Birdwatch - October 2021

■ Eastern promise Autumn invariably delivers a range of exciting eastern vagrant passerines, popularly referred to as ‘Sibes’. Recent occurrences in both Britain and the wider Western Palearctic have shown us that we should expect new species – the Siberian Accentors in 2016 or Finland’s recent Kamchatka Leaf Warbler, for example. We take a look at what birds from the east may become new additions to the British list in the coming years. 
■ Your dipping yarns Many readers enjoyed our humorous account of some painful ‘dips’ in the August issue of Birdwatch, and have shared their own stories of the ones that got away. Here we publish a selection of the best – or worst! – tales of woe. Can you empathise?
■ Take the flyway Situated on the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, Guatemala is hugely important to hundreds of migratory bird species travelling from North American breeding areas to winter in South America. José Rojo Martin of the World Land Trust reveals a new project to protect the habitats these birds rely on as they make their incredible journeys.
■ Rush on thrushes With migration in full throttle this month, many birders will be considering the possibility of vagrant Catharus thrushes from the Americas. Julian Hough provides all the information you need to recognise Grey-checked, Hermit and Swainson’s Thrushes and Veery, as well as Wood Thrush, should you be fortunate enough to discover one. 

Plus: more thought-provoking comment from columnists Dominic Mitchell and Mark Avery, our latest photo challenge, the team at BirdGuides provides round-ups of August’s birding highlights from Britain, Ireland and the wider Western Palearctic, news, views and reviews, tips and advice on improving your birding and your questions answered by our expert panel.