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

Editorial Letter

What’s in the digital edition?

SAVING SPOON-BILLED

The Scottish scoter spectacular • An extraordinary gathering of scoter in Fife included not only a fine drake Stejneger’s Scoter, found by Jared Wilson, but multiple White-winged and Surf Scoter too.

Bardsey on song • A highly desired North American sparrow sadly proved to be a one-day bird on the Welsh island.

A month of two firsts? • While May’s Grey-headed Lapwing looks destined to be added to the British list, a wide-ranging Yellow-billed Kite was more contentious. Sam Viles reports on a lively month.

A May full of megas • From a potential regional first in Turkey to a lingering Ancient Murrelet in Spain, it truly was a superb month for major rarities, as Sam Viles details.

ALAN TILMOUTH Grey-headed heaven • Our columnist’s home county was in the limelight in May when what could prove to be the bird of the year was found, resulting in a particularly memorable twitch.

DAVID WAUGH Sounding off • Whether it’s Great Northern Divers in the European countryside or African Fish Eagles in Asia, directors dubbing out-of-context bird calls into films and TV shows can be a source of great exasperation for birders.

Brilliant Bardsey • Off the coast of north-west Wales lies Bardsey Island: a place of legend, pilgrimage and exceptional beauty, as well as a haven for migrant birds. Steve and Emma Stansfield introduce the island and its diverse wildlife.

The state of bird clubs in Britain • It is often said that local bird clubs make up the backbone of British birding, but what role do they have in 2023 – and how are they faring post-pandemic? We asked Keith Betton, himself Chair of the Hampshire Ornithological Society, to check on the health of our many bird clubs and societies.

The stats

Summer terns • Often perceived as the quietest period of the year for birding, midsummer is a fantastic time to be on the lookout for unusual terns when in the field, wherever you may be. Josh Jones examines some of the possibilities.

Britain’s waterbird wonderland • Although intensively managed for agriculture, The Fens hold an impressive array of special wildlife, including some of the UK’s rarest breeding birds and huge numbers of wintering wildfowl. Jon Heath profiles this unique region.

Where to visit • Here is a selection of some of the best reserves at which to experience the finest wildlife that The Fens has to offer.

The vanishing forest • Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has accelerated in recent years, with the state of Rondônia on the frontline of forest loss. Matt Eade recently visited the region, finding it to be a case of now or never for seeing the region’s Critically Endangered species – some of which are teetering on the verge of extinction.

The slow birding movement • Birding can be a high-carbon hobby, especially if you’re travelling abroad. But with a little planning, the trips you take can be environmentally friendly, as Rebecca Armstrong found when she spoke to Jonnie Fisk.

Pocket rocket • Canon’s new monocular is designed to help people explore nature in a new and dynamic fashion. But how does it perform? Kit Day takes a closer look.

Understanding flight

In the Welsh uplands

THIS MONTH’S EXPERT PANEL INCLUDES:

Walking in comfort

The dangers of driving

Island tribute

Time of day

THIS MONTH’S PANEL

Northern Gannet

Dipper

When the sun goes down

Birders’ autumn

On the right...