Birds: Magic Moments

Magic moments: beautiful photographs of birds by Markus Varesvuo A new book gives a fascinating glimpse into the lives of birds. 'Birds: Magic Moments' provides an insight into the world of bird behaviour and the colourful lives of European birds. Photos by renowned Finnish photographer Markus Varesvuo capture everything from tender moments to dramatic confrontations. White-tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) being attacked by a Common Gull (Larus canus) in flight, Norway Markus' patient approach, technical expertise and superb use of lighting have enabled him to capture a remarkable variety of unusual bird behaviour. In order to capture the subjects of his new book he ventured to locations both remote and on his doorstep. Common crane (Grus grus) displaying in defense against Red fox Vulpes vulpes) in Pernaja, Finland Born in Helsinki, Markus has been fascinated with the natural environment, especially birds, since childhood. He finds, he says, wild bird photography a never-ending project; with advancements in camera and lens technology continually offering him challenges and new possibilities. Great Grey owl (Strix nebulosa), Tornio, Finland Birds: Magic Moments (RRP£19.99) is available from www.newhollandpublishers.com or the Telegraph book shop. Hooded Crow (Corvus corone cornix) trying to open a bottle, Liminka, Finland Two Common Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) fighting, Pusztaszer, Hungary Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) hitting the surface of a lake while hunting for fish in Kangasala, Finland, Scandinavia Willow grouse (Lagopus lagopus) female with winter plumage in snow, Utsjoki, Finland Grey herons (Ardea cinerea) fighting over fish prey. Porvoo, Finland Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix) fighting, Liminka, Finland Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa) flying low over snow-covered ground, Tornio, Finland Barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) adult feeding insect to chick on branch, Sipoo, Finland European Roller (Coracias garrulus) courtship display, Pusztaszer, Hungary Ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus) chick on lichen-covered wood, Ivalo, Finland White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) with a fish (surplus catch) Norway Juvenile Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) drinking, Hungary European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) with dragonfly prey, Pusztaszer, Hungary Hoopoe (Upupa epops) with insect prey in beak, Pusztaszer, Hungary Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis sharpei) male bathing, Spain Slavonian / Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) males fighting on water, Finland Red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) mating pair, Hortobagy NP, Hungary White-tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) being attacked by a Common Gull (Larus canus) in flight, Norway 'Birds: Magic Moments' by Markus Varesvuo