BirdGuides
@birdguides.bsky.social
📤 3776
📥 248
📝 1996
Britain's leading website for birders. Live sightings, breaking news and trusted content.
2026 is only days away! Enjoy your hobby even more in the new year with BirdGuides: https://bit.ly/4nN0rvv
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27 minutes ago
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Review of the Week: 15-21 December 2025 A mega on the Channel coast of France came as a shock, Hampshire's grackle was unexpectedly confirmed as Great-tailed and the presence of two Bufflehead was firmed up. Sam Viles reports:
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Review of the Week: 15-21 December 2025
Sam Viles reports on the best birds seen in Britain, Ireland and Europe during 15-21 December 2025 in the BirdGuides Review of the Week. A mega lark on the Channel coast of France came as a shock, Hampshire's grackle was unexpectedly confirmed as Great-tailed and the presence of two Bufflehead was firmed up. Sam Viles reports.
https://bit.ly/3MH2bK2
about 3 hours ago
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A new study has revealed that even modest levels of road traffic across Iceland's lowlands can significantly reduce the abundance of breeding birds, including globally important populations of waders:
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Small roads, big impacts: breeding birds fall by 20% near Icelandic thoroughfares
New research reveals that low-traffic roads in Iceland reduce breeding bird abundance by up to 20% within 200 m of the road edge, with Whimbrel, Golden Plover, Dunlin and Meadow Pipit being the most-affected species.
https://bit.ly/4aqzRFu
about 7 hours ago
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The Wildlife Trusts have warned of a nightmare for biodiversity as the UK Government went against its election commitment to ensure that development promotes nature recovery:
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UK Government dilutes nature-protection laws for housebuilding
The Labour Government has watered down Biodiversity Net Gain, going against its pledge to ensure that development promotes nature recovery.
https://bit.ly/4pkbihq
about 10 hours ago
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A new captive-breeding programme for Twite in England has produced its first young in captivity and could begin releasing birds into the wild in 2026, in a bid to halt the species' severe decline:
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Twite conservation project aims for releases of captive-bred birds
A Twite captive-breeding project in Staffordshire has raised young birds in captivity and is evaluating potential release sites in England for 2026 to bolster the rapidly declining breeding population.
https://bit.ly/4qmOAWA
about 13 hours ago
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As we reach the end of 2025, we’d like to wish all our subscribers, contributors and readers the best for Christmas and the New Year:
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Happy holidays from BirdGuides and Birdwatch!
We'd like to extend our best wishes for the season to all subscribers, contributors and readers.
https://bit.ly/4qhsLHY
about 15 hours ago
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Attend Global BirdFair for FREE! New members to BirdGuides or Birdwatch will receive a free day ticket worth £20 Claim yours here: https://bit.ly/4j5zrqv
#birds
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#globalbirdfair
about 17 hours ago
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Christmas isn’t over yet! Get 30% off your first year of BirdGuides: https://bit.ly/4nN0rvv
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1 day ago
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A Somerset caravan park owner has been ordered to pay £116,263 after being convicted of disturbing a SSSI:
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Fine issued after Somerset SSSI turned into caravan park
A Somerset caravan park owner has been ordered to pay £116,263 after being convicted of disturbing a Site of Special Scientific Interest. John Holland pleaded guilty to two offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The prosecution was brought by Natural England following a four-year investigation into Holland's activities, which evidenced he had turned a 1.2-ha grassland site within the Wet Moor SSSI into a permanent commercial caravan park.
https://bit.ly/4apGisu
1 day ago
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10
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The formal upgrade of Echuya Forest Reserve to national park status is being hailed as a significant conservation success in Uganda, offering renewed protection for one of the country's most threatened forest ecosystems:
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Protection of Ugandan forest strengthens future for Africa's rarest cat
Uganda's Echuya Forest has been upgraded to national park status, improving protection for the rare African Golden Cat and safeguarding vital montane forest habitat.
