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

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

Check your answers against our explanations. Remember, there are no ‘trick’ birds or extreme rarities among these...

Avian plumage doesn’t simply enable flight–this miracle of Nature provides birds with protection, shape and colour and remains a highly desirable fashion accoutrement for us, too, finds Charles Harris

PHOTOS, LETTERS, TWEETS, QUESTIONS – HAVE YOUR SAY

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