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Indian Peafowl has been added to Category C in Croatia, rendering the species 'tickable' as a wild bird in the Balkan country:
Indian Peafowl added to Category C in Croatia
Indian Peafowl has been added to Category C in Croatia, rendering the species 'tickable' as a wild bird in the Balkan country. The striking species breeds in several locations in the Balkan nation.
Recently, we enjoyed our first BirdGuides Travel tour of 2026 in the Fens!
Explore an exciting range of birdwatching tours by BirdGuides, here:
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#birding #bgtravel #birdguides #birds #birdwatchReview of the Week: 26 January-1 February 2026
A shock Tengmalm's Owl in Shetland, plus continuing Redhead in Co Kerry and Killdeer in Hampshire, rounded off January with aplomb. Miles Cluff reports:
Review of the Week: 26 January-1 February 2026
A shock Tengmalm's Owl in Shetland, plus continuing Redhead in Co Kerry and Killdeer in Hampshire, rounded off January with aplomb. Miles Cluff reports.
Lee Fuller's delightful Snow Bunting in the snow wins Photo of the Week:
Photo of the Week: 26 January-1 February 2026
Lee Fuller's wins BirdGuides Photo of the Week for 26 January-1 February 2026 with his delightful Snow Bunting in the snow.
Woodland birds produce more fledged chicks in forests dominated by native tree species than in those with a high proportion of non-native trees, according to a major new global study:
Native trees key to more woodland bird chicks
A global synthesis of decades of research suggests that woodlands dominated by native tree species support higher numbers of breeding birds and more fledged chicks than forests with a high proportion of non-native trees.
Norway's farmland birds have undergone a sustained decline over the past two decades, according to long-term monitoring data that mirrors broader trends seen across Europe:
Worrying drop noted in Norwegian farmland bird populations
Long-term monitoring in Norway reveals that bird species associated with agricultural landscapes have declined significantly over the past two decades, mirroring wider European trends and raising concerns about habitat loss and land-use change.
Old Thames barges have been deliberately sunk in the Blackwater Estuary, to create a new island habitat for birds:
Historic Thames barges sunk to create new bird island
Decommissioned Thames barges have been sunk in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex to create a new island habitat for breeding and roosting birds, in what the National Trust says is a UK first.
Described as ‘Head and shoulders above the crowd when it comes to field guides’ by Birdwatch editor, Josh Jones.
Save even more on this bookshelf essential with the paperback edition.
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#birdguides #books #birdbooks #birding #birdwatchThis five‑day tour is perfectly timed for the breeding season, with chances of Stone curlew, Common Crane, Eurasian Bittern and Eurasian Hobby across some of the region’s best reserves.
Book here:
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#birding #bgtravel #birdguides #birds #birdwatchThe plans to release White Storks in East London have been rubber-stamped by the local council, with the birds set to arrive later this year:
London council approves White Stork reintroduction plans
Following the decision to approve the rewilding scheme, Barking and Dagenham Council deputy leader Saima Ashraf said the arrival of the birds in the borough would be a
Great Bustard nests have been discovered at Cranborne Chase for the first time, providing further evidence of the species' gradual recovery and expansion in southern England:
Great Bustard extends breeding range into Cranborne Chase
Great Bustard nests have been confirmed from Cranborne Chase for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the long-running reintroduction project in southern England and highlighting the species' slow but steady recovery in Wiltshire.
Indian Peafowl has been added to Category C in Croatia, rendering the species 'tickable' as a wild bird in the Balkan country:
Indian Peafowl added to Category C in Croatia
Indian Peafowl has been added to Category C in Croatia, rendering the species 'tickable' as a wild bird in the Balkan country. The striking species breeds in several locations in the Balkan nation.
A 'mega-roost' of Stock Doves has been recorded in western France – a figure that is believed to be a national record for an autumn or winter roost of this species:
Stock Dove 'mega-roost' sets French record
An autumn roost of almost 3,000 Stock Doves at Marais de la Vacherie nature reserve in western France may represent the largest such congregation ever recorded in the country.
Coastal birding at its best in East Yorkshire.
Explore wetlands, lagoons and migration hot‑spots like Flamborough Head, with opportunities for seabirds, waders and scarce landbirds.
Book here:
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#birding #bgtravel #birdguides #birds #birdwatchAttend Global BirdFair for free.
New BirdGuides or Birdwatch members receive a free day ticket worth £20.
Claim yours here:
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#birds #birdguides #birdwatch #birding #membership #globalbirdfairAI is helping improve the accuracy of bird sound identification, according to new research from the University of Helsinki:
AI improves accuracy of bird sound identification, study finds
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed artificial-intelligence methods that significantly improve the accuracy of bird sound identification, strengthening passive-acoustic monitoring and expanding citizen-science participation.
