Our latest podcast episode is out and it's all things August patch birding! Is it one of the best months of the year for the patch birder? What species are you hoping to see in your local area this August?

Tracey Jolliffe produces another stunning Common Kestrel photo to net her second winning Photo of the Week of 2026!

Photo of the Week: 27 July-2 August 2026

Tracey Jolliffe wins BirdGuides Photo of the Week for the second time in 2026 with another stunning Common Kestrel image.

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Ring Ouzel is on the verge of extinction as a breeding species in Ireland, according to a recently published paper:

Ring Ouzel on the verge of extinction in Ireland

A dedicated survey in 2021 produced only a handful of confirmed breeding records of Ring Ouzel in Ireland, leaving the species facing imminent extinction there.

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New podcast out today! August is here and it's an epic time to get out on your local patch! In this episode, David, Josh and Ian chat all things patch birding in the month of August, from waders and Whinchats to skywatching and seabirds. Listen for free:

Episode 005 of The BirdGuides Podcast is out!

August is here and it's an epic time to get out on your local patch! In the latest episode of The BirdGuides Podcast, David, Josh and Ian chat all things patch birding in the month of August, from waders and Whinchats to skywatching and seabirding.

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BirdLife International has announced that the latest edition of its flagship State of the World's Birds report will be launched in Nairobi, Kenya, on 11 September during the Global Flyways Summit: https://f.mtr.cool/lxlqlscwoo

Rarity finders: Hudsonian Godwit in Suffolk A relaxed summer visit to Minsmere turned into an unforgettable day for Mike Cartwright when careful scrutiny of a flock of Black-tailed Godwits revealed a county first:

Rarity finders: Hudsonian Godwit in Suffolk

A relaxed summer visit to Minsmere turned into an unforgettable day for Mike Cartwright when careful scrutiny of a flock of Black-tailed Godwits revealed a county first.

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Eurasian Bittern has bred in Dorset this summer for the first time in more than 140 years:

Bittern breeds in Dorset for first time in 140 years

Nesting has occurred this summer at the RSPB's Lodmoor reserve near Weymouth.

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The Sound Approach to Birding (second edition) review This ultimate guide will genuinely alter how people experience birds in the field, enthuses David Campbell: https://f.mtr.cool/cdhwwxcvac

Britain's only Roseate Tern colony has had its most successful season for more than 50 years, with 156 breeding pairs counted on Coquet Island, Northumberland:

Roseate Terns reach 50-year high on Coquet Island

Britain's only Roseate Tern colony is bouncing back after bird flu, with 156 breeding pairs noted in 2026.

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NatureScot has recommended refusing this year's application to licence the traditional guga hunt on Sula Sgeir, citing uncertainty over the recovery of the island's internationally important Northern Gannet colony following the bird flu outbreak: https://f.mtr.cool/rvkpokvxzl

A new study has evaluated the timing and extent of nocturnal migration among landbirds: https://f.mtr.cool/vvjhpeplye

Review of the Week: 27 July-2 August 2026 Sam Viles rounds up the biggest talking points from the past seven days, including wandering Black Storks, Franklin's Gull and a lingering Long-tailed Shrike:

Review of the Week: 27 July-2 August 2026

Sam Viles rounds up the biggest talking points from the past seven days, including wandering Black Storks, Franklin's Gull and a lingering Long-tailed Shrike.

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Tracey Jolliffe produces another stunning Common Kestrel photo to net her second winning Photo of the Week of 2026!

Photo of the Week: 27 July-2 August 2026

Tracey Jolliffe wins BirdGuides Photo of the Week for the second time in 2026 with another stunning Common Kestrel image.

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BirdLife International has announced that the latest edition of its flagship State of the World's Birds report will be launched in Nairobi, Kenya, on 11 September during the Global Flyways Summit: https://f.mtr.cool/seggyrihea

More than half of the world's migratory bird species are in decline, according to the first comprehensive global assessment of migratory birds, with scientists warning that co-ordinated international action is urgently needed to reverse the trend: https://f.mtr.cool/exmtodzpwb

Minsmere RSPB has been closed after a major wildfire broke out at neighbouring Dunwich Heath on the Suffolk coast, prompting the RSPB to warn against disturbance to breeding wildlife from drones and low-flying aircraft: https://f.mtr.cool/tdcqoivuqu

Rarity finders: Hudsonian Godwit in Suffolk A relaxed summer visit to Minsmere turned into an unforgettable day for Mike Cartwright when careful scrutiny of a flock of Black-tailed Godwits revealed a county first: https://f.mtr.cool/drsrwfarln

Should birders be able to tick White-tailed Eagles and Great Bustards from reintroduction programmes in England? Or Bearded Vultures from Europe? They can't at the moment – but David certainly thinks they should! What do you reckon?

NatureScot has recommended refusing this year's application to licence the traditional guga hunt on Sula Sgeir, citing uncertainty over the recovery of the island's internationally important Northern Gannet colony following the bird flu outbreak: https://f.mtr.cool/jxfwoprsxd

Eurasian Bittern has bred in Dorset this summer for the first time in more than 140 years: https://f.mtr.cool/avfunuxczn

Escape to East Yorkshire for an autumn birding getaway. Tap here to find out more👉 https://f.mtr.cool/mfjzkpcsvv #birding #bgtravel #birdguides #birds #birdwatch #birdwatching

"Just absolutely mad!" Josh remembers an extraordinary visitor to his Lincolnshire patch in this week's episode of The BirdGuides Podcast. Out now on your favoured podcast platform!

The chaos of mystery bird competitions Twenty expert birders, a purple-tinged TV and some obscure Western Palearctic birds – Lucy McRobert experiences her first Dutch-style MyBiCo: https://f.mtr.cool/biojojefzj

A new study has evaluated the timing and extent of nocturnal migration among landbirds: https://f.mtr.cool/kkbcsssnpu

More than half of the world's migratory bird species are in decline, according to the first comprehensive global assessment of migratory birds, with scientists warning that co-ordinated international action is urgently needed to reverse the trend: https://f.mtr.cool/rjnkclnbpb

Did you see the Bearded Vulture in the Peak District back in 2020? David did, though he was sure to avoid a 'treacherous hole' at Cutthroat Bridge! 🫣

A huge wildfire has caused extensive damage after sweeping through the famous Abernethy reserve in the Cairngorms NP: https://f.mtr.cool/nhwvsmtglo

Review of the Week: 20-26 July 2026 Birders congregated at England's first Long-tailed Shrike as scarce seabirds and a small influx of Black-crowned Night Herons starred elsewhere:

Review of the Week: 20-26 July 2026

Birders congregated at England's first Long-tailed Shrike as scarce seabirds and a small influx of Black-crowned Night Herons starred elsewhere.

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Is Britain set to lose Eurasian Dotterel as a breeding bird? David and Josh discussed the outlook for the species in the latest episode of The BirdGuides Podcast.

Bill Oddie's birding life Twelve years ago, Bill Oddie looked back at the highs and lows of a lifetime in birding in this gripping feature: https://f.mtr.cool/idyanavrmi