Bird crime exclusive – the October issue of Birdwatch is on sale tomorrow!

The October 2018 issue of Birdwatch goes on sale tomorrow [Thursday 27 September] and includes an exclusive feature from the RSPB, investigating the illegal raptor persecution that takes across the UK. RSPB Investigations Liaison Officer Jenny Shelton's summary makes for sobering reading, but highlights the desperate need for the law to change.

Our October county guide focuses on Scilly, without doubt a magical place to be during the autumn migration season. Kris Webb's in-depth look at each island is the perfect read ahead of any trip to the archipelago. 

Also in this month's issue, Dominic Couzens examines the ecology, behaviour and conservation of Twite, and Richard Hibbert describes how species are surviving against the odds in one of Turkey's busy tourism hot-spots. 

Our photo ID guide for the October issue focuses on starlings – José Luis Copete provides superb advice on how to separate Common and Spotless Starlings, as well as Rosy Starling. Spotless is yet to occur in Britain, but as a known vagrant on the Continent, it must be considered a possible wildcard. 

Furthermore, there'll be all the rarities, scarcities and finders' reports, topical comment from columnists Mark Avery and Bill Oddie, a review of the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 binocular and expert advice from our knowledgeable team.

You can buy the issue from newsagents or order online with FREE UK p&p.