Join Dick Forsman, widely acclaimed as the world expert on the birds of prey of the Western Palearctic and beyond, in his quest to find and photograph all the raptors of Europe during dozens of trips to all corners of the continent and beyond over a period of more than a decade.
The result is a remarkable book, which will be on the wish list of birders everywhere. It distils the very best of the thousands of images Dick has taken over the years, including some sets of images that make up their own small stories within each chapter. Species covered include everything from the diminutive Merlin to stealth-hunters such as Northern Goshawk and the mighty Lammergeier and White-tailed and Golden Eagles.
There are geographical chapters on Raptors of the far north, Raptors of the Mediterranean, Raptors in the Pyrenees and Raptors of the Middle East and behavioural chapters on Migration, Moult, Breeding and Hunting, as well as on the recent hot topic of Hybridisation. A useful technical details section at the back of Raptors in Focus will give added appeal for nature photographers.
Born in Finland in the 1950s, Dick Forsman went on to study Zoology and Genetics at the University of Helsinki. He has written numerous books and papers on birds of prey and owns his own birding tour company, leading several tours each year. He is recognised around Europe and beyond as the leading expert on raptors and is advisor and consultant on their identification in countries around the continent.
"[...] The text is minimal with around 200-300 words to introduce each chapter. Everyone will have their own favourites in this book, but I particularly liked the images of Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis in many different plumages and positions. This is a wonderful book with images of raptors from every conceivable angle."
– Keith Betton, British Birds Volume 110, January 2017
"[...] This newest of Forsman’s books [...] has a decidedly different aim. Raptors in Focus [...] is a showcase both for Forsman’s impressive portfolio and the birds that are its subject. In selecting the images for the book, the author has attempted to give readers a feel for what draws him to raptors and to the places they live in, and to share some of the delight he derives from watching birds of prey. [...] Raptors in Focus will appeal to a wide range of bird enthusiasts and is sure to stimulate interest in raptors at coffee tables throughout Europe and beyond!"
– Mark Wilson, BTO book reviews