https://bit.ly/4qhndNA
1 day ago
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A new study reveals precisely how woodpeckers generate enough force to bore into wood – by bracing their entire bodies and synchronising strikes with powerful exhalations:
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Woodpeckers use whole-body 'hammer' technique – and even grunt for power
Newly published research shows that woodpeckers use their whole bodies, and even their breathing, to turn themselves into living hammers when drilling into wood, co-ordinating muscles from beak to tail plus forceful exhalations for maximum impact.
https://bit.ly/45oaLnb
1 day ago
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A new survey has revealed that conservation grazing by heritage Dartmoor ponies is delivering strong results, with several rare and vulnerable bird species now breeding on restored heathland:
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Conservation grazing brings rare breeding birds back to Dartmoor
Grazing by Dartmoor ponies at Bellever Moor and Meadows reserve in Devon has helped revive rare heathland birds, with new breeding records of Tree Pipit, Whinchat, Eurasian Skylark and other Red- and Amber-listed species following habitat restoration.
https://bit.ly/4qlGNs7
1 day ago
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A Bearded Vulture rescued in the French Alps has proved to be the oldest of its species ever recorded in the wild:
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Oldest-ever wild Bearded Vulture found in French Alps
A Bearded Vulture rescued in the French Alps in October has proved to be the oldest of its species ever recorded in the wild.
https://bit.ly/3L3ru8o
1 day ago
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Merry Christmas! Get a holiday treat from the BirdGuides Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4hKW96p
#birdguides
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#birdwatching
1 day ago
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Review of the Week: 15-21 December 2025 A mega on the Channel coast of France came as a shock, Hampshire's grackle was unexpectedly confirmed as Great-tailed and the presence of two Bufflehead was firmed up. Sam Viles reports:
loading . . .
Review of the Week: 15-21 December 2025
Sam Viles reports on the best birds seen in Britain, Ireland and Europe during 15-21 December 2025 in the BirdGuides Review of the Week. A mega lark on the Channel coast of France came as a shock, Hampshire's grackle was unexpectedly confirmed as Great-tailed and the presence of two Bufflehead was firmed up. Sam Viles reports.
https://bit.ly/3MH2bK2
2 days ago
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10
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reposted by
BirdGuides
Alexander Lees
2 days ago
Amazing incursion of Russian White-fronted Geese - today's records from
@birdguides.bsky.social
#UKBirding
🪶
add a skeleton here at some point
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Nigel Kiteley's excellent Gadwall image wins the latest Photo of the Week:
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Photo of the Week: 15-21 December 2025
Nigel Kiteley's excellent Gadwall image wins this BirdGuides Photo of the Week for 15-21 December 2025.
https://bit.ly/4jjLnF1
2 days ago
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10
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A new study has revealed that even modest levels of road traffic across Iceland's lowlands can significantly reduce the abundance of breeding birds, including globally important populations of waders:
loading . . .
Small roads, big impacts: breeding birds fall by 20% near Icelandic thoroughfares
New research reveals that low-traffic roads in Iceland reduce breeding bird abundance by up to 20% within 200 m of the road edge, with Whimbrel, Golden Plover, Dunlin and Meadow Pipit being the most-affected species.
https://bit.ly/4aqzRFu
2 days ago
0
17
6
As we reach the end of 2025, we’d like to wish all our subscribers, contributors and readers the best for Christmas and the New Year:
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Happy holidays from BirdGuides and Birdwatch!
We'd like to extend our best wishes for the season to all subscribers, contributors and readers.
https://bit.ly/4qhsLHY
3 days ago
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12
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A Somerset caravan park owner has been ordered to pay £116,263 after being convicted of disturbing a SSSI:
loading . . .
