Birdwatch and Bird Watching magazines. (1 Viewer)

[IAN JAMES THOMPSON]

I've had the Bird Watching magazine for a few years, but I've now just ordered the Birdwatch magazine as well to be delivered by post. What is the difference between the two magazines.
Ian.

 

[Robert Wallace]

Bird watching was the first popular birdwatching magazine produced by journalists to fill a gap in an increasingly popular hobby. It was aimed at all levels, including newcomers to birdwatching, it was popular and inclusive.
Birdwatch was produced by recognised and credible birdwatchers(some of them professional writers) and was aimed at a more competent birdwatcher, it filled the gap between Bird Watch and the venerable British Birds Magazine. That's my broad and possibly dated analysis. I used to subscribe to Birdwatch and occasionally buy Birdwatching. Nowadays I subscribe to British Wildlife and occasionally buy Birdwatch.

 

[John Cantelo]

I think Robert has summed things up well. I've known a few birders who have 'graduated' from 'Bird Watching' to 'Birdwatch', but not the other way round (though doubtless there are some). Bird Watching also tends to have more articles on equipment. To put my views into context I'm a long time 'British Birds' subscriber who buys 'Birdwatch' 3-4 times a year (usually for specific articles), but only buys 'Birdwatching' when I want something to read when travelling.