Inside the April 2023 issue of Birdwatch

You can now read the April 2023 issue of Birdwatch as either a digital download or paper magazine. The paper magazine is available in the shops from Thursday [23 March] – or you can order online ahead of then.

April is one of the most exciting birding months of the year, with spring migration in full force and a long list of rarities likely to appear. But could this month produce another British first? In the latest issue of Birdwatch, Sam Viles looks to Europe, Africa and the Middle East to contemplate possible future list additions.

Portland Bird Observatory is a classic spring site. In the first article of a new series profiling the UK’s brilliant bird observatories, Martin Cade discusses the Dorset hot-spot, including its history and seasonal highlights.

Black-necked Grebe will be passing through this month on the way back to breeding grounds. This species remains one of Britain's rarest nesting birds – but why? Dan Owen explores the reasons behind its scarcity.

Spring is the best time to see a Black Kite in Britain, but it can be a difficult bird to catch up with on these shores and also throws up some identification headaches. Andy Stoddart is on hand to provide detailed tips on how to find and identify this species.

Also in this month's issue, ornithologists Sam Jones and James Kennerley introduce the concept of moult, the World Land Trust outlines its latest project to help save one of the world's rarest birds and Mike Alibone puts a new Viking binocular to the test.

Bill Oddie is back in this issue, recalling a memorable encounter with Sir Peter Scott which also saw him score a lifer, while our experts offer advice on correctly exposing bird photos and maintaining your lawn for wildlife.

Plus: columnists Lucy McRobert and Alan Tilmouth offer topical comment, we review the latest birding books and there's the usual comprehensive round-ups of the top birds seen across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic.

April's digital edition has lots of bonus content, including:

•    Video of Black-necked Grebes;
•    Film of Portland rarities;
•    Footage of Black Kite;
•    Video of possible British firsts;
•    Sound recordings of Grasshopper Warbler;
•    Film of rarities and scarcities from Britain, Ireland and the wider Western Palearctic.

The digital edition is available for PC and Mac, iPhone/iPad and Android. Sample issues are free, and subscriptions or single copies can be purchased.