Review of the Week: 26 January-1 February 2026
A shock Tengmalm's Owl in Shetland, plus continuing Redhead in Co Kerry and Killdeer in Hampshire, rounded off January with aplomb. Miles Cluff reports:
Review of the Week: 26 January-1 February 2026
A shock Tengmalm's Owl in Shetland, plus continuing Redhead in Co Kerry and Killdeer in Hampshire, rounded off January with aplomb. Miles Cluff reports.
Lee Fuller's delightful Snow Bunting in the snow wins Photo of the Week:
Photo of the Week: 26 January-1 February 2026
Lee Fuller's wins BirdGuides Photo of the Week for 26 January-1 February 2026 with his delightful Snow Bunting in the snow.
Old Thames barges have been deliberately sunk in the Blackwater Estuary, to create a new island habitat for birds:
Historic Thames barges sunk to create new bird island
Decommissioned Thames barges have been sunk in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex to create a new island habitat for breeding and roosting birds, in what the National Trust says is a UK first.
In a remarkable story from Slovenia, a breeding pair of White Wagtails travelled all over the country in a lorry last summer, successfully raising young:
Nesting on the go: incubating White Wagtail travels 2,000 km
A breeding pair of White Wagtails travelled all over Slovenia in a lorry in June 2025.
No cost, no commitment — just better birding.
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#birdguides #bookshop #birdwatch #birdbooks #birds #birdingRarity finders: Redhead in Co Kerry
After a morning's gulling in south Co Kerry, a quick stop at Lough Yganavan produced a monumental discovery for Brian Power:
Rarity finders: Redhead in Co Kerry
After a morning's gulling in south Co Kerry, a quick stop at Lough Yganavan produced a monumental discovery for Brian Power when he clapped eyes on a female Redhead.
The RSPB has reported that seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers are suspected or confirmed to have been illegally killed in England during 2025, all on or close to land managed for grouse shooting:
Seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers lost on English grouse moors in 2025
The RSPB has announced that seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers are suspected or confirmed to have been illegally killed in England during 2025, renewing calls for licensing of all gamebird shooting to tackle raptor persecution.
The plans to release White Storks in East London have been rubber-stamped by the local council, with the birds set to arrive later this year:
London council approves White Stork reintroduction plans
Following the decision to approve the rewilding scheme, Barking and Dagenham Council deputy leader Saima Ashraf said the arrival of the birds in the borough would be a
A 'mega-roost' of Stock Doves has been recorded in western France – a figure that is believed to be a national record for an autumn or winter roost of this species:
Stock Dove 'mega-roost' sets French record
An autumn roost of almost 3,000 Stock Doves at Marais de la Vacherie nature reserve in western France may represent the largest such congregation ever recorded in the country.
Great Bustard nests have been discovered at Cranborne Chase for the first time, providing further evidence of the species' gradual recovery and expansion in southern England:
Great Bustard extends breeding range into Cranborne Chase
Great Bustard nests have been confirmed from Cranborne Chase for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the long-running reintroduction project in southern England and highlighting the species' slow but steady recovery in Wiltshire.
Have you got your copy of The Birdwatcher’s Yearbook 2026?
Acquire the new and expanded Birdwatcher’s Yearbook through the BirdGuides Bookshop.
bit.ly/3KfOkZX
#birdguides #birding #birdwatch #birdwatchingReview of the Week: 19-25 January 2026
A standout midwinter spell produced Ireland's second Redhead in Co Kerry, a twitchable Killdeer in Hampshire and a new Great-tailed Grackle. Sam Viles rounds up the action:
Review of the Week: 19-25 January 2026
A standout midwinter spell produced Ireland's second Redhead in Co Kerry, a twitchable Killdeer in Hampshire and a new Great-tailed Grackle. Sam Viles rounds up the action.
Having hobbies
Birders have an array of interests and pastimes that extend far beyond all things avian, Lucy McRobert found, from axe collecting and sculling to DJing and surfing:
Lucy McRobert: having hobbies
Birders have an array of interests and pastimes that extend far beyond all things avian, from axe collecting and sculling to DJing and surfing, as Lucy McRobert found.
AI is helping improve the accuracy of bird sound identification, according to new research from the University of Helsinki:
AI improves accuracy of bird sound identification, study finds
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed artificial-intelligence methods that significantly improve the accuracy of bird sound identification, strengthening passive-acoustic monitoring and expanding citizen-science participation.
In a remarkable story from Slovenia, a breeding pair of White Wagtails travelled all over the country in a lorry last summer, successfully raising young:
Nesting on the go: incubating White Wagtail travels 2,000 km
A breeding pair of White Wagtails travelled all over Slovenia in a lorry in June 2025.
A crowdfunding appeal has been launched to secure the future of the Beacon Ponds Little Tern Project – one of the UK's most successful seabird conservation programmes:
Appeal launched to save East Yorkshire Little Tern project
A crowdfunder has been launched to help secure the award-winning Beacon Ponds [[Little Tern]] Project ahead of the 2026 breeding season.
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#birdguides #bookshop #birdwatch #birdbooks #birds #birdingThe Collins Bird Guide is a book that is described as ‘Head and shoulders above the crowd when it comes to field guides’ by Birdwatch editor, Josh Jones.
