Bird Watching

Bird Watching is Britain’s best-selling birdwatching magazine. Each issue is packed with expert advice on when, where and how to see more birds, from common garden visitors to the most elusive rarities. There are features from some of British birdwatching’s best-known names, superbly illustrated by the work of the world’s best bird photographers, plus comprehensive coverage of all the latest sightings, guides to the best birdwatching sites, ID masterclasses, news and reviews of all the latest gear.

Welcome

BIRDING QUESTION • We ask this month’s contributors: What’s your favourite raptor?

…and the Bird Watching team’s answers

YOUR BIRDING MONTH • AUGUST

FIVE TO FIND IN AUGUST • Late summer is a time of moulting, juvenile waders, scarce passerines and much more. Here are five birds to see this month.

RARITY PREDICTOR

LONG-LEGGED WADING BIRDS IN NUMBERS

Juvenile chats • Though not necessarily illustrated even in the most popular field guides, the general rule is that young chats look like speckled versions of the adults. Here are some to look out for this month.

UK TIDES AUGUST • The times below are for high tide, when waders and wildfowl will be pushed closer to dry land…

Beyond Birdwatching • August is packed full of wildlife interest, says James Lowen – just perfect for the summer holidays!

Weedon’s World • In early June, at a secret site not far from his home, Mike saw what he is calling the ‘bird of the year’

Fears for Farne terns • Careful monitoring is now in place following fears that Arctic Terns are deserting one of the main Farne Islands in the breeding season

NEWS IN BRIEF

GRUMPYOLDBIRDER • This month, Bo calls out the lack of meaningful action behind the multitude of green pledges…

Schoolyard BIRDING • Schools are the perfect place to start getting your 30 minutes of birding a day, writes Mya Bambrick – it could form a lifelong habit!

HOW TO GET STARTED

My garden birds • Dr John Twyford, of Nailsea, Somerset, wrote to us in the spring about how our garden birdwatching can play a significant part in conservation, and in maintaining our well-being…

BIRD OF THE MONTH

TIP OF THE MONTH

TASK OF THE MONTH

Roy Dennis MR OSPREY • He’s the man who pioneered reintroducing birds of prey into the British countryside – John Miles meets the legend that is Roy Dennis

RESTORING THE WILD

An Illustrator’s Guide to Birding • If you want to learn to draw birds in the field, how do you begin? Artist Lucy Saunders gives her top tips on capturing the essence of a bird

BIRD RACING: The Global Birding Big Day • The race is on for Ruth to see as many bird species as possible in one day

How to BRING BACK BIRDS • Why the UN and global conversations could help save Lapwings and other species

ID Challenge • This month’s challenge features juvenile waders. How many can you identify?

Answers & solutions • Check your answers against our explanations. Remember, as ever, there are no ‘trick’ birds or extreme rarities among those here

ID Tips & tricks • Here are a few extra tips to help you to identify juvenile waders

GO BIRDING • 10 GREAT SITES FOR BRILLIANT BIRDWATCHING

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

Reader Shots

YOURVIEW

PICS FROM OUR FACEBOOK GROUP

Your Questions • Send all your birding questions to birdwatching@bauermedia.co.uk and our experts will give you the answers

Ringed Plover • In the fight for survival, this...