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

Editor’s Note

Bonus digital content!

April Fools!

White lightning • Sam Whitton happened to be in the right place at the right time when one of the most stunning vagrants ever to reach Britain was discovered.

What might have been • Despite some top finds, February will be remembered for tantalising reports of mega birds, as Josh Jones discusses.

Red-hot rarities • Two mega rallids in Western Europe and lingering goodies in Cape Verde, Kuwait and the Netherlands made sure that things warmed up nicely ahead of the spring. Ed Stubbs reports.

Go to Global Birdfair FOR FREE • 11-13 July 2025 • Lyndon Top, Rutland

Travel in moderation • Our columnist reflects on a recent trip to South Africa and wonders if there’s middle ground to be reached when it comes to the indulgence of international travel and strict low-carbon birding.

Ageing atlases • With the BTO announcing plans for its next Breeding Bird Atlas, our columnist wonders if it is time to move such important publications online.

Jewel of the Forth • Reserve manager David Steel has lived and worked on the Isle of May for more than a decade. During that time the place has captivated him with its incredible seabird assemblage and impressive bird migration which never fails to inspire.

Join BirdGuides for an unforgettable birding tour • Explore East Yorkshire’s migration hot-spots with BirdGuides this autumn!

New loon rising • Until fairly recently White-billed Diver was a true rarity in Britain. Paul Baxter charts the rise of a previously unknown Scottish spot for the species that has provided some memorable spring encounters.

The nearly bird • European Serin has been talked up as a potential British colonist for decades, but so far it has never quite happened. Ed Stubbs takes a closer look at the breeding history of the species in this country and why it hasn’t established itself on our shores.

A tragic demise • The total destruction of the once-abundant Great Auk in the name of human carelessness and greed has left a fascinating yet disturbing legacy, as Tim Birkhead details in his new book.

Ring Ouzel in spring • Many birders hope to connect with this dashing thrush on spring migration, but it can be tricky to find. Josh Jones offers tips on where and when to look.

Moving house? • House Bunting seems to be the latest African species to start establishing a population in Iberia in recent years. Ernest Garcia charts the spread of this charismatic bird.

Arabian delights • Out of bounds to birders for so long, Saudi Arabia has recently opened its doors to visitors. Keith Betton spent time exploring the kingdom’s deserts and mountains and was rewarded with a wonderful cast of special birds.

Top-value trailcam • ZEISS has recently released a new range of trail cameras. Kit Day was left impressed after testing out the entry-level model.

A quick fix • Hawke’s latest digiscoping smartphone adapter is simplicity itself, says Mike Alibone.

Mammals revisited

Get to know spiders

Tracking down birds

Special season

A broad church

Mediterranean Gull

Hot cross fun

Remembering … April

Highs and lows of sound

Male Ruff travel thousands of kilometres in the lekking season

Spain including the Balearic Islands

your letters & photos

In the next issue May

Island appeal • Soon to begin her new role as editor of Isles of Scilly Bird and Natural History Review, our columnist discusses...