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 • What was your best birding find on New Year’s Day?

Welcome

YOUR BIRDING MONTH • FEBRUARY

FIVE BIRDS TO FIND • It is the shortest month, and probably the coldest month. Time is pressing, so why not get out there and see what the freezing weather has brought in before spring comes along?

Beyond Birdwatching • In February, nature is full of wildlife surprises, writes James Lowen…

Weedon's World • Mike recounts the end of his 2025 and the start of 2026 when the local fens became a birding ‘hotspot’

Local reps for local birders • Get connected to the wider BTO by finding your local contact, writes Jon Carter…

The less-spotted woodpecker

Grumpy Old Birder • Irresponsible dog owners make life difficult for all of us, writes Bo Beolens…

Sign up to #My200BirdYear • It’s a month when winter lingers, but spring starts pushing through, writes David Callahan…

Calling with confidence • In this first of a two-part feature, 30-minute birder Amanda Tuke devises a method for memorising bird calls and songs she hopes will improve her field identification

Where to start with learning winter calls

Goshawks get the star treatment • H is for Hawk is now a movie, with the Goshawk centre stage. Is there much in it for birders? Conor Mark Jameson attends the UK premiere…

Time for Teasels • Letting these plants thrive in your garden will bring charming visitors, writes Ian Parsons…

Macaw magic • One of South America’s most enigmatic parrots was a must-see for Ruth Miller

IDChallenge • This month’s challenge is all about the identification of birds in silhouette

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 garden birds

GO BIRDING • 10 great sites for brilliant birdwatching

COUL LINKS • A sandy wilderness with great waders and wildfowl

ISLE OF EIGG • Cliffs, beaches, scrub, native and commercial woodland

MEGGET RESERVOIR • Eagles are the highlight of this varied and productive site

GRANGE-OVER-SANDS • Waders and wildfowl on the edge of Morecambe Bay

BROUGH • Upland birds including lekking Black Grouse

FREISTON SHORE RSPB • Saltmarsh and seashore with winter raptors

DOXEY MARSHES SWT • A varied and productive wetland on the edge of town

COOMBE ABBEY • Woodland and water birds in a scenic setting

CASSIOBURY PARK • A wide variety of birds are assured on the outskirts of town

FAIRFIELD • Search for wildfowl and waders on Walland Marsh

YOURVIEW • PHOTOS, LETTERS, TWEETS, QUESTIONS – HAVE YOUR SAY

Your Questions • Send all your birding questions to birdwatching@bauermedia.co.uk and our experts will give you the answers

Bird Watching

Redwing • These subtly beautiful thrushes are true nomads of the bird world, writes Dominic Couzens

Portugal in late spring • 31 May to 7 June 2026 €2,390pp, single supplement €390

A blizzard of BIRDS • On a small island off Iceland, the dedication of one woman and her...