SPECIAL EVENTS

NOW the world’s biggest birding event, Global Bird Weekend runs from 8-10 October.

Teams from across the planet compete to see which of them can record the highest number of bird species. Anyone can take part: simply register your team or as an individual on eBird, go out birding and log all the species you see on the eBird app. It’s free to take part, but donations are encouraged, with proceeds going to BirdLife International’s appeal to conserve coastal wetlands and save threatened migratory species.

This year, organisers are particularly interested in getting schools and colleges involved and are encouraging birders to introduce a non-birding friend to the pastime.

■ Further details: www.globalbirding.org