Fine issued after Somerset SSSI turned into caravan park
A Somerset caravan park owner has been ordered to pay £116,263 after being convicted of disturbing a Site of Special Scientific Interest. John Holland pleaded guilty to two offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The prosecution was brought by Natural England following a four-year investigation into Holland's activities, which evidenced he had turned a 1.2-ha grassland site within the Wet Moor SSSI into a permanent commercial caravan park.
https://bit.ly/4apGisu
3 days ago
0
17
3
Unlock 30% off BirdGuides this Christmas and get full access to the UK’s leading bird sighting service. Join now: https://bit.ly/4nN0rvv
#birdguides
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#membership
3 days ago
0
1
1
Get FREE bird news delivered to your inbox in 2026. Sign up to the BirdGuides newsletter, brought to you by the experts of Birdwatch, here: https://bit.ly/3Xd9smw
#birds
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#newsletter
3 days ago
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3
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Expect encounters with charismatic species such as Chough, Pied Flycatcher, Red Kite and more on the Wales in Spring tour with BirdGuides. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/3N9mfEP
#birdguides
#birding
#bgtravel
#birdtour
3 days ago
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White Storks and Eurasian Beavers are to be released in East London as part of a new rewilding project:
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Beavers and White Storks to be released in East London
White Storks and Eurasian Beavers are to be released in East London as part of a new rewilding project called Rewilding East London. As well as looking to increase local biodiversity, the project will improve access to nature, offer outdoor learning and create opportunities for growth.
https://bit.ly/452JzKw
3 days ago
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Calling it out It's better to speak up when you know somebody has misidentified a bird, says David Campbell, who remembers various wrong calls down the years:
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David Campbell: calling it out
It's better to speak up when you know somebody has misidentified a bird, says our columnist, who remembers various wrong calls down the years.
https://bit.ly/4rZeWiZ
3 days ago
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5
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The history of Hilbre Island Bird Observatory, American Wigeon ID, the status of Snow Goose in the UK, Gyr Falcon's decline, the lesser-known Elizabeth Gould and waterbird monitoring all feature in this month's Birdwatch, out now!
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Inside the January 2026 issue of Birdwatch
The history of Hilbre Island Bird Observatory, American Wigeon ID, the status of Snow Goose in the UK, Gyr Falcon's decline, the lesser-known Elizabeth Gould and waterbird monitoring all feature in the January 2026 issue of Birdwatch, out now!
https://bit.ly/3MJwKyz
3 days ago
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5
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A Bearded Vulture rescued in the French Alps has proved to be the oldest of its species ever recorded in the wild:
loading . . .
Oldest-ever wild Bearded Vulture found in French Alps
A Bearded Vulture rescued in the French Alps in October has proved to be the oldest of its species ever recorded in the wild.
https://bit.ly/3L3ru8o
4 days ago
0
22
8
The formal upgrade of Echuya Forest Reserve to national park status is being hailed as a significant conservation success in Uganda, offering renewed protection for one of the country's most threatened forest ecosystems:
loading . . .
Protection of Ugandan forest strengthens future for Africa's rarest cat
Uganda's Echuya Forest has been upgraded to national park status, improving protection for the rare African Golden Cat and safeguarding vital montane forest habitat.
https://bit.ly/4qhndNA
4 days ago
0
14
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This book describes how, with the use of well-developed and reliable technology, animals can be filmed in a non-intrusive way without disturbing behaviour. Buy here: https://bit.ly/4hJ46sK
#birdguides
#birding
#birdwatch
#birdwatching
4 days ago
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Protected areas safeguard important refuges for wildlife, but a major new analysis suggests they cover only a small fraction of the ranges used by the world's large carnivores:
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Predators in peril: protected areas safeguard only a sliver of global carnivores
A Science Advances study shows protected areas cover only a small fraction of global carnivore ranges. Authors call for targeted protection, improved connectivity and action beyond parks to secure threatened predators.
https://bit.ly/3Laq9N9
4 days ago
0
2
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Review of the Week: 15-21 December 2025 A mega on the Channel coast of France came as a shock, Hampshire's grackle was unexpectedly confirmed as Great-tailed and the presence of two Bufflehead was firmed up. Sam Viles reports:
loading . . .
Review of the Week: 15-21 December 2025
Sam Viles reports on the best birds seen in Britain, Ireland and Europe during 15-21 December 2025 in the BirdGuides Review of the Week. A mega lark on the Channel coast of France came as a shock, Hampshire's grackle was unexpectedly confirmed as Great-tailed and the presence of two Bufflehead was firmed up. Sam Viles reports.
https://bit.ly/3MH2bK2
4 days ago
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6
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Nigel Kiteley's excellent Gadwall image wins the latest Photo of the Week:
loading . . .
