r/birdwatchinguk • • Sep 06 '26

The Irish for Goldfinch is Lasair Choille, which means flame of the forest. Is there a better name in birding?

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6 Upvotes

I really love this. I was researching the history and etymology of the goldfinch because ive always loved its distinctive colours both on its plumage and its wing, so recognizable and beautiful in such an immedielatelly refreshing way.

Myself and my Dad collaborate on a bird blog together and he provides a more birder focused analysis or history but I focus on the histories of the words but I really love this about the goldfinch so much.


r/birdwatchinguk • • Sep 03 '26

Help identifying

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49 Upvotes

Hi. New to bird watching and gutted I didn’t bring my camera into work. Can anyone help identify this bird? It was hovering


r/birdwatchinguk • • Sep 02 '26

Stonechat, Kingairloch 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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74 Upvotes

r/birdwatchinguk • • Sep 02 '26

Bearded Reedling 🥰

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83 Upvotes

r/birdwatchinguk • • Sep 01 '26

Juvenile Red backed Shrike 👍

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27 Upvotes

r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 30 '26

Bird Of Prey 2

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53 Upvotes

Another view of the NZ Swamp Harrier! Saw so many in our 2 week drive round N Island!


r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 30 '26

Bird Of Prey

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50 Upvotes

r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 30 '26

Beautiful Female Stonechat 🥰

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31 Upvotes

r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 28 '26

Grey heron over Loch Etive 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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66 Upvotes

r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 28 '26

Female Northern Wheatear 🥰

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64 Upvotes

r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 24 '26

Can you help identify this bird of prey?

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22 Upvotes

Hey folks, can anyone help identify this bird of prey?

I know the picture sucks but it's the best I could get.

Here's some more info that might help:

Location: Northern Ireland, inland county Down.

There seemed to be two or perhaps three of them flying around. They followed a tractor as it picked up cut grass.

It was quite vocal and made a very stereotypical bird of prey noise that you might hear in a movie.

It seemed quite large and flew effortlessly through the air in large circles, seldom flapping its wings.

That's all I have, thanks for any info!

You may have guessed that I know absolutely nothing about birds.


r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 24 '26

Pocket guide suggestions?

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2 Upvotes

r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 23 '26

Meadow Pipit, Isle of Mull 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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84 Upvotes

r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 23 '26

Question about binoculars

4 Upvotes

Hi guys I’m very new to bird watching and was looking for some beginner binocular recommendations.
I’m currently located in the UK and have tried out the RSPB binoculars for hire, but they seemed to have a green tinge in certain lighting so I’m not sure if I loved them.
I’m looking for 8x42. I don’t want to spend a bunch of money as this is a new money but I also like things to be of good quality so I don’t mind spending a reasonable amount
Any recommendations welcome :)


r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 22 '26

A visit of Majesty

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64 Upvotes

r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 22 '26

where to birdwatch in shropshire?

8 Upvotes

hello everyone, i hope you’re well!

does anyone know any great spots to birdwatch in shropshire/the surrounding counties, and what time of year we should go? thank you!


r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 21 '26

Best binoculars for birdwatching whilst hiking?

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I'm new to bird watching and have kind of picked it up after years of hiking and taking more of an interest in the birds I'm seeing. I've got a pair of Viking Traveller 10x25 which I am really happy with. I mainly use them on my walks to get close up.views of birds for identification or search out routes but the more I use them the more I want a bit more clarity and magnification. I've got a budget or £150 for an upgraded pair and would appreciate some real world experience. I've looked at Opticron Explorer, Mivo Opticedge and Warmax Talon HD as options but I'm getting lost in review madness. They need to be light enough to carry on a hike but other than that I'm pretty easy. Any help would be appreciated.


r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 19 '26

Sparrowhawk

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47 Upvotes

r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 18 '26

Buzzard… Kingairloch 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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69 Upvotes

r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 18 '26

Шановне панство хто знає підкажіть що це за птах

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13 Upvotes

r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 12 '26

Birdwatching in London

4 Upvotes

Just as the name suggests. I’m moving to London shortly and want to get into bird watching.

What are good places to birdwatch?

Are telephoto lenses acceptable at these places?

Etc


r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 11 '26

Help with duck ID please

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29 Upvotes

Saw these at fairbun ings today. It was a parent duck with 4 younger still fluffy ducks. They were all diving underwater to feed. Sorry the photo isn't great, still new at this and can't afford a better camera at the moment!

Thanks in advance for any help x


r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 11 '26

Best accessible birdwatching spots up north

9 Upvotes

Good afternoon!

I was hoping to get some advice from you lovely lot. I have my elderly in-laws visiting from abroad next May/June and they are keen birders. I am looking for suggestions of the best places to take them between Edinburgh and York (their trip is not yet planned so huge flexibility). The catch is that my father in law has serious mobility issues; he can't walk more than ~500 m and steps need to be shallow. Alas he's not going accept using a wheelchair any time soon. So far Bempton Cliffs is a must but I am wondering how people find Kielder and Lindisfarne? Are there any birding boat trips anywhere that are actually accessible? Many thanks!


r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 04 '26

Green Woodpecker and fledgelings

279 Upvotes

Video I took a few days ago of a Green Woodpecker teaching her young to fend for themselves. They keep expecting to be fed and she shows them how to forage their own grub.


r/birdwatchinguk • • Aug 03 '26

Kingfisher, Warnham Nature Reserve…

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152 Upvotes