Egg ruse could save the capercaillie

Jolly frock-coated robins, majestic geese and arboreal partridges make for both literal and symbolic centrepieces at Christmas, says Matthew Dennison, as he revels in the cultural history of the season’s feathered fowl and game

● A couple of miles inland from the ...

Nadia Shaikh seeks good company for a search-and-gorge to get her through the ruthless darkness of the winter months

What the scientists are saying… Falling puffin numbers ...

THIS MONTH Barn owls

This striking snowy-feathered bird is a winter visitor to Britain, particularly near the coasts of northern England and Scotland