Search on for young birder

As part of the Spurn Bird Observatory 2017 Migration Festival, the observatory, Next Generation Birders (NGB) and the BTO are again running a competition to find the Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder of the Year. Named in honour of the late birding expert Martin Garner, and a former Spurn Bird Observatory committee member, the prestigious contest is open to all young British birders. If you will be aged 16 or under on 9 September 2017, you are eligible to enter by filling in the competition questionnaire online, answering questions such as whether or not you have a local patch, where you go birding further afield and if you can tell the difference between the songs of Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat. Four entrants will be chosen to take part in the final on 9 September at the Spurn Migration Festival. They will answer questions on bird ID and distribution and will be observed doing a visible migration watch and a seawatch. All four finalists will need to be available on 9 September, and will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Entry to the Migration Festival and a camping pitch will be provided for finalists. Prizes last year included binoculars, field guides, and more.