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.

Bird Watching

Welcome

YOUR BIRDING MONTH • MAY

FIVE BIRDS TO FIND IN MAY • The most exciting month of the year is here. Drop all alternative plans and spend as much time as possible out birdwatching. There is something special happening and you don’t want to miss out. Here are five special birds which any birder would love to see this month.

RARITY PREDICTOR • Educated guesses (based more than somewhat on the activities of May 2024), about possible extremely rare visitors.

Mallard

SONG THRUSH SONG: LEARN THE PATTERN, RISE EARLY

AT A GLANCE ID: FLYING ARCTIC AND COMMON TERNS

UK BREEDING GULL (NUMBER OF PAIRS)

British breeding pipits • We have three species of pipit nesting in our country. They are at first glance quite similar (particularly Meadow and Tree Pipits), but with a bit of experience they are readily separated. Here’s how.

Beyond Birdwatching • James Lowen discovers the month’s other wildlife…

Weedon's World • Earlier in spring, Mike found himself sucked into the world of charismatic owls, including a very special one

Keeping tabs on rare breeders • You can help threatened birds and species just about to colonise the UK, writes Jon Carter…

Here come the Cuckoos!

Grumpy Old Birder • Bird races, even against yourself, will help you find more birds, writes Bo Beolens…

Sign up to #My200BirdYear • May is a month in which your list should really take off, writes David Callahan…

Jewels of the Lea Valley • 30-minute birder Amanda Tuke discovers winter and spring delights in North London and Hertfordshire

Don't forget to try these… • Five less visited birding sites in the upper Lea Valley within easy access by rail

The Lea Valley • From polluting industries to an extensive green and blue corridor…

Small but MIGHTY • The Sparrowhawk has gone unloved for far too long, writes Amy Brewer

Wild and WONDERFUL • It’s known for its Red Kites, but the suburban stately home of Harewood House leads the way in rewilding, writes John Miles

IDChallenge • This month’s challenge is all about the identification of terns

Answers & solutions • Check your answers against our explanations. Remember, there are no ‘trick’ birds or extreme rarities among these…

ID Tips & tricks • Here are a few extra tips to help you identify Terns

GO BIRDING • 10 great sites for brilliant birdwatching

CAITHNESS THURSO • Woodland, beach, and estuary make for great birding

HIGHLAND GARBOLE • Classic Highland birding in a spectacular setting

PERTHSHIRE BAMFF • See how Beavers have helped create great bird habitat

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY PENWHIRN RESERVOIR • From gulls to woodland birds from the comfort of the car

CUMBRIA ANTHORN • A wealth of birding on the Solway Firth

NORTH YORKSHIRE VALLEY OF DESOLATION • A beautiful walk despite the rather unpromising name

CAMBRIDGESHIRE MAXEY CUT • Find declining farmland birds at this varied site

CAMBRIDGESHIRE HOLT ISLAND • An oasis of tranquility in the centre of town

WARWICKSHIRE ILMINGTON HILL • Look for migrants at an underwatched...