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.

Welcome

Bird Watching • What was the best bird you found in 2025?

YOUR BIRDING MONTH • JANUARY

FIVE BIRDS TO FIND IN JANUARY • A new year, a fresh start, a chance to do whatever you want with your precious birding time! January is great, embrace the opportunity. How about kicking off the year by enjoying these five great birds?

Beyond Birdwatching • Happy New (wildlife-watching) Year to all readers, says James Lowen

Weedon’s World • Mike takes a look back on what was a fine year of local birding - not a record-breaking year, just a great one

NEST RECORDS Neighbourhood watch • It’s time to keep an eye on the birds breeding in your gardens, writes Jon Carter…

Boxing clever for birds

Grumpy Old Birder • Frogs can play a major role in any garden’s wildlife, writes Bo Beolens

Sign up to #My200BirdYear • Although midwinter can seem lifeless, many sites still have their fair share of wintering and resident birds, with even a slim chance of a scarcity, writes David Callaham

The promise of Portsmouth • 30-minute birder Amanda Tuke enjoys some slower birding on the south coast of England…

Farlington Marshes • Amanda discovers that there is a stand-out birdwatching site within easy reach of central Portsmouth. This is what local birders have to say about Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s Farlington Marshes

Hampshire Ornithological Society • Amanda meets Keith Betton, chair of Hampshire Ornithological Society, and hears how innovative approaches have built Hampshire Ornithological Society (HOS) membership.

Following the flocks • Seeing an Icelandic-ringed Oystercatcher in Scotland inspired Vanessa Wright to trace its journeys…

My South-East 200 BIRD YEAR • In 2025, David Callahan didn’t just tell you how to rise to our challenge - he did it himself!

Right place, right Time! • It was third time lucky where a major rarity was concerned, writes Ruth Miller…

ID Challenge • This month’s challenge is all about the identification of winter waders

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 some common

GO BIRDING • 10 great sites for brilliant birdwatching

GLEN TROMIE • Classic Highland birds are assured during this upland ramble

BARDSEA • Shorebirds and wildfowl on Morecambe Bay

KESWICK TO THRELKELD • Great views of riverside birds along a scenic trail

ST AIDAN’S RSPB • Explore an amazing ex-industrial landscape

THE WASH NNR • Waders and wildfowl on the edge of our biggest estuary

BOOTHORPE • Woodland birding plus a new lake to explore

BRETFORD • Check for winter wildfowl in a flooded river valley

LLANDEGFEDD RESERVOIR • Waterbirds with the chance of occasional rarities

KNEPP MILL POND • Explore a flagship rewilding project and its varied wildlife

ASHURST • A bird-rich walk in the heart of the New Forest National Park

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

Your Questions • Send all your birding questions to...