Astronomy (U.S.) – “The world’s best-selling astronomy magazine offers you the most exciting, visually stunning, and timely coverage of the heavens above. Each issue includes expert science reporting, vivid color photography, complete sky coverage, spot-on observing tips, informative telescope reviews, and much more! All this in a user-friendly style that’s perfect for astronomers at any level.”
Astronomy & Geophysics (U.K.) – one of the journals of the Royal Astronomical Society. It “publishes short review papers on subjects within the remit of the Royal Astronomical Society: astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, solar-terrestrial physics, global and regional geophysics and the history of these topics.” Other journals of the Society can be found here.
Astronomy Now (U.K.) – “[T]he UK’s biggest astronomy magazine. Since 1987 it has been essential reading for astronomers in the UK and around the world. Each month, the magazine contains features, reviews, news and practical guides on all aspects of astronomy, from the latest scientific discoveries to advice for those discovering the night sky for the first time.”
BBC Sky at Night (U.K.) – The largest circulation astronomy magazine in the U.K.
Journal of the R.A.S.C. (Canada) – “The Journal is a bi-monthly publication of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. It welcomes articles on Canadian astronomers and current activities of the RASC and its Centres, research and review papers by professional and amateur astronomers, and articles of a historical, biographical, or educational nature of general interest to the astronomical community.”
Reflector (U.S.) – The membership magazine of the Astronomical League
Sky & Telescope (U.S.) – While it has been in print as a title since 1941, it changed hands multiple times over the past twenty years and since 2019 it has been published by AAS Sky Publishing, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Astronomical Society. “[Covers] all aspects of the science and hobby of astronomy, from scientific discoveries to what’s in the sky tonight and the latest equipment. [with] content is written by expert professional and amateur astronomers and award-winning science writers who together share a passion for our amazing universe.”
Bird Watching and Birding (recreational study of birds; see Ornithology for scientific)
Audubon (U.S.)- The membership magazine of the National Audubon Society, publishing “essential news, advice, and reporting on birds and bird conservation, pairing compelling journalism with stunning photography and design. Each quarterly issue helps readers grow their appreciation of birds and learn how to help them thrive.”
Birding (U.S.) – “[T]he [American Birding Association]’s 52-year-old, bimonthly flagship publication has evolved from an 8-page mimeographed newsletter to a full-color, award-winning magazine. […] Each issue of Birding features broad coverage of various aspects of bird identification and birdfinding and a unique, unifying thematic concept. The magazine also presents expert media reviews and keeps readers on their toes with its photo quiz.”
Bird Watcher’s Digest (U.S.) – “[F]ounded in 1978 as Bird Watcher’s Digest, is North America’s premier bird-watching magazine. Each bimonthly issue is packed with beautiful photography, illustrations and in-depth articles by renowned experts on an array of topics from backyard birds to birding abroad.”
Birds & Blooms (U.S.) – “At Birds & Blooms, our team is passionate about birding and gardening. Our experts, Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman, Melinda Myers, Ken Keffer and Sally Roth, are published authors with years of experience identifying and attracting birds and growing plants for pollinators. Plus, our Field Editors test out many of the products that we recommend for your own backyard.”
Birdwatch (U.K.) – “[E]stablished by Dominic Mitchell in 1992 as an independent magazine for birders. It grew to become the leading monthly news and features magazine at the enthusiast end of the market […] Birdwatch has a primarily British and Irish focus and readership, but reaches 45 countries across five continents worldwide each month. It publishes a joint weekly e-newsletter with BirdGuides.
BirdWatch Canada (Canada) – “[A] quarterly magazine featuring articles about the conservation of Canada’s wild birds and their habitats, as well as updates from Birds Canada and its regional, national, and international projects.” This is the membership magazine for Birds Canada / Oiseaux Canada.
BirdWatching (U.S.) – While formerly one of the main national U.S. bird watching and birding magazines, it is apparently no longer in publication but according to the page at the magazine’s former domain it may resume in a digital(?) format at some point in the future.
