Birds of Prey (Smith novel) Birds of Prey (Smith novel) Birds of Prey is a 1997 novel by Wilbur Smith set in the late 17th century. The novel was the first in the third sequence of the Courtney series of novels, and as of 2013 was chronologically the first in the entire series. Smith says the book established the characteristics of the family: "Right from "Birds of Prey"... the Courtneys were pirates, merchants, looking to seize the main chance. They were very much driven by monetary considerations. But with the Ballantynes it was much more empire, patriotism, glory – the soldierly virtues." In 1667 Holland
Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia of prey, therefore, is a cost-effective method of tracking environmental change. Raptors can play an important role in ecological health — they may help to control insects and rodents, stabilize predator-prey dynamics and mitigate health risks to humans and other animals by removing carrion (e.g. vultures). Major threats to birds of prey include the use of pesticides and lead shot, collision with overhead power lines and wind turbines, habitat destruction, poaching and illegal trapping, and illegal trade. As of late 2015, there were fifty-two signatories to the agreement: Angola, Armenia, Belgium, Burundi, Chad, Congo (Brazzaville), the Czech Republic, the Democratic