Patchwork Challenge

Now on Bluesky. UK & Ireland patch #birding challenge for veteran patch birders and new participants alike. Tag us or tweet with #PWC2026 and #PatchBirding

[Patchwork Challenge @PatchBirding]

Happy New Year and good luck to everyone who is out #birding, making a start to their #PWC2026 totals this morning!

If you have not yet signed up then use this link to do so! https://t.co/ETJB9419hH

Keep us updated on your finds by using the #Patchbirding and #PWC2026 tags!

[Patchwork Challenge @PatchBirding]

if you have one. To enter your submissions, email them to us on [email protected]. To have a look at last year's entries, then follow the link here: https://t.co/07qqlpE77y

The prize for the top three submissions will be a Patchwork Challenge pin badge. Happy birding!

[Patchwork Challenge @PatchBirding]

At the end of June, we will start compiling your submissions for the first half of #PWC2026 best find competition. Like last year's comp, it will be judged by the public on why that patch find was special to you. All we ask for is a brief write-up, a paragraph or two, and a pic..

[Parula @Tireebirder]

Female-type Red-breasted Flycatcher new in the Balephuil #Tiree garden this afternoon - the 12th record for the garden since 2011 and the 8th in spring @BirdGuides @PatchBirding

[Stanford Birder @c4hub]

Stanford Reservoir - 2 late May additions to #PWC2026 on Saturday with Spot Fly & House Sparrow (rare here). Also, a Curlew spent most of the day on the dam. Total at end of May 134 species, 183 points.

[Patchwork Challenge @PatchBirding]

Please remember to put only your May totals into the main scores spreadsheet until after the 7th June, as on this day we will do the download for the #PWC2026 monthly review. Thanks and Happy Birding!

[Daniel Langston @DLangstonBirder]

5 months of patching Branston Island so far - not much water left now, but some great birds this year so far...

Bonaparte's, GW Teal, Temminck's, Limosa Blackwits, 100s passage waders, Ibises, tonnes of Geese, BN Grebes - it's surpassed expectations.
#PatchBirding
@Lincsbirding

[Patchwork Challenge @PatchBirding]

We have the first half of #PWC2026 best find competition coming back soon, with finds up until 30th June included. Like last year, we will ask for finds to be submitted with a paragraph to why that bird was special and then they will be put to a vote, this will be live in July.

[Patchwork Challenge @PatchBirding]

Did you get a chance to read last months #PWC2026 round-up? If not, then why not take a look now by clicking this link to our blog: https://t.co/DRv7We6z9r

Seems to have been a little flurry of migration activity recently, so we are already looking forward to the May one!

[Patchwork Challenge @PatchBirding]

We have now published the April #PWC2026 review on our blog! Click this link to head over and see where you ended up in the league tables, as well as all the interesting patch birds over the month: https://t.co/EGgS0eKt8E

Thanks to everyone who has taken part so far!

[Patchwork Challenge @PatchBirding]

Free delivery on #PWC merch until midnight!

Money raised will go to the end of #PWC2026 prizes.

Check out our shop: https://t.co/wRFHGrNqqU

[Patchwork Challenge @PatchBirding]

Well we are now in May, the rarity month of the spring! We wish all patch birders a fun and rarity filled month.

Also, please remember to update your April #PWC2026 scores on the spreadsheet, ready for the monthly review. Thanks!

[Daniel Langston @DLangstonBirder]

More fantastic passage at Branston Island today, with Grey Plover and Common Sand new for #PWC2026. 141/190.

Totals: Grey Plover, 7 Wood Sand, 2 Barwit, 2 Blackwit, Whimbrel, 11 Ruff, Greenshank, 6 RP, 2 LRP, 3 Ibis, WF Goose.
#PatchBirding
@Lincsbirding

[Brian Hedley @ManfromMarton]

Finally had a Reed Warbler @PatchBirding this morning at Trent Port/Marton which brings up my 💯 species for #PWC2026. Also, Yellow Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Bullfinch, 4 Mistle Thrush, 2 Green Woodpecker and 1st young coots @LincsWildlife @Lincsbirding

[Daniel Langston @DLangstonBirder]

Get in! Found a 2cy Bonaparte's Gull on patch at Branston Island this morning, still present now as I'm leaving.

View only through bushes from the Witham cycle track.
#PatchBirding
@Lincsbirding

[Phil Woollen @PhilWoollen]

Patch gold here tonight in my part of rural Cheshire. Only my 2nd ever record of Whimbrel. Previous record of a bird calling in flight. Flock of 15 + 2 Curlew in field opposite house this evening. 1st patch year record of L Whitethroat & Sandmartin today as well #pwc2026

[Patchwork Challenge @PatchBirding]

@c4hub @rg_stanford @LandRbirds They are gorgeous birds, Chris. Hopefully more of the classic late April to May stuff to come yet.

[Patchwork Challenge @PatchBirding]

@wildlifegeekpix Lovely bird that, Darren. Hopefully a few more good waders to come over the next few weeks.

[Patchwork Challenge @PatchBirding]

@SeanOHa19117792 @Eddiewilliams09 Superb stuff, Sean! What good spring days are all about.

[Andrew C Sims @andysims4049]

Patch gold ✅ Nightingale singing from dense scrub on the old tip. #PWC2026 96/105. 10km radius 104/118. @Lincsbirding @PatchBirding @BTO_Lincs @LincsWildlife

[Patchwork Challenge @PatchBirding]

The March #PWC2026 round-up is now live on the blog! Head over to see where you and other competitors have finished the first quarter of the year! To take a look, click this link: https://t.co/BqcUCTB4XF

We hope you enjoy reading it!