David Cabot

b.1938. Irish naturalist and writer, author of Wildfowl (2009) and Ireland (1999). Educated at Dartington High School, Devon and Trinity College, Dublin where he studied natural sciences, going on to University College, Galway, where he obtained a PhD in ecology of bird parasites.

For twenty years worked as ecologies, later Head of Conservation Research in the State institute for Physical Planning (An Foras Forbatha) in Dublin. There responsible for Ireland's National Heritage Inventory and developing nature conservation policy, later also as a special environmental advisor to two Irish Prime Ministers. More recently helped develop environmental policies in countries soon to join the European Union, as well as independent consultant at home in Ireland.

All-round field naturalist and ecologist, specialises in seabirds and wildfowl, enjoying the arduous life in Arctic and other wild spots. Film maker, author of 11 books, one-time university lecturer, and presenter on radio and TV. Collects antiquarian books. Probably the best Irish naturalist since Praeger. Believes 'life on the edge keeps you sharp.'