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

…and the Bird Watching team’s answers

YOUR BIRDING MONTH

FIVE TO FIND IN SEPTEMBER • Now we are into the real peak passage period of the autumn. Some birders even prefer September to October, these days, with some unbelievable rarities turning up during this month, especially in the last week or two. These are not extreme rarities, but a few great birds to tickle your fancy this month.

RARITY PREDICTOR

UK TIDES SEPTEMBER

Beyond Birdwatching • An ‘Indian summer’ in September is a boon for plants and insects, says James Lowen.

Weedon’s World • Mike has been to Yorkshire to pay his respects to a shrike, though his knees found the cliff-top walking a struggle

Black-winged Stilt chicks hatch in Yorkshire for first time… next to B&Q! • A pair of stilts chose an unlikely setting to start a family; just off the M18, opposite a DIY store…

Grumpy Old Birder • This month, bird numbers are down, insect activity is down and Bo is feeling… a bit down.

NEWS IN BRIEF

What a BLAST! • After a two-year, Covid-enforced hiatus, the world’s greatest birding event was back. The Bird Watching team had an unforgettable weekend!

Sign up to #My200BirdYear

Singing in the RAIN • Thirty-minute birder Amanda Tuke finds birding joy when it’s wet out

The horrors of WAR • The human tragedy caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine is incomparable, but the natural world is also suffering terribly

The new legend of SHERWOOD FOREST • Nature-loving Indy Kiemel Greene has already achieved a great deal in his young life

The art of ROBERT GILLMOR • A tribute to the life of the famous ornithologist and artist

IDChallenge • This month’s challenge is all about the identification of autumn garden 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 garden 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

Back to BLACK • Dive deep into the world of the harbour-dwelling, crevice-nesting Black Guillemot – a strikingly handsome bird, whatever the season.

SCATTER! • Dominic Couzens looks at the fascinating phenomenon of dispersal in the bird world…

Join the Bird Watching team for some fabulous birding in the Scottish Highlands next Spring • Spring in Scotland means rich wildlife potential in glorious countryside, and you can join the Bird Watching team there for an exclusive trip from: 6 April to 11 April 2023

Montagu’s Harrier in EXTREMADURA • Dedicated conservationists in this western region of Spain are working hard to monitor and protect a remarkable bird

Mute Swan • You will have seen, heard and read a lot about this gorgeous bird over the years. Some tales are true, others less so…

Room to breathe • You don’t always have to fill up the frame with your subject matter to take an unforgettable photo

Photography Q&A

GEARFINDER • The best...