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:

Welcome

THE BIG QUESTION: FAVOURITE WETLAND RESERVE?

GOLDFINCH

FIVE TO FIND IN AUGUST • August is considered the archetypal summer month. But for birdwatchers (and indeed birds), it is really autumn. For many birds, the great journey south has begun. You may encounter a mix of youngsters and adults on the move, this month. Try these five.

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...

AUGUST WARBLERS IN NUMBERS

Phylloscopus warblers • Once upon a time, the three most common leaf warblers were all thought to be the same bird, the ‘Willow Wren’. It was only after the observations of Gilbert White in the late 18th Century, that the three birds were properly distinguished. White mainly concentrated on song, but even silent birds should be identifiable in the field with modern optics!

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

Beyond Birdwatching • Come August, summer is still going full throttle, says James Lowen

Weedon's World • In the spring, Mike was having one or two problems with rare herons, close to his Peterborough home

Owl controversy • Eagle Owl sightings in the UK are always controversial – John Miles makes the case for them as native birds

NEWS IN BRIEF

GRUMPY OLD BIRDER • We can all do our bit to help our wildlife, from cutting down on meat consumption to weeding without chemicals, says Bo

Forever exotic • It’s been a favourite at the dinner table and a must-have fashion accessory in past years – but more of us should admire the Little Egret for its great looks

WHERE TO SEE THEM?

OTHER GENUS EGRETTA MEMBERS

Top advice: #My200BirdYear • If you’re looking for Little Egrets at your local wetland sites during the next month, don’t forget to keep an eye out for rarer herons and egrets, as well as other wetland species, too

Creating water worlds • Both literally and metaphorically breaking new ground, the RSPB has been working wonders to create or improve wetland reserves

Creating reedbeds

The Fleet

An unexpected JOURNEY • When Red-necked Phalaropes from Shetland were tracked to their winter breeding grounds, they ended up on a different continent to the one predicted

GENDER ROLES

noisy neighbours • Here, Ruth shares her joy about living so close to Fulmars, a bird she describes as leading a life that’s the reverse of our human assumptions

The group’s advice for ‘best practice’ can be summarised as follows.

Capercaillie-watching ADVICE • Capercaillies are staring at potential extinction once again in Scotland. Visiting birdwatchers can reduce pressure on them by following these guidelines

WANT TO SEE CAPERCAILLIES?

ID Challenge • For August, it’s birds on feeders. It’s as simple as that. Can you identify all six?

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 birds at garden feeders in the...