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 brand new World of Birds 2025 guide!

Golden-era warbler

Scarlet sensation • Martin Dove’s extraordinary garden visitor sparked a mass twitch to a small village on the outskirts of Halifax in early November.

Eagle in the hills • On a work volunteer party and without a camera, Alan Lewis was in for a shock when he discovered an extremely rare raptor in late October.

The late, great show • There were plenty of late autumn surprises this year, while early winter storms produced some lively birding as well. Sam Viles summarises the highlights.

Winter warmers • As autumn migration wound down across the region, a selection of top-class winter and late migrant goodies were unearthed. Sam Viles reports.

Make 2025 your best birding year with BIRDGUIDES FIRST FOR BIRD NEWS • Receive instant and reliable bird sightings seven days a week

Pictures or it didn’t happen • As birding increases in popularity and more people than ever are armed with cameras and recorders, our columnist wonders if it’s now time for all rarity records to require photos or audio files.

Six months of Labour • Our columnist debates the performance so far of the UK’s recently elected government – and outlines what decisions need to be made moving forward.

The mystical Arctic rose • As beautiful as it is mysterious, Ross’s Gull has captured the hearts and imaginations of ornithologists and birders since the 19th century. Ed Stubbs takes a closer look at this denizen of the High Arctic.

The final frontiers • Despite being intensely birded for the most part, the Western Palearctic likely still has a few avian surprises yet to spring, as Brian McCloskey discusses.

Northern Ireland’s seabird sanctuary • With its impressive seabird colonies and a rich ornithological history, Copeland in Co Down is Northern Ireland’s sole bird observatory. Obs president Dr Kez Armstrong discusses its history and birdlife.

Winter grebes • Five grebe species are regular in Britain during the winter, with a sixth being a very rare visitor from North America. Miles Cluff offers tips on how to separate these sometimes-tricky waterbirds.

Baikal Teal on the rise • From mega rarity to expected annual visitor in the space of a couple of decades, Baikal Teal records are on an upward trajectory in Britain and Europe. Dan Owen takes a look at the possible reasons for the increase.

Lights out for birds • Nocturnal light pollution disorientates and kills millions of birds annually worldwide. Dr Emily Joáchim outlines this growing problem and considers how it can be tackled.

Solid support • Strength, stability and impressive control were the standout features evident when Mike Alibone unfolded the impressive latest addition to the Vanguard tripod range.

Birds and boughs

A real stormer

Bird names explained • “The book’s format is pleasantly easy to navigate or to dip in and out of at will. I found it addictive and absorbing”

All owl knowledge

Read Birdwatch the eco-friendly way • Unlock more than 30 years of Birdwatch with a subscription to the Birdwatch Digital Archive

New Year tips

Goldfinch

Water Rail

A fresh start

Remembering … January

Ruling the roost

Song skills

‘Vocal dialogue’ noted between Tawny and Ural Owls in Russia

Cyprus

your letters & photos

In the next issue February

Mega minefield • Was the Yorkshire tanager an escape? And why did...