Jon Dunn brings you his weekly lookback at the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >

Campaigners are calling for a UK-wide sales ban as major fires in Suffolk and the Cairngorms expose the growing threat to wildlife-rich landscapes. More here >

A record 155 pairs nested on the Northumberland island in 2026, the highest total recorded there in more than half a century. More here >

A Palermo court has suspended Sicily's 2026-27 hunting calendar, removing September pre-opening days during the species' autumn passage. More here >

Four additional coastal wetland areas have joined the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, important staging areas for migratory shorebirds. More here >

A wildfire covering around 100 hectares has spread from Dunwich Heath into parts of RSPB Minsmere, threatening nationally important habitat for heathland birds. More here >

The annual taking of young Gannets on Sula Sgeir may not go ahead after officials said scientific uncertainty prevents them ruling out harm to the protected colony. More here >

Numbers have risen from about 4,100 to around 17,000 following a long-running programme to remove an invasive predator from the Japanese island of Amami-Oshima. More here >

The broadcaster, writer, comedian and conservationist inspired generations to discover birds and the natural world. More here >

Shock and awe were on the cards this week as a Long-tailed Shrike is found in the Gloucestershire countryside, the second in Britain this summer. More here >

Wildlife Poisoning Research UK says two eagles found dead in Dorset during 2024 carried potentially lethal concentrations of rat poison. . More here >

Firefighters have made substantial progress at RSPB Abernethy, but hotspots remain, wildlife impacts are still being assessed and affected areas remain closed. More here >

Eggs were removed from a nest threatened by a major blaze in County Fermanagh before the young birds were reared, satellite-tagged and released at a protected site. More here >

A reintroduction programme could see Blue-winged Macaws flying free in Argentina for the first time in more than 20 years. More here >

A provisional total of 44 young Bonelli's Eagles have fledged or are expected to leave their nests in France this year, surpassing the previous national record. More here >

The discovery of a young Puffin at Dancing Ledge has provided fresh hope for the survival of the last regular breeding colony on the mainland coast of southern England. More here >

Closely related bird species with distinctive songs are less likely to hybridise, while differences in male plumage appear to provide little protection against interbreeding. More here >

A new model suggests that birds flying in a V-formation cut their energy use principally by reducing the depth of their wingbeats while exploiting the wake of the bird ahead. More here >

A Blue-cheeked Bee-eater on Orkney leads Jon Dunn's look back at the best birds from the past seven days in this week's round-up. More here >

A study of Galahs found that the parrots almost always chose to fly when given the opportunity and showed signs of an improved emotional state after repeated free-flight sessions. More here >

A breeding pair in Bulgaria arranged dozens of spiny hedgehog pelts around their nest, possibly as a defence against Eurasian Eagle Owls. More here >

The new angled scope combines a 75 mm objective lens and high maximum magnification with a simpler, comparatively lightweight design. More here >

Three recent breeding records have raised hopes that the threatened Baltic Dunlin could re-establish itself in the Netherlands. More here >

One of the RSPB's earliest Scottish nature reserves is celebrating six decades of partnership between conservationists and crofters on the wildlife-rich machair of the Outer Hebrides. More here >

RSPB Cymru has acquired 96 hectares of wildlife-rich land in mid Wales, linking two previously separated parts of Gwenffrwd-Dinas nature reserve. More here >

More than £650,000 will help expand conservation breeding and identify new release sites for Britain's struggling Black-tailed Godwit population. More here >

Jon Dunn looks back at the best birds from the last seven days where Britain's second ever Long-tailed Shrike is found in Fife. More here >

The European Parliament has rejected an attempt to block new restrictions on lead fishing tackle, paving the way for an EU-wide ban. More here >

A study of American Herring Gulls has found that the mottled plumage of young birds reduces aggression from territorial adults within breeding colonies. More here >

The UK breeding population has declined by 89% since 1988, with the latest national survey estimating just 112 breeding males remain. More here >

After coming close to extinction in Switzerland in the 1990s, the Corncrake recorded 17 successful broods in 2025 following three decades of targeted conservation work. More here >

Research at Wicken Fen found pollen on 89% of sampled birds, with Blue Tits, Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs among species helping some spring-flowering trees set fruit. More here >

The winning designer will receive £1,500, but BTO says entries must be human-made and not drafted or created using generative AI. More here >

Once reduced to a single breeding pair in the country, Serbia's Eastern Imperial Eagle population has risen to 29 territorial pairs this year. More here >

The RSPCA has welcomed the appointment of Scotland's first official Gull Ranger, describing the role as an example of how communities can take a more constructive approach to living alongside gulls. More here >

Jon Dunn looks back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >

Researchers say the footage reveals an unexpected nest-defence strategy in a species better known for camouflage and distraction displays. More here >

A nest with three young in the canton of Vaud provides the first confirmed breeding record of Black Stork in Switzerland. More here >

New research suggests the world's most colourful passerines are more likely to be threatened, with the pet trade only partly explaining the pattern. More here >

New research suggests Bass Rock and Grassholm, two of the world's largest Northern Gannet colonies, face decades of recovery following the 2022 avian flu outbreak. More here >

Twenty-two young Marsh and Montagu's Harriers have been protected after nests were found in cereal fields during the barley harvest north of Cologne. More here >

