The February issue of Birdwatch is on sale tomorrow

The February 2019 issue of Birdwatch goes on sale tomorrow [Thursday 24 January] and includes a special feature on Eurasian Curlew, a species that has suffered a terrible decline in Britain and Ireland. Mary Colwell takes a closer look at this iconic wader, examines the reasons behind the losses and finds out if we can still save them as a breeding species.

Also this month, the bird-rich continent of Africa is celebrated by Ed Hutchings. With the African Bird Club commemorating its quarter century anniversary this year, some of the most stunning, famous and incredible species from this vast continent are discussed.

It's safe to say 2018 was a mixed 12 months for rarities in Britain and Ireland.Ed Stubbs sums up the year with a look back at some of the best birds and memorable twitches that took place.

Our photo ID guide for December focuses on Redwing forms and similar, rarer visitors. Andy Stoddart’s masterful guide will have you picking out Icelandic Redwings and female Black-throated Thrushes in no time! Galway is the destination for our latest county guide – this classic winter birding location is the only place you need to go for a wide selection of gulls, seabirds and wildfowl, and Niall Keogh reveals all the best spots.

As well as this, there'll be all the rarities, scarcities and finders' reports, topical comment from columnists Mark Avery, Dominic Mitchell and Bill Oddie, a review of a new, image-stabilising binocular and expert advice from our knowledgeable team.

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

In the digital edition

This month's digital edition features bonus footage of the American Royal Tern in Wales and The Netherlands' confiding Nutcracker, as well as rarities and scarcities from around Britain and Ireland. You can also listen to the evocative call of Eurasian Curlew, our cover species, and watch video of Wandering Albatross, Redwing and all the thrush species featured in the ID photo guide, and some of Africa's most iconic birds. The digital edition is available on PC, Mac, iPhone/iPad and Android. Sample issues are free, and subscriptions or single copies can be purchased. Click here to find out more.