Birdwatch Magazine

Little Stint is a classic September species that is eagerly targeted by birders across Britain. In an in-depth profile, Ed Stubbs takes a closer look at this tiny calidrid, including its life history, movements and conservation status.

With peak autumn on the horizon, we turn to Shetland. Chris Turner and Michael McKee’s strategy of focusing on the underwatched islands of Foula and Out Skerries has resulted in them locating an impressive list of rare and scarce birds over the years. Here, they discuss the highs and lows of autumn birding in the archipelago.

Catching sight of the white rump of a ringtail harrier will always quicken the pulse, but a tough identification challenge often follows. With the peak weeks of autumn ahead, David Cooper provides tips on how to recognise the juvenile plumages of five similar species in this month’s field ID notes.

With Golden Pheasant recently relegated to untickable status in Britain, Josh Jones reflects on the demise of this species and its close relative, Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, on these shores.

Many species will be migrating this month, but how do they go about it? Dr Steven Portugal investigates the different methods by which birds navigate and looks at how scientists have studied these over the years.

Also in the magazine this month, we speak to author Nils van Duivendijk about what birders can expect from this exciting new book and we hear from Operation Turtle Dove, who come bearing good news.

Meanwhile, Mike Alibone gets his hands on Vortex’s new Razor Ultra HD 8x32 Binocular for testing, our columnists consider the recent lumping of redpolls and this year’s Global Birdfair, and our experts offer advice on September patchbirding, gardening with wildlife in mind, birding in France and the importance of cropping images in photography.