St Valentine’s month may be bitterly cold, but the capricious charms of Vanellus vanellus never fail to warm the heart, says John Lewis-Stempel

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

SVEN-ERIK ARNDT/ARTERRA/UNIVERSAL/GETTY ● There was a mallard duck ...

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

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

Britain’s seabird colonies are among the most spectacular in the world and you can experience them from the sea or land. Read on to find out where you can enjoy these incredible wildlife encounters