Photo of the Week: 15-21 December 2025
Nigel Kiteley's excellent Gadwall image wins this BirdGuides Photo of the Week for 15-21 December 2025.
https://bit.ly/4jjLnF1
4 days ago
0
13
1
A Somerset caravan park owner has been ordered to pay £116,263 after being convicted of disturbing a SSSI:
loading . . .
Fine issued after Somerset SSSI turned into caravan park
A Somerset caravan park owner has been ordered to pay £116,263 after being convicted of disturbing a Site of Special Scientific Interest. John Holland pleaded guilty to two offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The prosecution was brought by Natural England following a four-year investigation into Holland's activities, which evidenced he had turned a 1.2-ha grassland site within the Wet Moor SSSI into a permanent commercial caravan park.
https://bit.ly/4apGisu
5 days ago
0
13
1
Police and wildlife authorities are investigating the disappearance of White-tailed Eagles at several sites across the UK, amid concerns that the birds may have fallen victim to poisoning or other deliberate acts:
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Police probe as White-tailed Eagles go missing at several UK sites
Police have launched wildlife-crime investigations after multiple White-tailed Eagles were found missing, including those originating from reintroduced stock, raising concerns about potential poisoning or deliberate persecution.
https://bit.ly/4qiZ7lQ
5 days ago
1
11
6
Be the first to receive bird news and make the most of birding with BirdGuides. Join now for 30% less 👉 https://bit.ly/4nN0rvv
#birds
#birdguides
#birdwatch
#birding
#birdwatching
#membership
5 days ago
0
2
1
White Storks and Eurasian Beavers are to be released in East London as part of a new rewilding project:
loading . . .
Beavers and White Storks to be released in East London
White Storks and Eurasian Beavers are to be released in East London as part of a new rewilding project called Rewilding East London. As well as looking to increase local biodiversity, the project will improve access to nature, offer outdoor learning and create opportunities for growth.
https://bit.ly/452JzKw
5 days ago
0
5
2
Calling it out It's better to speak up when you know somebody has misidentified a bird, says David Campbell, who remembers various wrong calls down the years:
loading . . .
David Campbell: calling it out
It's better to speak up when you know somebody has misidentified a bird, says our columnist, who remembers various wrong calls down the years.
https://bit.ly/4rZeWiZ
5 days ago
0
2
0
The history of Hilbre Island Bird Observatory, American Wigeon ID, the status of Snow Goose in the UK, Gyr Falcon's decline, the lesser-known Elizabeth Gould and waterbird monitoring all feature in this month's Birdwatch, out now!
loading . . .
Inside the January 2026 issue of Birdwatch
The history of Hilbre Island Bird Observatory, American Wigeon ID, the status of Snow Goose in the UK, Gyr Falcon's decline, the lesser-known Elizabeth Gould and waterbird monitoring all feature in the January 2026 issue of Birdwatch, out now!
https://bit.ly/3MJwKyz
5 days ago
0
6
2
The formal upgrade of Echuya Forest Reserve to national park status is being hailed as a significant conservation success in Uganda, offering renewed protection for one of the country's most threatened forest ecosystems:
loading . . .
Protection of Ugandan forest strengthens future for Africa's rarest cat
Uganda's Echuya Forest has been upgraded to national park status, improving protection for the rare African Golden Cat and safeguarding vital montane forest habitat.
https://bit.ly/4qhndNA
6 days ago
0
7
0
A Kittiwake ringed as a chick in Scotland in June 2023 was recently recovered off the west coast of Greenland in surprising circumstances:
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Isle of May Kittiwake recovered off Greenland
A Kittiwake ringed as a chick in Scotland in June 2023 was recently recovered off the west coast of Greenland in surprising circumstances.
