Inside the June 2022 issue of Birdwatch magazine

The digital edition of the June 2022 issue of Birdwatch can now be downloaded onto any device. The paper magazine is available in the shops from Thursday [26 May] – or you can order online.

This month's cover depicts the iconic sight of a Common Swift scything through a summer sky. But how familiar are we with this species – and why is it declining? David Campbell takes a closer look at the cherished 'devil bird'.

Also in the June issue, Dutch birder Vincent van der Spek provides timely ID advice on how to find and recognise the rare Blyth's Reed Warbler, scarce Marsh Warbler and common Reed Warbler by both plumage and song in late spring and early summer – all three are now possibilities in the UK at this time of year.

Shetland is renowned for its autumn birding, but have you ever considered a trip in spring or early summer? With a profusion of breeding waders and seabirds to enjoy, plus a long and illustrious track record of producing extreme rarities, Rebecca Nason explains that this time of year shouldn't be overlooked.

In the final instalment of our Lost and found series, Daniel Branch takes a look at some of the Americas' most enigmatic birds, profiling several spectacular rediscoveries and arguing the case for some of those species that might still be missing in action.

Many birders will have cut their teeth at their local gravel pits. Birdwatch's Simon Papps was no exception, and he talks about this diverse and ever-changing artificial habitat in this month's issue.

Plus: more topical comment from columnists Lucy McRobert, Dominic Mitchell and Alan Tilmouth, the team at BirdGuides provides round-ups of April's birding highlights from Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic, news, views and reviews, advice on building your birding skills and knowledge and our expert panel answers your questions.

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

•    Film of singing Blyth’s Reed and Marsh Warblers;
•    Video of Common Swifts;
•    Footage of spring rarities in Shetland;
•    Sound recordings and calls of three Acrocephalus warbler species;
•    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.