Birdwatch

Birdwatch magazine is the UK’s number one bird watching magazine for keen birders, featuring the latest rarity reports, ID guides, optics reviews and birding holidays, plus features and news from across the world.

Birdwatch

Editor’s Note

Download the World of Birds 2024 guide today!

The eagle has landed

American dreams • North Ronaldsay delivered yet another mega when Craig Forysth discovered a rare Nearctic thrush on the famous island.

From the desert to the dunes • A particularly co-operative Asian Desert Warbler in Norfolk was one of October’s top birds.

Eastern wonder is Scottish first • An Eastern Crowned Warbler proved to be one of the stars of Shetland’s autumn.

Brilliant Booted • An autumn holiday in Cornwall produced an exceptional bird of prey discovery for Michael Scott-Ham.

Unpredictable October • The peak autumn month was full of surprises, with major birds from east and west discovered. Sam Viles reports.

A month of shocks • October 2024 was defined by its range of mind-blowing records, including regional firsts, reports Sam Viles.

Be in the know first with BirdGuides • This autumn, be the first to hear about all major breaking bird sightings. Notifications are available on ANY device and come complete with on-site instructions and maps, 365 days a year, 16 hours a day, for the birds that matter most.

The names they are a-changin’ • With bird nomenclature set for a major shake-up, our columnist suggests it’s time to ban boring names and officially launches his ‘Good Names for European Birds’ campaign.

The end of grouse shooting? • The pursuit of shooting Red Grouse is in terminal decline, writes our columnist – and a petition might be one of the nails in the coffin.

Winter blues busted • It can be hard to feel inspired during the short, cold days ahead. But as Sarah Harris shows, there is so much for a birder to look forward to during the winter months.

White-hot rarity • Majestic and mysterious, Snowy Owl captures the imaginations of birders and non-birders alike. Simon Papps explores the fascinating history of the species’ vagrancy and occasional breeding in Britain.

At the edge of the world • Ouessant, the westernmost island of mainland France, is a wild place with grandiose landscapes that is well known for hosting migrants from both east and west. Hugo Touzé profiles this legendary French hot-spot.

AWARD CATEGORIES • It’s the 10-year anniversary of the Birders’ Choice Awards! That means it’s time for you, our readers, to decide who are the heroes – and villains – of conservation. What was this year’s outstanding rarity? Which discoveries left you inspired? Tell us your views on the best and worst in birding in 2024 and you could win a pair of Hawke 8x42 Endurance ED binoculars worth £289.

How to find Hawfinches • Few British birds are trickier to track down than Hawfinch. Winter is an excellent time to go looking for this enigmatic species and Mark Mallalieu offers expert tips for locating these secretive birds in your local area.

State of the art • This year, the esteemed Birdwatch and SWAROVSKI OPTIK Artist of the Year award celebrated its 20th birthday. Josh Jones reveals the winner and reports back on another exuberant showing at The Natural Eye exhibition in London.

DIY nature reserve • Dickleburgh Moor, a small wetland in interior Norfolk, has been punching above its weight in recent years in terms of birds. Ben Potterton tells the story of its creation, management and flourishing wildlife.

Sakers in the snow • The jagged landscapes of northern Pakistan are home to extraordinary wildlife. World Land Trust’s Christie Reed details the recent creation of a biosphere reserve to protect Saker Falcon, Snow Leopard and plenty more...