First Time Naturalist Pb

Product Description

A practical and inspirational introduction to observing, understanding and studying the natural world, written by TV wildlife expert, Nick Baker
Being a naturalist is about combining different skills, tricks of the trade and investigative techniques. The First-Time Naturalist is the ultimate reference book for budding naturalists of all ages. Drawing on his experience from all over the world, Nick focuses on how you can find animals in the field, by interpreting tracks and signs, setting bait, listening for sounds, and the best ways to watch them.
Gerald and Lee Durrell's The Amateur Naturalist was first published in 1982 and quickly became a classic. Based on this concept, Nick's book will inspire a new generation of naturalists to make the most of the world around them. From communicating with wild animals to catching bugs or setting up an aquarium, this is the book to teach you how. With information on how to get started, Nick then goes on to guide you through:
• Choosing the necessary equipment, kit and clothing
• Hands-on activities and investigations that can be done at home
• An introduction to all the major animal groups – mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, fish, insects and other invertebrates, as well as plants, trees and fungi
Fact-packed, and brimming with practical tips and techniques, this is the perfect family reference guide for all up-and-coming naturalists.

Review

‘This book is a must for budding biologists’The Sunday Times
‘This beautifully produced book has received a string of accolades. With non-patronising patience, Baker leads readers through animal and plant kingdoms, pointing out what to look for and how to observe it.’The Independent
‘Wax-jacketed TV prodigy Baker continues his climb to stardom with this entirely excellent guide to DIY nature-spotting. And Baker is the real deal – worth reading and watching because he genuinely knows what he's talking about … Fun for all the family as well as being both educational and entertaining’FOCUS magazine
BBC Wildlife Book of the Month‘Quite simply, this is a superb compendium and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to naturalists of all ages and abilities who want to learn something new.’BBC Wildlife

About the Author

Nick Baker has presented BBC's top-rated Really Wild Show for almost ten years now. He has also presented his own natural history series such as Nick Baker's Rattlesnakes and Nick Baker's Antarctica. In the United States, Nick presents regularly on National Geographic's Explorer. He is a regular columnist and contributor to BBC Wildlife Magazine and to Radio 4's The Natural History Programme. His previous publications include Nick Baker's Bug Book (2002) and the Natural History Almanac (2003). He is vice president of Wildlife Watch, the junior division of The Wildlife trusts. Nick lives on Dartmoor along with a growing menagerie of small animals.