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 UK birding location?

YOUR BIRDING MONTH • JULY

FIVE TO FIND IN JULY • All months have their charm for birders. But the heat of summer sees little change in bird populations, and many of us turn our attentions to the delights of other wildlife, as extolled by James Lowen in Beyond Birdwatching (see p14). That said, there are birds to enjoy out there, and what better time to leave your local patch for a spell and enjoy some special birds further afield. Like these five species, perhaps?

RARITY PREDICTOR • Here is our guess about which really rare birds may be heading our way…

PENDULINE TIT

PTARMIGAN DROPPINGS

LATE EVENING VIGIL

BREEDING BIRDS OF PREY IN NUMBERS

UK’s breeding grebes • As there is only about one breeding pair of Red-necked Grebes in the UK, it will not appear here. But remember, that where there is one, there may be more unseen and unknown. And also remember that non-breeding scarce grebes in summer plumage may appear at this time of year.

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

Beyond Birdwatching • Whether day or night, north or south, wood or field, wildlife diversity is the name of the game in July,

Weedon’s World • After a quiet spring passage around his home area, Mike is feeling slightly dejected about the impact of technology

Huge support for Birdfair • The Rutland-based show is back and will have something of interest for everyone,

Grumpy Old Birder • This month, Bo talks about planting ‘fast’ forests on otherwise useless wasteland…

NEWS IN BRIEF

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A beginner’s BIRDWATCHING YEAR • All birding newcomers quickly discover there’s a great deal to learn, and many mistakes to make, but the rewards are well worth the effort

Britain’s 100 BEST BIRDING DESTINATIONS

RUN BIRDING • Thirty-minute birder Amanda Tuke takes steps to squeeze in more birdwatching

Stopping and spotting

What you told me about your run-birding and your top tips

NIGHTJAR magic • A spellbinding bird that’s well worth getting up early (or staying out late) for…

ID Challenge • This month’s challenge is all about the identification of heathland birds

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

ID Tips & tricks • Here are a few extra tips to help you identify heathland birds

GO BIRDING • 10 GREAT SITES FOR BRILLIANT BIRDWATCHING

Reader Shots

YOURVIEW • PHOTOS, LETTER, TWEETS, QUESTIONS – HAVE YOUR SAY

PICS FROM OUR FACEBOOK GROUP

Your Questions

Birding the ODIEL MARSHES • A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in southern Spain, where a delighful array of birdlife thrives alongside industry in the saltwater marshes.

Bee-eater • With an ever-warming climate, could these gorgeous birds be the latest UK colonisers?

BIRDTHEWORLD • THE BEST HOLIDAY OFFERS & TRAVEL REPORTS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

MULL in summer • A short boat ride from the Scottish mainland, but this birding...