Creatures of the Night: A Book of Wild Life in Western Britain by Alfred W. Rees is a detailed exploration of the nocturnal animals inhabiting the western regions of Britain, published in 1905. Here's a breakdown of the book's content:
Focus: The book concentrates on the fascinating world of nocturnal creatures, specifically those found in western Britain.
Animals Covered:
- Rees likely dedicates chapters to a variety of nighttime animals, potentially including:
- Mammals: Badgers, foxes, owls, bats, hedgehogs, and possibly even otters.
- Birds: Owls (different species like barn owls and tawny owls), nightjars, and perhaps even some bat species.
- Other Creatures: Insects like moths and nocturnal beetles could also be featured.
Content and Style:
- Detailed Descriptions: Each animal gets a dedicated section with in-depth descriptions covering:
- Physical characteristics and adaptations for nighttime activity (e.g., sharp nocturnal vision, keen sense of smell).
- Behaviors and hunting strategies used under the cover of darkness.
- Habitat preferences and how they utilize the nighttime environment.
- Engaging Narrative: Rees likely employs a captivating writing style, blending his observations and knowledge with interesting anecdotes to bring the lives of these nocturnal creatures to life.
- Historical and Folkloric Context: The book might incorporate historical and folkloric elements associated with these nighttime animals, adding cultural depth to the exploration.
Additional Features:
- Illustrations: The book likely contains illustrations or photographs of the featured animals, enhancing the reader's understanding and visualization.
- Limited Geographical Scope: As the title suggests, the book focuses on wildlife in western Britain, offering a glimpse into the specific nocturnal ecology of that region.
Overall, Creatures of the Night is a captivating read for anyone interested in the natural world and the unique adaptations of animals that thrive under the cloak of darkness.
It's important to note that the book was published in 1905. While the core observations about animal behavior remain valuable, scientific understanding of ecology and wildlife biology might have evolved since then.
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