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

Bird Watching • We asked contributors for their favourite autumn birds…

YOUR BIRDING MONTH • AUTUMN

FIVE TO FIND IN AUTUMN • What we call ‘autumn’ includes September and October, i.e., the best birding time in the second half of the year. Here are five beautiful birds for you to enjoy at this time.

RARITY PREDICTOR • Here is our regular guess at which very rare birds will appear during autumn, this year. Any would be a sensational find!

GREBES IN NUMBERS

Larger plovers • The larger (non-lapwing) plovers are in the genus Pluvialis. There are just four species in the world. One is a UK breeding bird and common winterer and passage bird, one is a common coastal winterer and passage bird, while the other two are rare but annual visitors to the UK.

UK TIDES SEPTEMBER

Beyond Birdwatching • If you're watching autumn migration, also look for other wildlife, says James Lowen…

Weedon's World

Gull ID just got harder! • When is a Yellow-legged Gull not a Yellow-legged Gull? We might soon find out, writes Ian Parsons…

NEWS IN BRIEF

Grumpy Old Birder • Cheesed off about what's happening to our chalk streams? You should be, says Bo – they're an irreplaceable natural treasure

Join us on Birda!

Sign up to #My200BirdYear • Now that the summer lull is well and truly over, autumn provides you with a great chance to make up any lost ground in your bid to complete our #My200BirdYear challenge. Follow these tips to get your list growing again…

Meet our sponsor

Make your birdwatching count • Amanda Tuke visited London's newest park, and discovered the importance of leaving a legacy…

BirdTrack, eBird, or something else? What British birders said…

Open-access birding data

First-time twiching • So, you've learned to know your regular local birds well, but what can you expect from your first twitch? Hep Cairnswood explains…

Our breeding birds NEED YOU! • The Rare Breeding Birds Panel is 50 years old. Here, its secretary, Dr Mark Eaton, explains why its vital work depends on ordinary birdwatchers

A six-step guide to helping the RBBP

Conversations about conservation • Rain, hail and thunder couldn't stop Global Birdfair being a big success, and projects to preserve endangered species and habitats stand to benefit…

IDChallenge • This month's challenge is all about the identification of autumn and winter geese

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 Geese

DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE

CAERLAVEROCK WWT

WHINLATTER

SALTHOLME RSPB

CWM CLETTWR

PEGSDON

HARTY MARSHES

COOMBE BISSETT DOWN NR

STANPIT MARSH

BRIDFORD

Reader Shots • Send your snaps to birdwatching@bauermedia.co.uk to be in with a chance of seeing your photo in print. All images should be high resolution JPEG files.

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

PICS FROM OUR FACEBOOK GROUP • Join our dedicated #My200BirdYear Facebook group and share your best birding experiences...