What's a good wildlife type present?

[Cowgirl]

Hoping you people can help me out. My neighbours son is 14 & does all sorts of stuff for me & my husband. He cuts the front grass in front of our house, which is longer than everyone elses, we've never asked him but if he's doing theirs he'll often do ours (communal strip which runs in front of 4 houses), fixed stuff & recently has just returned hubbies air rifle after spending a lot f time getting it sorted & shooting straight. He's a nice quiet country lad who never says much & is on his own a lot, he goes out shooting rabbits for his birds (he has 2 hawks & a falcon that he keeps with his dad), is a keen falconer & makes his own gear for the hawks, hoods, jesses etc & keeps an eye on our local rat population & keeps them in check when they get too close to the houses (usually encouraged by my bird feeders ).

I could give him money but he's interested in wildlife & knowing what's what, he has got a few books but not many I think. The jobs are such that it wouldn't be right giving him money each time as that's not why he does it but I would like to show my appreciation. I was thinking of a good interesting wildlife book that maybe he hasn't got (obviously I would have to find out what he did have first) but I wouldn't have a clue which one or if anyone can think of anything else I would appreciate it.

Look forward to receiving your suggestions, thank you.

[tameblackbirds]

Gerald Durrell 'My Family and Other Animals' A great book for teenagers.

[healfdan]

How about Birds Britannica by Mark Cocker & Richard Mabey Pub: Chatto & Windus 2005.
Or one of the series of books published by David & Charles, such as Tales of the Old Gamekeepers by Brian P. Martin (available from Amazonxexe

[Cowgirl]

Oh my, good suggestions all. Blackbirds thank you for reminding me about the Gerarld Durrell family books, my favourites while growing up of all time. The James Herriot books coming second.

[artdemole]

The Unofficial Countryside. By Richard Mabey.

[eeyore]

gerald durrel "the amateur naturalist"

there is an updated version by nick baker i think - but the original is better in my view

also the mike tomkies series of books - perhaps "last wild place" - plenty of excitement to inpire the teenage mind

meetings with remarkable trees

best wild places by Christopher somerville

or if you are feeling generous fauna bitanica - but thats a bit pricey

or if he like the idea of wildlife photography one of the andy rouse books like "life in the wild a wildlife phgotographers year "

or as hes interested in raptors etc ivbe got a briliant book called "seasons with the kestrel" by a bloke called Gordon Riddle which is about 18 years spent studying them - which you can still get via amazon

[Emma S]

A book he is likely to love is 'Nature Detective' by Hugh Falkus. It's out of print now but available second hand. I have a copy and I love it. It's all about learning about the little clues that animals and birds leave for us - their tracks and marks and so on. It's full of great photographs and useful facts and is very interesting and informative.
It's a real shame that it's not in print any more; I don't know of any other book like it.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Emma S

A book he is likely to love is 'Nature Detective' by Hugh Falkus. It's out of print now but available second hand. I have a copy and I love it. It's all about learning about the little clues that animals and birds leave for us - their tracks and marks and so on. It's full of great photographs and useful facts and is very interesting and informative.
It's a real shame that it's not in print any more; I don't know of any other book like it.

you can get it from amazon used for 2.75

[Kayleigh]

This is the perfect wildlife present if anyone wants to buy me a present then any one on the list below will do..


Adoption

[STYRBJORN]

The Natural History of Selbourne Gilbert White. Classic. If you get hold of the Folio Edition with the illustrations you won't want to part with it.

Ric