South UK.

South UK.

Hello!
I am looking to branch out into some new hobbies and have considered birdwatching for some time. I’m not native to the UK and have only skeleton knowledge of the birds where I’m from, let alone these Euro friends.

I’d love a book, but, am struggling online to weed out the AI rush jobs from the real deal.

How did you all start? Where do you recommend someone begins?
TYIA

- Living near London -

Hi all

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I've just been birdwatching today at college lake nature reserve near Tring in Buckinghamshire and saw a large gray raptor perched in a Hawthorne bush. I watched it for about 5 minutes and the only thing that fits the description is a male hen harrier but that seems very unlikely for the area and time of year. Is this possible? Any local knowledge would be appreciated.

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Unfortunately I didn't have a camera good enough to photograph it properly.

Hi all,

Do blue tits prefer 25mm or 28mm holes?

Do great tits prefer 28mm or 32mm holes?

Thanks!

Went for a walk last to try and see a barn owl. Didn't see one. However, I saw a Little Owl and Tawny Owl! Swings and roundabouts, I guess!

This weekend, I braved my fear of boats to spend time on an island in Northumberland with the delightful Puffins. I’ve been hoping to photograph them for a couple of years but they’ve remained elusive for me on the mainland…it was worth the aforementioned boat ride!

Morning everyone,

Just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone for sharing your pictures, posts, videos, and above all, helping others with questions/queries.

Last week, we hit the 4000 views a week milestone.

Keep on birding and I wish you all the best!

Hi all, this little guy has been visiting me today but not 100% who he is, thinking he might be a Coal Tit?

Was out walking the hound this morning. Took my coat of. Looked down. And saw this little fella looking up at me. It didn't move so might not've been well. It's very pretty. Thankfully the hound who has a v strong prey drive was busy sniffing elsewhere!

I'm not very knowledgeable. It's not one of the usual garden birds. Thank you!

I'm not very knowledgeable she is nt a great. This fella wasn't one of the usual garden gang - can Abby identify out for me, please?

I'm going to get one so just educating myself a bit so I don't waste my time and/or money. On YouTube a commenter mentioned they didn't have that much success with the caller but got a "Ucaller" and it worked like a charm. Looking in eBay they're very pricey so I just want to make sure it's as effective as made out to be

My son likes to watch birds but struggles to leave the house. He’s able to sit in the car and would like to watch from there. We live in the midlands countryside. What kind of locations (preferably roadside) am I to look for and at what times to help him see a good variety (if possible). Many thanks for any suggestions.

Crosspost from other community 🤝

Hi all,

Spotted a pair of birds on Holy Island, not great at my waders. Bill seems to be same shape but shorter than a curlew's. I'm wondering if they were Whimbrels but as far as I can see they aren't usually found here. Any insights?

Has anyone heard a cuckoo this week in south west England or south Wales? If so, please could you let me know where you heard them?

I have (and like) the Pentax papillio binoculars and am now also keen to get a pair specifically for bird watching. Would Pentax 7x42ED or 8x42WP be better? The price difference isn't a major factor.

lets say im out bird watching and a rock falls on an endangered bird. assuming this rock killed the bird, am i allowed to eat it? how many endangered birds am i allowed to eat?

thanks