https://bit.ly/3Yzd6Id
6 days ago
0
10
2
Celebrate songbirds on National Robin Day with a book about robin from the BirdGuides Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4oqwm5V
#birdguides
#birding
#birdwatch
#birdwatching
6 days ago
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A comprehensive 40-year analysis has confirmed that Griffon Vultures reintroduced to the Grands Causses in southern France continue to show remarkably high survival rates, four decades after the first releases:
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Four decades on, Grands Causses Griffon Vultures continue to thrive
A 40-year study shows that Griffon Vultures in France's Grands Causses maintain exceptionally high survival rates, highlighting the success of this major reintroduction programme.
https://bit.ly/4iFFf9D
6 days ago
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New research reveals that the ornate head crests and neck capes of male Golden and Lady Amherst's Pheasants seriously impair vision – creating large blind spots that could make them more vulnerable to predators:
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Male pheasants pay a price for their flashy feathers, study finds
Research published in Biology Letters shows male Golden and Lady Amherst's Pheasants suffer a 30-40° loss in visual range due to their ornamental feathers, reducing predator detection and increasing risks in the wild.
https://bit.ly/3XZpWPS
6 days ago
0
6
2
Protected areas safeguard important refuges for wildlife, but a major new analysis suggests they cover only a small fraction of the ranges used by the world's large carnivores:
loading . . .
Predators in peril: protected areas safeguard only a sliver of global carnivores
A Science Advances study shows protected areas cover only a small fraction of global carnivore ranges. Authors call for targeted protection, improved connectivity and action beyond parks to secure threatened predators.
https://bit.ly/3Laq9N9
6 days ago
0
4
1
Police and wildlife authorities are investigating the disappearance of White-tailed Eagles at several sites across the UK, amid concerns that the birds may have fallen victim to poisoning or other deliberate acts:
loading . . .
Police probe as White-tailed Eagles go missing at several UK sites
Police have launched wildlife-crime investigations after multiple White-tailed Eagles were found missing, including those originating from reintroduced stock, raising concerns about potential poisoning or deliberate persecution.
https://bit.ly/4qiZ7lQ
7 days ago
0
6
2
The recent discovery of a Belted Kingfisher in Brittany has generated widespread excitement among French birders, for it represents the first confirmed record of the species for the country:
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Belted Kingfisher in Brittany thrills French birders
A Belted Kingfisher discovered in Brittany has become a first for France, drawing crowds and highlighting the exceptional nature of transatlantic vagrancy.
https://bit.ly/492sW2V
7 days ago
0
11
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Tomorrow, National Robin Day celebrates the nation's love of songbirds and raises awareness on how to help them through the tough winter months. Save 30% on BirdGuides: https://bit.ly/4nN0rvv
#birdguides
#birding
#birdwatch
#birdwatching
7 days ago
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4
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Review of the Week: 8-14 December 2025 One or two drake Bufflehead and a new American Black Duck were the highlights of a winter spell that featured some exciting wildfowl action, reports Sam Viles:
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Review of the Week: 8-14 December 2025
One or two drake Bufflehead and a new American Black Duck were the highlights of a winter spell that featured some exciting wildfowl action, reports Sam Viles.
https://bit.ly/4pDioOH
7 days ago
0
5
1
Calling it out It's better to speak up when you know somebody has misidentified a bird, says David Campbell, who remembers various wrong calls down the years:
loading . . .
David Campbell: calling it out
It's better to speak up when you know somebody has misidentified a bird, says our columnist, who remembers various wrong calls down the years.
https://bit.ly/4rZeWiZ
7 days ago
0
7
0
The history of Hilbre Island Bird Observatory, American Wigeon ID, the status of Snow Goose in the UK, Gyr Falcon's decline, the lesser-known Elizabeth Gould and waterbird monitoring all feature in this month's Birdwatch, out now!
loading . . .
Inside the January 2026 issue of Birdwatch
The history of Hilbre Island Bird Observatory, American Wigeon ID, the status of Snow Goose in the UK, Gyr Falcon's decline, the lesser-known Elizabeth Gould and waterbird monitoring all feature in the January 2026 issue of Birdwatch, out now!
https://bit.ly/3MJwKyz
7 days ago
0
8
1
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