AUGUST 2013

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WILD

British wildlife to enjoy this month

6 SPECIES & HABITATS Seahorses in magical meadows, thistles in bloom, yellow wagtails and where to spot Adonis blues. Plus an ID guide to ducks in eclipse plumage. 13 YOUR LOCAL PATCH Look out for froglets and puss moth caterpillars. 15 THINGS TO DO Join a dragonfly safari beside the River Thames. Plus help to survey marine wildlife and monitor tree diseases.

46 BITE CLUB Dolphins charging into bait balls of fsh, in turn pursued by killer whales, while great whites send seals fying. Welcome to Predator Bay…

AGENDA

News, conservation & analysis

38 Great whites in crisis, the US ban on lab chimps, and can scientific reports be trusted? Plus Mark Carwardine worries about the Government’s record on the environment.

W2

Essential information & expert advice

83 TV PLUS We preview Britain’s Big Wildlife

Revival on BBC One, and visit the set of Chris Packham’s new series, The Burrowers. 85 BOOKS August’s best reads, and poet

Kathleen Jamie reveals her favourite book. 89 Q&A Your questions answered – including why do carrion crows eat plastic bags? Plus all the latest discoveries and fascinating facts.

REGULARS

19 TIM DEE

A BRUSH WITH NATURE For naturalist and BBC radio producer Tim Dee, flooded fens hark back to a long-lost era. 21 BILL ODDIE WILD AT HEART

Yes, the view might be wonderful, but not when your hot air balloon is in freefall. 94 YOUR LETTERS 100 CROSSWORD 103 YOUR PHOTOS

We showcase your best images, including a gorgeous waxwing and a black-backed jackal. 114 TALES FROM THE BUSH

When visiting the Falklands Island, do take care not to step on the sealions…

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54 WOMEN IN BIRDING It’s not all men in anoraks. Female birdwatchers share their experiences.