The beautiful, soft-voiced turtle dove may be synonymous with Christmas, but as a symbol of courtship and love this endearing bird resonates all year round and must be saved, urges Mark Cocker

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

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

NEED ADVICE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP? ARE YOU AFTER RECOMMENDATIONS, TIPS AND GUIDANCE? OUR EXPERTS HAVE THE ANSWERS…

The latest winners of Bird Photographer of the Year were as stunning as ever. Jade Burrell writes about the contest and the overall winner as we showcase our favourites

THIS MONTH Barn owls