spot for Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus ("Sugarbird-billed Swordpecker"), the rhythm of the scientific name being almost poetic, its heft matching that of the bird – which is perhaps better known as Strong-billed Woodcreeper.

Only now have I found out that the person responsible is the very same James Jobling. Apart from adding this information to the species accounts, he has produced a Key to Scientific Names in Ornithology, which enables the user to determine the meaning of any scientific name, together with a fascinating introduction to the subject. So, if you have ever wondered what a bird's name means, look no further than this wonderful on-line resource. More information is to be found here.

References

Jobling, J.A. (1991) A dictionary of scientific bird names. Oxford University Press: Oxford. 272 pp.

Book review: Wildlife of the Caribbean by Herb Raffaele and Jim Wiley

Wildlife of the Caribbean

Herbert A. Raffaele & James W. Wiley
Princeton University Press | 2014
304 pp. | 12.8 x 29.3 cm | 600 colour illustrations. 1 map Paperback | £13.95 / $19.95 | ISBN: 9780691153827

The Caribbean is a popular destination for travellers and, as well as its signature beaches, it harbours a diverse and distinctive fauna and flora, with a large number of island endemics. Up until now there has been a lack of a field guide to enable the curious visitor to readily identify what he/she encounters. Sure enough, there are several slim photographic brochures covering different aspects of the natural world, and the wonderful old Riley field guide to butterflies, but the only really good modern resource is the comprehensive Birds of the West Indies (not to be confused with James Bond's pioneering book of the same name). Two of the authors of that guide, Herb Raffaele and Jim Wiley, have teamed up to fill the gap with this handy little pocket guide which aims to cover pretty much anything the casual visitor might encounter, from conspicuous plants to reef fish and seashells. The book is “intended to serve as a practical guide for local people and tourists alike” and the authors “presume its users have no particular experience or expertise with nature”.

The book is small and light enough to fit into a large pocket, pouch or handbag, so it can be taken almost anywhere. It is very well organised and carefully laid out, with text opposite or next to plates, so there is no need to flip back and forth to find a description. The book is split into two sections: terrestrial and marine. Chapters on terrestrial wildlife deal with plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fish and invertebrates. The marine section covers whales and manatee, sea turtles, reef fish and marine invertebrates, including shells. So, whether in the mountains, on the beach, or snorkelling, this guide should be of service. The 451 commonest and most widespread species have been chosen, leaving out a large number of organisms that are rarely encountered. Most of the illustrations are paintings by several different artists, but plants and invertebrates are depicted with photographs. Given the track record of the authors, each with over 40 years' experience in the Caribbean, the user can be sure that the text is authoritative.

A 300+ page, full-colour guide written by experts, priced at £14 (and quite a lot cheaper on-line) is a real bargain. This handy guide will be welcomed by residents, casual holiday-makers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

References

Bond, J. (1936) Birds of the West Indies. Academy of Natural Sciences: Philadelphia, PA. 456 pp.

Raffaele, H., Wiley, J., Garrido, O., Keith, A. & Raffaele, J. (1998) Birds of the West Indies. Princeton University Press: Princeton NJ. 511 pp.

Raffaele, H., Wiley, J., Garrido, O., Keith, A. & Raffaele, J. (2003) Birds of the West Indies. Princeton University Press: Princeton NJ. 216 pp.

Riley, N.D. (1975) Field guide to the butterflies of the West Indies. Collins: London. 224 pp.

Norfolk moths: Rockland St. Peter garden, 3 July 2014 ('Moth Night 2014')

Organised by Atropos and Butterfly Conservation, Moth Night is the annual celebration of moth recording throughout Britain and Ireland by enthusiasts, with local events aimed at raising awareness of moths among the general public. This year the organisers are inviting moth enthusiasts to record the moths they observe on any one or more of the days or nights 3rd–5th July. Having checked the weather forecast, Thursday 3rd July looked to be the best night of the three. Sure enough, this short night – the trap was on for six and a half hours – produced a record-breaking catch.
 
