Patchwork Challenge 2023

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 Hello? We've been away for a bit but now we are back. Might be back. Do you want us back? #PWC2023



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March round-up 2026

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Hello from the Patchwork Challenge team! We sincerely hope you have enjoyed taking part in the third month of #PWC2026! If you have yet to sign up and are interested in joining this year's competition, then please do by following this link:    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iZORva8WZXRiaCZcQUE9CNmog3k0EhnhW-GflGqNYoA/edit?usp=sharing March for many felt like the first proper signs of spring were beginning to appear, with Ospreys, Wheatears, hirundines and the first few summer migrant warblers all being recorded on patches. There was plenty to discover during March with one of, if not the best, being a potential Irish Coal Tit in a garden on Tiree! There were a couple of other very notable birds recorded on patches, with the discoveries of a Pacific Diver in Cornwall and Bonaparte's Gull in Shetland. Although these weren't the only excellent birds noted, with a few superb patch records coming in from up and down the competition.  April is a fantastic month, or at...
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What is the 'patchwork' challenge?

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The birding fraternity has seen a shift in attitudes recently, with many birders turning their attention from twitching towards rarity finding.   As a result, there also seems to have been an upturn in the profile watching a local patch. The advantages of watching a local patch are obvious. Low fuel costs and travel time aside, great pleasure can be derived from getting to learn a place inside out, observing how the seasons change, and getting value from common species that otherwise wouldn’t get a second glance. Throw in the potential for the odd rare bird or scarcity and to me, you have a really exciting, involving way to enjoy your birding. So what could enhance the patch watchers enjoyment a little? Well, perhaps adding an element of competition would do the trick. We’re a competitive bunch, us birders, both with our peers and ‘internally’ as well. We like a gloat, we like to add things to lists, and we like to know what the numbers are. So why not see if we can add a ...
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