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

Throughout Bird Watching ’s 40 years, the BTO’s vital work has grown and developed, writes Jon Carter…

IT began as an unremarkable day. Leaves falling into mud on the riverbank, the sun shy behind ink splodged clouds. Jays screeching in the oakwood. I stopped. Mammal tracks drew my eyes. I knelt. These

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

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

Karen Youngs is on the lookout for nature’s collectibles during a sunny spring walk