Red kites, great spotted woodpeckers and pink-footed geese are only a few of the birds doing brilliantly in the British Isles right now. Mark Cocker celebrates their success stories and looks at what might be learnt from them

One of the rich joys of birding is that there are birds everywhere, including gardens and parks. Just get out and walk around, there’s no need to be quiet or furtive. Become familiar with your feather

David Cromack was deputy editor of Bird Watching ’s launch issue in 1986, and later edited the magazine for 18 years. In the first of a two-part feature, he explains how the magazine came about…

They’re just some of the people who have made Bird Watching – ex-editors and longtime contributors remember…

New Year’s Day started with high hopes, but was all about dipping, writes Bo Beolens…

Our first issue, in 1986, hinted at developments that have since taken place among bird populations, writes Matt Merritt