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.

Bird Watching

Welcome

YOUR BIRDING MONTH • FEBRUARY

FIVE BIRDS TO FIND • The last true winter month is a quick one, over before you know it. So, make the most of cold weather birding before the onrush of spring. Here are five great birds to brighten up any winter’s day.

RARITY PREDICTOR • The second rarity predictor of the year sees us chancing our arm with a few choice ‘megas’ to look for this month.

Wintering grey geese • Here are the key ID features of the six main types of ‘grey goose’ found in the winter in the UK.

Beyond Birdwatching • There’s a lot to love about wildlife this month

Weedon's World • After a decent end to 2023, Mike embarked on the marathon of the 2024 year list, in the usual way…

Your chance to make a difference • Sign up for Big Garden Birdwatch 2024 and help track how our garden birds are doing

NEWS IN BRIEF

Grumpy Old Birder • Changing the names of birds won’t change uncomfortable truths, writes Bo Beolens…

Sign up to #My200BirdYear

Win some, lose some • 30-minute birder Amanda Tuke enjoys urban winter birding in Cardiff, on the trail of a rare visitor

The recorder's role

Cardiff birding sites • Visit these winter birding sites in Cardiff, as recommended by local birders. All of the sites can be accessed within 30 minutes by public transport from Cardiff Central Station.

Get your BIRDING MOJO BACK! • Sometimes, all of us lose our motivation to get out and watch birds. It helps to have a reliable ‘spark’ to rekindle your enthusiasm, writes Stuart Winter

WHAT'S YOUR SPARK?

Marvel at migration • Its position close to the continent means that there are always birds on the move at Sandwich Bay Observatory, writes Bo Beolens…

IDChallenge • This month’s challenge is all about the identification of birds of prey

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 birds of prey

GO BIRDING • 10 great sites for brilliant birdwatching

HIGHLAND PORTREE • Coastal, tidal and woodland, with good mix of species

ARGYLL LOCH BA • Explore a historic location for sea eagles

BERWICKSHIRE EYEMOUTH • Sea cliffs, sandy bays and rocky shore, with clifftop scrub

NORTHUMBERLAND BLACK MIDDENS • Mixed woodland birding with year-round interest

CUMBRIA GAMBLESBY • Mixed birding in the Pennine foothills

LEICESTERSHIRE WARREN HILLS • A great spot for watching migration in action

KENT DENGE WOOD • A woodland walk on the dip slope of the North Downs

KENT KING'S WOOD • Another woodland walk in the south-east

DORSET TARRANT HINTON • A mixed and sometimes surprising patch of rural Dorset

DEVON HALDON FOREST • Search for raptors and migrants on the Great Haldon ridge

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

Winter checklist request

Reader Shots

PICS FROM OUR FACEBOOK GROUP

Your Questions • Send all your birding questions to birdwatching@bauermedia.co.uk and our experts will...