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

BIRDING QUESTION • We ask this month’s contributors: What’s your favourite winter bird?

...and the Bird Watching team’s answers

YOUR BIRDING MONTH • FEBRUARY

FIVE TO FIND IN FEBRUARY • The shortest month is the last really wintery month, and a chance to catch up with some birds you may not see again until next winter. Here are five great birds to get your binoculars on this month.

RARITY PREDICTOR

CORVIDS IN NUMBERS

Winter thrushes • There are five thrush species which are regular in the UK. All are widespread and common. Can you see them all in a day? Of course you can. Here is a quick ID guide.

UK TIDES FEBRUARY • The times below are for high tide, when waders and wildfowl will be pushed closer to dry land...

Beyond Birdwatching • Even deep in winter, James Lowen says, there are unexpected natural treats

Weedon’s World • Over the years, Mike has been lucky enough to enjoy some great wildlife in his own garden

Green birding initiatives • Greater Manchester region birders adopt new initiatives to help save the planet

GRUMPY OLD BIRDER • This month, Bo finds beauty among all the mayhem

NEWS IN BRIEF

A SPLASH OF WINTER COLOUR • Anyone on a riverside walk who has caught the flash of electric blue from a Kingfisher will appreciate what a marvellous sight it is…

all change THE IDEAL TIME TO REFLECT • Here, we look at how UK bird populations and distributions have changed over the past decade…

Correct habitat

Preventing EXTINCTIONS: THE FIRST DECADE • James Lowen explores how conservation organisation BirdLife International is saving globally-threatened birds

Kittiwakes revisited • No trip to the city of Newcastle is complete without stopping to admire its many inhabitants – the Kittiwakes!

IDChallenge • This month’s challenge is all about the birds you see in winter gardens

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

ID Tips & tricks • Here are a few extra tips to help you to identify winter garden birds

GO BIRDING • 10 GREAT SITES FOR BRILLIANT BIRDWATCHING

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

PRACTICAL INFO

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

Reader Shots

PICTURE SPECIAL

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

What is a bird? • Exactly what does make a bird a bird? It’s a question prompted by a new book that has captivated Ruth, this month…

LITTLE OWL • Falling numbers of this bird in the UK should be worrying enough, but factor in European declines, too, and it’s even more of a concern

Somerset Starling spectaculars

ITINERARY

Highland winter birding • Fabulous birding in the north of Scotland on this brilliant Bird Watching Readers’ Break!

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Birding JAPAN • It was a birding adventure...