British Birds (U.K.) – “[A] journal for everyone interested in the birds of the Western Palearctic. Published monthly since 1907, the journal contains a range of material on behaviour, conservation, distribution, ecology, identification, movements, status and taxonomy, as well as the latest news items and book reviews. British Birds is regarded as the British birdwatcher’s journal of record, with regular reports on rare and scarce migrants, and rare breeding birds. All the main contributions are peer-reviewed, and the journal aims to interpret scientific research in an easily accessible way.” (British Birds is cross-listed in Ornithology due to its peer-review structure and high level of scientific content.)
Vögel (Germany) – “[D]as Magazin für Vogel- und Naturfreunde, die atemberaubende Fotos, aktuelle Expertenmeinungen von renommierten Ornithologen, Tricks und Tipps zur Vogelbeobachtung und persönliche Erfahrungsberichte suchen.” This is the primary magazine for bird watchers in Germany.
Botany
Entomology
Antenna (U.K.) – “Antenna is the Bulletin of the Royal Entomological Society.” It is received by all members and fellows of the Society.
Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society (U.K.) – “The Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society is the Society’s high-quality, house journal. Published four times a year, the journal contains articles written by members on all aspects of entomology.”
Entomology Today (U.S.) – “Published by the Entomological Society of America, Entomology Today brings you news from the world of insect science.” Although primarily published for a professional readership, this publication is noteworthy for being accessible to an interested amateur readership as well.
Wings (U.S.) – Wings: Essays on Invertebrate Conservation is published twice per year (Spring and Autumn) by the Xerces Society and distributed to all members.
General Natural History
British Wildlife (U.K.) – “Since its launch in 1989, British Wildlife has established its position as the leading natural history magazine in the UK, providing essential reading for both enthusiast and professional naturalists and wildlife conservationists.” This has long been a favourite among all the magazines and journals I regularly read.
Natural History (U.S.) – “Since its beginning in 1900 as The American Museum Journal, Natural History is the authoritative voice that curious readers turn to for informed insights and understanding of natural phenomena. The magazine’s mission is to promote understanding and appreciation of the world around us.”
General Nature
BBC Countryfile (U.K.) – “Whether you’re a regular walker or hiker or someone who is making their first ventures into the countryside, Countryfile magazine is packed full of fresh and inspiring ideas for making the most of our beautiful outdoors.”
BBC Wildlife (U.K.) – Originally begun with a strong conservation focus as Animals in 1963, Wildlife is now part of the BBC’s Natural History unit and publishes highly accessible information about nature and nature conservation to a popular readership.
History of Science / History of Natural History
History of Medicine
Marine Biology / Maritime Science
Ornithology (scientific study of birds; see Bird Watching and Birding for recreational)
Ardeola (Spain) – “Ardeola: International Journal of Ornithology is the scientific journal of SEO/BirdLife, the Spanish Ornithological Society. The journal had a regional focus when it was first published, in 1954. Since then, and particular during the past two decades, the journal has expanded its thematic and geographical scope. It is now a fully international forum for research on all aspects of ornithology.”
British Birds (U.K.) – “[A] journal for everyone interested in the birds of the Western Palearctic. Published monthly since 1907, the journal contains a range of material on behaviour, conservation, distribution, ecology, identification, movements, status and taxonomy, as well as the latest news items and book reviews. British Birds is regarded as the British birdwatcher’s journal of record, with regular reports on rare and scarce migrants, and rare breeding birds. All the main contributions are peer-reviewed, and the journal aims to interpret scientific research in an easily accessible way.” (British Birds is cross-listed in Bird Watching and Birding due to its editors defining it as such.)
Bulletin of the African Bird Club (U.K.)- “[A] peer-reviewed international journal that is widely read by ornithologists, birders and conservationists alike. It is a key intellectual asset of the African Bird Club.”
Ornithological Applications (Formerly The Condor) (U.S.) – One of the two international, scientific journals of the American Ornithological Society (the other is Ornithological Applications). “It publishes original research, syntheses, and assessments from all parts of the globe focusing on the application of scientific theory, ornithological knowledge, and methods to the conservation and management of birds, and to policy.”
Ornithology (Formerly The Auk) (U.S.) – One of the two international, scientific journals of the American Ornithological Society (the other is Ornithological Applications). “It publishes original research that tests fundamental, scientific hypotheses through ornithological studies and advances our understanding of living or extinct bird species.”
