Australian Falcons
The secret lives of our fastest birds of prey
| By | Peter Slater & Sally Elmer |
|---|---|
| Format | Hardback |
| Page Extent | 240 |
| Book Size | 260 x 210 x 500 mm (H x W x D) |
| Imprint | Reed New Holland |
| Release Date | 10 May 2024 |
| Subject Classification | Biology, life sciences / Zoology & animal sciences / Zoology: Vertebrates / Birds (ornithology) |
More than 50 years in the making, Australian Falcons is a beautifully illustrated volume of personal observations, interesting encounters with raptors, and detailed descriptions of behaviour that will inform and delight the reader.
The late great Peter Slater needs no introduction as one of Australia’s finest natural history artists, photographers and authors over a period of decades, with the renowned The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds among his many works.
For this book Peter teamed up with the equally talented and award-winning artist Sally Elmer to produce the ultimate volume on this family of scythe-winged birds of prey, including the Peregrine Falcon, which has been recorded reaching speeds of more than 300 kilometres per hour. Other chapters cover Australia’s other five falcon species: Nankeen Kestrel, Brown Falcon, Australian Hobby, Grey Falcon and Black Falcon.
Engaging text explains all about the lives of these enigmatic birds, while stunning photography and artworks provide a window into the hidden world of these raptors, which rarely venture close to people but capture our imaginations with their dashing flight and remarkable aerial feats.
Peter Slater
Peter Slater was interested in birds from early childhood until his death in 2020 and studied nearly every Australian species in the field. He wrote and illustrated many books, including award-winners ‘The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds’, ‘Rare and Vanishing Australian Birds’, ‘Masterpieces of Australian Bird Photography’ and ‘Australian Birds – a portfolio of paintings and drawings’, as well as hold many exhibitions of paintings.
Sally Elmer
Sally worked for 15 years as an artist with the Queensland Museum, and in 1995 decided to take the plunge and become a self-employed artist. From a studio in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, surrounded by the sights and sounds of what inspires her, she enjoys observing and researching our native wildlife, discovering a diversity of colour, texture and character.
