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 species that’s made a UK comeback?

...and the Bird Watching team’s answers

YOUR BIRDING MONTH

FIVE TO FIND IN MARCH • March is the first month of true spring migration. Some of our wintering species are heading to the far north, while the first of our summer visitors are appearing. Here are five great birds to catch up with as spring kicks in.

RARITY PREDICTOR

FERRUGINOUS DUCK

CHIFFCHAFF SONG

REPEAT VIEWING

EARLY MIGRANTS IN NUMBERS

Winter to spring waders • The UK’s coasts, estuaries and saltmarshes are important wintering sites for several wading bird species, including these birds which seem more prominent at this time of year, prior to the great spring migration north (for most shorebird species).

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

Beyond Birdwatching • The wan sun of early spring gladdens the naturalist’s heart, James Lowen reckons

Weedon’s World • Mike prefers the plural Jack Snipes (with a final ‘s’) and this month will be using it very often, about one of his favourite birds

Kittiwake concerns • Deterrent netting along River Tyne could prevent colony from nesting

GRUMPY OLD BIRDER • It’s quality, not quantity when it comes to seawatching, says Bo, reminiscing about last year…

NEWS IN BRIEF

Sign up for My200BirdYear • Haven’t signed up for our #My200BirdYear challenge yet? Don’t worry, your journey to seeing 200 species in 2021 starts here!

BOOMING Bittern • The recent success of the Bittern in the UK is a real boost to our birdlife, so make sure you get out there (when permitted to do so) and hear one for yourself!

DID YOU KNOW?

5 MORE REEDBED BIRDS TO FIND IN MARCH • While March can be a good time to watch reedbeds for Bitterns, they can be very shy, so keep an eye out for these five species while you’re at it…

My2MileBirdYear • David Chandler gives his final update on 2020’s two-mile challenge

at-a-glance Identification • A guide to our new series of ID cards

Natural predators • A hunting Barn Owl is a beautiful, unforgettable sight, but they all too frequently fall victim to poisoning, accidental and deliberate

Caught on film • Barn Owls are a favourite subject for photographers — read how one expert captured a wonderful image, in the days before digital

ID Challenge • This month’s challenge is all about waterbirds which habitually dive to feed

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 diving waterbirds

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

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

PICS FROM OUR FACEBOOK GROUP

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