The essential guide to getting the most out of birding in your local area.

For birdwatching thrills and excitement, why not look closer to home? You don't need to rely on hours of travel to reach remote locations – choose a local 'patch' that you can visit regularly instead. Cut out the car and become familiar with the resident and visiting birds that can be found in your chosen spot, their habits and behaviour, and the subtle changes that occur there throughout the seasons.

In The Complete Guide to Patch Birding, you'll find out how to make the most of local birding, including how to identify and pick a patch, the best times of day to try to find different birds, the essential kit, how to record sightings, understanding the impact of weather, and how to find rare birds, as well as information about migrant and breeding species.

Whether it's spotting a charm of goldfinches lighting up a gloomy January day, a robin gathering leaves and moss for its new nest in March, the uplifting sight of migratory swallows arriving to signify the start of summer, or hearing the call of young little owls on mild October nights, there are many joys to be had in simply watching and enjoying the birds on your doorstep. This practical guide contains all the information you need to get started.