After a glorious warm, sunny day, skies remained clear for most of the night, with temperatures of 17.7°C at 23h30 and 12.3°C when I turned off the MV light at 04h15. A moderate SW during the day calmed by evening. The first quarter moon was barely noticeable. Blackbirds
 
Four species of hawk-moths, of which Pine Hawk-moth was new. Peppered Moths came in two flavours: one each of the normal light form and f. carbonaria. Local species included a lovely, fresh Dwarf Cream Wave, 3 Large Twin-spot Carpets, my second Wood Carpet, a Lilac Beauty, Sycamore, another Miller, Dingy Shears, a striking Scarce Silver-lines and 7 Beautiful Hook-tips. Of conservation concern was a Cream-bordered Green Pea which is Nationally Scarce B (species occurring nationally in 31–100 hectads).

Large Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata

Wood Carpet Epirrhoe rivata

Lilac Beauty Apeira syringaria

Pine Hawk-moth Hyloicus pinastri

Sycamore Acronicta aceris

Dingy Shears Parastichtis ypsillon

Scarce Silver-lines Bena bicolorana

Macro-moths (198 moths of 62 spp.):-

Cilix glaucata	Chinese Character	1
Habrosyne pyritoides	Buff Arches	3
Geometra papilionaria	Large Emerald	1
Timandra comae	Blood-vein	1
Idaea fuscovenosa	Dwarf Cream Wave	1
Idaea dimidiata	Single-dotted Wave	3
Idaea aversata	Riband Wave	7
Xanthorhoe quadrifasiata	Large Twin-spot Carpet	3
Epirrhoe rivata	Wood Carpet	1
Camptogramma bilineata	Yellow Shell	1
Eulithis pyraliata	Barred Straw	1
Perizoma alchemillata	Small Rivulet	1
Pasiphila rectangulata	Green Pug	4
Lomaspilis marginata	Clouded Border	7
Opisthograptis luteolata	Brimstone Moth	6
Apeira syringaria	Lilac Beauty	1
Crocallis elinguaria	Scalloped Oak	1
Ourapteryx sambucaria	Swallow-tailed Moth	2
Biston betularia	Peppered Moth	2
Ectropis bistortata	Engrailed	2
Cabera pusaria	Common White Wave	1
Cabera exanthemata	Common Wave	2
Lomographa temerata	Clouded Silver	4
Sphinx ligustri	Privet Hawk-moth	1
Hyloicus pinastri	Pine Hawk-moth	1
Laothoe populi	Poplar Hawk-moth	1
Deilephila elpenor	Elephant Hawk-moth	4
Phalera bucephala	Buff-tip	4
Pheosia tremula	Swallow Prominent	1
Pterostoma palpina	Pale Prominent	2
Eilema lurideola	Common Footman	27
Spilosoma luteum	Buff Ermine	9
Agrotis exclamationis	Heart and Dart	4
Axylia putris	Flame	1
Ochropleura plecta	Flame Shoulder	1
Noctua pronuba	Large Yellow Underwing	4
Xestia triangulum	Double Square-spot	11
Discestra trifolii	Nutmeg	1
Melanchra persicariae	Dot Moth	2
Lacanobia oleracea	Bright-line Brown-eye	6
Mythimna conigera	Brown-line Bright Eye	4
Mythimna ferrago	Clay	4
Mythimna impura	Smoky Wainscot	8
Acronicta aceris	Sycamore	1
Acronicta leporina	Miller	1
Amphipyra pyramidea agg.	Copper Underwing agg.	1
Parastichtis ypsillon	Dingy Shears	1
Apamea monoglypha	Dark Arches	2
Apamea lithoxylaea	Light Arches	5
Oligia strigilis agg.	Marbled Minor agg.	1
Hoplodrina alsines	Uncertain	7
Paradrina clavipalpis	Pale Mottled Willow	2
Earias clorana	Cream-bordered Green Pea	1
Bena bicolorana	Scarce Silver-lines	1
Diachrysia chrysitis	Burnished Brass	1
Autographa jota	Plain Golden Y	1
Abrostola tripartita	Spectacle	1
Laspeyria flexula	Beautiful Hook-tip	7
Rivula sericealis	Straw Dot	1
Hypena proboscidalis	Snout	3
Zanclognatha tarsipennalis	Fan-foot	8
Herminia grisealis	Small Fan-foot	1

Micro-moths (23 moths identified, of 5 spp.):-

Eurrhypara hortulata	Small Magpie	11
Phlyctaenia coronata		1
Pleuroptya ruralis	Mother of Pearl	7
Aphomia sociella	Bee Moth	3
Pterophorus pentadactyla	White Plume Moth	1