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.

SET A TARGET OF SEEING 200 BIRDS IN ONE YEAR!

The best rare birds seen all around Britain in August

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

PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO, IDEAS TO TRY

Grey Phalarope, Pelagic (Scilly), 31 August RICHARD STONIER ...