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

FROM THE EDITOR

Bonus digital content!

The siege of Hartlepool

Chip off the old block! • John Irvine was pleased enough when he found a Bonelli’s warbler species on Whalsay in mid-April, but his excitement levels raised significantly when the bird started calling.

Heads turn at Redcar Tarn as Cape Gull drops in • Jim Welford reports on his discovery of a mega larid in landlocked West Yorkshire.

All-action April • A month packed with thrills included a gull from the south and a warbler from the east, three Alpine Accentors, an ongoing Hoopoe influx and much more besides, as Sam Viles reports.

Exciting migration in the eastern Med • Cyprus enjoyed a thrilling month with several top-quality rarities, as spring migration delivered surprises across the region. Sam Viles reports.

DAVID CAMPBELL Making memories • Birding isn’t only about the birds, as our columnist points out – it’s about the many people and experiences you encounter on the way, too.

MARK AVERY When the purring stops • Our columnist remembers summers when European Turtle Dove was readily seen – and questions what the future holds for the species in Britain.

Seabird heaven for 25 years • Scilly Pelagics has been pushing the envelope regarding our understanding of seabirds in British waters for a quarter of a century. Pelagic pioneer Bob Flood explains how the trips developed and looks back on some of the many rarity highlights.

Booming fen comes of age • As the RSPB’s Lakenheath Fen celebrates its 30th anniversary, Heidi Jones takes a look back at its remarkable transformation, from carrot fields to an amazing wetland reserve, and ponders what the future might hold.

Missing in action • Bird species become ‘lost’ for many reasons – but finding them again is imperative in safeguarding their futures, as John C Mittermeier and Alex J Berryman explain.

Baltic Gull • A rarity is on the cards for larophiles during early summer: the Scandinavian-breeding nominate subspecies of Lesser Black-backed Gull. Thomas Miller offers tips on identifying this cryptic long-distance migrant in a British context.

The joys of June • Traditionally viewed as a time to down the binoculars and pursue other hobbies, June is in fact one of the most enjoyable times to be out in the field, argues Josh Jones.

Forest under threat • One of Europe’s last remaining near-primeval woodlands, Białowieża Forest is a magical place that is heaving with wildlife, including some rare birds. However, it has suffered a tumultuous recent past, as Ed Stubbs reports.

Slipping away unnoticed • Wood Warbler is one of the UK’s fastest-declining birds, yet its plight receives little attention compared to other Red-Listed species. Tony Davis provides an update on the remnant New Forest population.

Great shots on a budget • Nikon’s cropped-sensor camera has had a reboot. Kit Day recently tested this low-cost model in the field and was left impressed by its overall performance.

Upping the game • In the ongoing evolution of its SmartFocus Lightweight binocular range, ZEISS has launched a trio of new, upsized 50-mm models. Mike Alibone takes a look at how the 8x50 compares with the existing 30-mm and 40-mm versions.

Choice chickadees

Packed full of details

How to create wildlife wins

The midway point

Post-processing basics

Grey Wagtail

Cracking good time

All about buoyancy

Remembering … June

Costa Rica

your letters &photos

In the next issue...