Get your copy here:
bit.ly/3JHu1nE
#birdguides #books #birdbooks #birding #birdwatchThe latest Photo of the Week winner by Nathaniel Dargue features something a little different, with a magnificent sunset contributing to an atmospheric image:
Photo of the Week: 19-25 January 2026
This week's winner features something a little different, with a magnificent sunset contributing to an atmospheric image.
Rarity finders: Redhead in Co Kerry
After a morning's gulling in south Co Kerry, a quick stop at Lough Yganavan produced a monumental discovery for Brian Power:
Rarity finders: Redhead in Co Kerry
After a morning's gulling in south Co Kerry, a quick stop at Lough Yganavan produced a monumental discovery for Brian Power when he clapped eyes on a female Redhead.
The plans to release White Storks in East London have been rubber-stamped by the local council, with the birds set to arrive later this year:
London council approves White Stork reintroduction plans
Following the decision to approve the rewilding scheme, Barking and Dagenham Council deputy leader Saima Ashraf said the arrival of the birds in the borough would be a
Great Bustard nests have been discovered at Cranborne Chase for the first time, providing further evidence of the species' gradual recovery and expansion in southern England:
Great Bustard extends breeding range into Cranborne Chase
Great Bustard nests have been confirmed from Cranborne Chase for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the long-running reintroduction project in southern England and highlighting the species' slow but steady recovery in Wiltshire.
The RSPB has reported that seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers are suspected or confirmed to have been illegally killed in England during 2025, all on or close to land managed for grouse shooting:
Seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers lost on English grouse moors in 2025
The RSPB has announced that seven satellite-tagged Hen Harriers are suspected or confirmed to have been illegally killed in England during 2025, renewing calls for licensing of all gamebird shooting to tackle raptor persecution.
Crossbills and Conifers explores an intimate natural historical connection, revealing why crossbills have become an exemplar of diversification and coevolution.
Get it from the BirdGuides bookshop:
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#birds #birding #birdwatch #birdbooks #birdguidesThe global population of Black-faced Spoonbill has exceeded 7,000 individuals for the first time, according to results from the 2025 International Black-faced Spoonbill Census:
Global Black-faced Spoonbill population tops 7,000 but growth slows
A global census shows the Endangered Black-faced Spoonbill population has surpassed 7,000 individuals for the first time, but experts warn that the pace of growth is slowing and habitat pressures remain a concern.
The BirdGuides Photo of the Year competition is here – get voting!
BirdGuides Photo of the Year 2025
This is your chance to vote in the 20th annual BirdGuides Photo of the Year competition. Choose your favourite bird image posted on the BirdGuides website in 2025.
Having hobbies
Birders have an array of interests and pastimes that extend far beyond all things avian, Lucy McRobert found, from axe collecting and sculling to DJing and surfing:
Lucy McRobert: having hobbies
Birders have an array of interests and pastimes that extend far beyond all things avian, from axe collecting and sculling to DJing and surfing, as Lucy McRobert found.
A crowdfunding appeal has been launched to secure the future of the Beacon Ponds Little Tern Project – one of the UK's most successful seabird conservation programmes:
Appeal launched to save East Yorkshire Little Tern project
A crowdfunder has been launched to help secure the award-winning Beacon Ponds [[Little Tern]] Project ahead of the 2026 breeding season.
Britain's Little Egret population is bigger than thought, according to a fascinating new BTO study:
Little Egret numbers higher than thought, new BTO study reveals
New analysis by the BTO suggests the UK breeding population of Little Egret is significantly larger than previously estimated, highlighting the rapid success of one of Britain's most prominent recent colonists.
Can't wait for spring? We can't either!
Especially with our exciting Fens in spring tour to look forward to, packed with exciting encounters with iconic species.
Book your place now:
bit.ly/4pBm43B
#birds #birding #birdguides #birdwatch #bgtravelReview of the Week: 19-25 January 2026
A standout midwinter spell produced Ireland's second Redhead in Co Kerry, a twitchable Killdeer in Hampshire and a new Great-tailed Grackle. Sam Viles rounds up the action:
Review of the Week: 19-25 January 2026
A standout midwinter spell produced Ireland's second Redhead in Co Kerry, a twitchable Killdeer in Hampshire and a new Great-tailed Grackle. Sam Viles rounds up the action.
The latest Photo of the Week winner by Nathaniel Dargue features something a little different, with a magnificent sunset contributing to an atmospheric image:
Photo of the Week: 19-25 January 2026
This week's winner features something a little different, with a magnificent sunset contributing to an atmospheric image.
Rarity finders: Redhead in Co Kerry
After a morning's gulling in south Co Kerry, a quick stop at Lough Yganavan produced a monumental discovery for Brian Power:
Rarity finders: Redhead in Co Kerry
After a morning's gulling in south Co Kerry, a quick stop at Lough Yganavan produced a monumental discovery for Brian Power when he clapped eyes on a female Redhead.
