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.

MEET THE TEAM

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

GET IN TOUCH: • Bird Watching, Media House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA

Welcome

THE BIG QUESTION: FAVOURITE RAPTOR?

RED KITE

FIVE TO FIND IN AUTUMN • September and October (which combined are conveniently, unambiguously, autumn) are arguably the most exciting of all the months for birders, with so many great birds to find, see and enjoy. Like these five crackers!

RARITY PREDICTOR • Each month, we take a free hit of a guess at what very rare birds may occur in the UK during the given month. Like these three...

SMALL ‘CREEPING’ BIRDS IN NUMBERS

Shrikes • Shrikes are the passerine equivalent of raptors, fearsome, hook-billed predators of large insects, small mammals, reptiles and even birds. All are charismatic, very exciting birds to find. Good luck finding one (or more) this autumn!

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

Beyond Birdwatching • In autumn, it pays to look for somewhat clandestine wildlife

Weedon's World • Sometimes, just standing around, letting the birds do the work, is the best way to spend a Sunday birding

Breeding hopes • Hand-rearing Curlews will hopefully secure a successful future for these wading birds

GRUMPY OLD BIRDER • It’s a case of the world “killing the Golden Goose,” says Bo this month

NEWS IN BRIEF

The final run in • We are now in the heart of autumn. The breeding season is over, and birds’ thoughts and instincts turn to dispersal and migration, in order to be in the best possible place for the colder seasons to come. Things are on the move. If summer seemed to drift by with little change to your #My200BirdYear list, then this time of year could not be more different. Now is the time to assess what you may not have seen and go for it!

yellow- browed WARBLER • Weighing the same as a small coin, this tiny bird belies its small size by completing a mammoth journey of thousands of miles every year

MORE PHYLLOSCOPUS WARBLERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Raptor ID • Follow our guide to identifying raptors and you could soon be easily recognising these great birds on future outings

‘GETTING TO GRIPS WITH RAPTORS’ - WORKSHOP WITH KEITH OFFORD

Flaming beauties • Asia is home to a group of colourful woodpeckers, the Flamebacks! Take a closer look at these intriguing birds...

The winners... • Bird Photographer of the Year not only showcases some marvellous images taken around the world, it also raises funds to help with bird conservation. Here’s a selection of this year’s winners...

BUY THE BOOK!

2020 Competition

Season’s greetings • Why summer is the new autumn when it comes to birdwatching!

ID Challenge • In autumn, many birds flock up. Can you identify six of these small, flocking birds

Answers & solutions • Compare your answers with our answers and reasoning below. How well did you do, this month?

ID Tips & tricks • Here are a few extra tips to help you identify small flocking birds in the field

GO BIRDING • 10 GREAT SITES FOR BRILLIANT BIRDWATCHING

KILMORY AND SWARDALE • Varied wildlife on the beautiful...