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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.

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

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

Getting to know these clever, creative and handsome birds

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