A walk in late winter

Karen Youngs encounters squabbling herons and glimpses an elusive predator on a waterside walk

SET A TARGET OF SEEING 200 BIRDS IN ONE YEAR!

October is many birders’ favourite time of the year. The potential is massive! Anything can and will turn up. However, here are five birds which will certainly be about and should be ‘gettable’ (with a bit of luck and skill) this month.

30-minute birder Amanda Tuke sees the benefits of being distracted by birds at home, and on the coast

Peak autumn has a treasure trove of non-feathered riches to discover, says James Lowen

Jean Vernon suggests practical ways to provide food, habitats and safety for our feathered friends as the weather cools