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

DECEMBER 2025

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

The year was rounded off nicely with one or two exceptional rarities, rudely inconveniencing many birders enjoying the festive season…

It can still seem like winter, but March sees birds beginning to stir, writes David Callahan …

Mike’s local area has become a difficult place to watch gulls, but it makes up for their lack in other ways