The Redstart

New Naturalist Monograph #M02

by John Buxton

The Redstart (New Naturalist Monograph)

Genres: Nonfiction

180 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1950

About the author

John Buxton was an English poet and lecturer in English literature.

Reviews

[Paulfozz · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this true classic of natural history writing and study John Buxton combines the work that he and fellow prisoners-of-war in Bavaria undertook during World War II with that of other naturalists to form a comprehensive study of the Redstart. While Buxton remains coy about his knowledge, this book contains a wealth of information about the summer behaviour of this species, including much about their territories, courtship, mating, nest-building and chick-rearing. Migration is also discussed, Buxton describing well that which was known, or supposed, and outlining aspects where little was known at the time. The fact-heavy content could easily overwhelm the reader but Buxton expertly describes the behaviour of the birds studied in ways that are both information-rich and yet still readable, often eye-opening and fascinating.

How advances in knowledge since 1950 have affected the relevance of the information given here I cannot say, but this remains a great work and one that will reward the reader immensely.