Skip to main content Skip to footer
Turn keystrokes on
Turn keystrokes off

Birdwatch

Archived since January/February 1992
Complete Archive

409 issues

Birdwatch is Britain’s leading monthly publication for birding enthusiasts and a vital reference for ornithological study across the Western Palearctic. Since its launch in 1992, Birdwatch has built a comprehensive digital archive of almost 400 issues, updated monthly, providing a unique record of birds and birding in Britain, Ireland and beyond.

Each edition explores a broad spectrum of birding topics – including species profiles, vagrancy and migration, taxonomy, conservation and current affairs – alongside in-depth content such as:

  • Detailed identification guides
  • Reviews of optics, cameras and other birding gear
  • Tips to enhance your birding from our expert team
  • Travel itineraries for top birding destinations 
Thanks to the fully searchable archive, accessing decades of curated content is simple and efficient. Whether you're looking for historical data, specialist advice, or species-specific insights, the platform enables precise research, making Birdwatch an indispensable tool for naturalists, birders and conservation professionals alike.

Latest Issue:

 All’s fair in conservation
 John Fuller from BirdLife International explains how Global Birdfair is an essential lifeline in worldwide conservation efforts. 

Ain’t no mountain high enough
With new survey results ready and threats from multiple angles, the RSPB’s Dr Leah Kelly examines what the future holds for Eurasian Dotterel in the UK. 

Field ID notes: Amur Falcon
Andy Stoddart covers the identification of a vagrant bird of prey that has previously flown under the radar in Europe. 

Listing on the Viking frontier
From a Merlin seen during World War II to his ticks this year, Dennis Coutts shares his lifelong passion for Shetland listing. 

Finding the good life
Moving to the coast and living sustainably wasn’t as easy as Peter Alfrey expected. 

Manx magic
Eleanor Grover celebrates the Calf of Man’s illustrious history and innovations. 

Panning for gold
Ed Stubbs revived his love for single-site birding, making local history along the way. 

Want a taster of Birdwatch’s content? Sign up here to New Issue Notifications to receive email alerts each time a new issue is published, alongside its editorial highlights.

Subscription Features

  • Fully-searchable access to the growing archive of current and back issues.
  • Inclusive accessibility features, such as plain text and 'Read Aloud' technology.
  • Unlimited IP-authenticated access and remote access options available.
  • Cross-platform compatibility with all Web, iOS and Android devices.
  • Usage reports, KBART data, MARC records and excellent customer support.

IP Access

Seamless IP-authenticated access on a range of platforms including web, iOS and Android.

Fully Searchable

Advanced search feature allowing you to search by title, issue and year.

Comprehensive Support

Enjoy high quality and prompt technical support from our dedicated team.

  • First Issue: January/February 1992
  • Latest Issue: July 2026
  • Issue Count: 409
  • Published: Monthly
  • ISSN: 2978-3569, ISSN 2978-3577, ISSN 2978-3585
  • MARC record