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

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Philly first!

A glimpse into the future • The discovery of a Zitting Cisticola on the Suffolk coast at the end of July extraordinarily led to confirmation of the species breeding in Britain for the first time, as Matthew Denny and Brian Small report.

Seawatching season delivers • It was a mixed bag on the weather front in August, making the birding action highly varied with a few major surprises thrown in for good measure. Sam Viles reports.

Paddy power • An action-filled August provided plenty of excitement for regional birders, including a Paddyfield Warbler influx in north-west Europe, although it was belated news of a couple of continental megas that came as the biggest shock, reports Sam Viles.

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Nestflix and thrill • After Listers: A Glimpse into Extreme Birdwatching went viral, our columnist recalls some of the classic bird-related films and documentaries down the years.

The great access debate continues • As the UK Government prepares a consultation paper the right to roam debate rumbles on, with increasing concern among conservationists.

Booming bluetail • Few rarities epitomise October birding in Britain as much as Red-flanked Bluetail, a species that has enjoyed a remarkable increase on our shores in the past three decades. David Campbell takes a closer look at this charismatic ‘Sibe’.

Golden years on Scilly • Ian Lycett started making regular autumn trips to Scilly 40 years ago. From ‘Yanks’ to ‘Sibes’ to seabirds, each visit has produced amazing birds and a host of great memories.

BIRDING EBRO PYRENEES • One of Europe’s best birdwatching destinations. Up to 350 bird species are waiting to be spottedl

Barred Warbler • A scarce autumn migrant to Britain, the skulking Barred Warbler is a realistic prospect for any bird-finder in the Northern Isles and along the east coast – and it is possible elsewhere, even inland. Ed Stubbs discusses the species’ habits and features and compares it with the similar and more familiar Garden Warbler.

The original ‘obs’ • Situated off the south-west coast of Wales, the small island of Skokholm was chosen as the location for Britain’s first bird observatory back in the 1930s. Today the island continues to be a fantastic place for migrants, seabirds and much more, as warden Richard Brown explains.

Heading for a fall? • An autumn day on the east coast can be heaving with birds or as dead as a doornail. Yorkshire birding stalwart Craig Thomas offers advice on how to read the weather and predict a fall.

Anything about? • The way in which we digest bird news has changed beyond all recognition over the past half-century. From postcards to grapevines and pagers to apps, Josh Jones looks back through the ages.

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Road to recovery • Once feared lost from Cornwall forever, Chough has returned to the county in force in recent years, as Hilary Mitchell of Cornwall Birds explains.

Universal credit • ZEISS has introduced two new tripods to complement its range of optical equipment. Mike Alibone checks out the dynamics offered by the larger of the newly launched duo.

Boots made for walking

BOOKS

Autumn’s backyard bounty • This month’s panel includes: Keith Betton, Kit Day, Chris Harbard, Matt Phelps and Amy Robjohns

Shutter speed

Grey Phalarope

Chromosomes and birds

Balancing...