Hen Harrier disappeared on Ruabon Moor, an area described by the RSPB as one of the UK's most notorious raptor persecution hotspots. More here >

The Solway wetland reserve will reopen three days a week, with improved paths and hides, new wetland features and a summer focus on dragonflies and wildflower meadows. More here >

New RSPB and BTO evidence highlights growing risks for upland birds, seabirds and rare species, while some southern species expand their ranges. More here >

Jon Dunn looks back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >

A 15-year study of breeding Swifts in Devon has found that most return to the same nest site each year, reinforcing calls for the wider use of Swift bricks in new buildings. More here >

New fieldwork in the AlUla region has revealed at least 38 breeding pairs of Sooty Falcon, confirming successful inland nesting for the species in north-west Saudi Arabia. More here >

The returning American Black Tern at Long Nanny has produced a hybrid chick with an Arctic Tern, following several summers of close association with the Northumberland colony. More here >

A controversial reform of Italy's hunting law could allow shooting in protected areas, reopen pressure on Alpine migration routes and reduce penalties for hunting offences. More here >

Essex Wildlife Trust says off-road bikes, burnt hides, broken gates and fly-tipping are causing damage to protected wildlife sites. More here >

Shetland author Ann Cleeves OBE officially opened the new obs, marking a major moment for Fair Isle after years of fundraising and construction setbacks. More here >

A global dataset shows AI can speed up drone bird surveys, but research warns drones may still disturb sensitive species. More here >

The development has been described by BirdWatch Ireland as a significant and welcome surprise for the city's long-running tern conservation work. More here >

Jon Dunn looks back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >

Researchers working with Cerulean Warblers are developing a tool that could allow scientists to recognise returning birds by voice. More here >

Vulture Conservation Foundation reports that two separate incidents in Botswana and Senegal have added to a growing toll of vulture deaths across Africa in 2026. More here >

A new genomic study suggests that the spectacular courtship displays of Manakins were preceded by ancient changes in diet, taste and digestion. More here >

Once feared lost, the North Pacific seabird has continued its long recovery, with the latest Japanese count recording more than 11,000 birds in 2026. More here >

After a long absence as a confirmed breeder, the Black Guillemot has again been raising young on Germany's Baltic coast. More here >

Scientists are watching closely as familiar summer visitors begin a journey still full of unanswered questions. More here >

Results show increases for Nightjar, Woodlark and Dartford Warbler, with volunteers helping to track the fortunes of some of Britain's most specialised breeding birds. More here >

The familiar garden species topped the first vote of its kind, as Butterfly Conservation urges people to take part in this summer's Big Butterfly Count. More here >

Jon Dunn looks back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic where a first for Britain is found in Gwynedd. More here >

Researchers have combined eBird observations, weather radar and tracking data to move migration monitoring beyond counting birds in the sky and towards identifying which species are on the move. More here >

The new funding from the Ecological Restoration Fund will support conservation work across one of the world's most important migratory bird routes. More here >

A long-running reintroduction programme has kept the species from disappearing from Spain, but the recovery remains fragile and heavily dependent on continued conservation work. More here >

Essex Police are asking witnesses to come forward after a Raven was shot in West Bergholt and later died. More here >

GPS tracking of Lesser Black-backed Gulls suggests avoidance of a North Sea wind farm is not simply explained by the absence of fishing boats inside turbine areas. More here >

The Firth of Forth islands, home to major Gannet and Puffin colonies, have entered charitable ownership for the first time in more than 300 years. More here >

An amateur lepidopterist's discovery is changing how conservationists search for some of Britain’s most elusive butterflies. More here >

Decades of work by Butterfly Conservation, Natural England, farmers, landowners and volunteers have helped the endangered species increase dramatically across the county. More here >

Jon Dunn looks back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >

The Blue-fronted Lorikeet, documented only once in the past hundred years in 2014, has been photographed and sound-recorded in the highlands of Buru. More here >

The study adds Red-shouldered Hawk to the growing list of raptors in which offspring sex appears to be linked to breeding conditions. More here >

Research shows that intensive clearcutting reduces the vocal activity of year-round forest birds, with Crested Tit, Treecreeper and Goldcrest among the species most affected. More here >

Campaigners say the demolition of Regent House near Dorking station has destroyed one of Mole Valley's best-known Swift nesting sites. More here >

The number of singing males on the Embid plateau has risen from four in 2022 to 34 in 2025 following habitat restoration and the release of translocated birds. More here >

Natural England has approved additional releases of White-tailed Eagles in Exmoor, adding a second release site to the long-running Isle of Wight reintroduction project. More here >

Around 50 Critically Endangered Hooded Vultures have been found dead and beheaded, in what conservationists believe was a deliberate poisoning incident. More here >

A satellite-tagged eagle born in Dorset in 2025, vanished soon after it reached the western side of the North York Moors. More here >

Jon Dunn looks back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >

Scientists in the Galapagos recorded 25 young Mangrove Finches fledging in 2026, offering new hope for one of the world's rarest birds. More here >

A major GPS-tracking study has found that the physical presence of people can alter how birds and mammals move through the landscape. More here >

Conservationists say the increase in displaying males is an encouraging sign for one of the UK's most threatened birds, though the population remains highly vulnerable. More here >

Scientists say Gentoo Penguins are showing useful flexibility in a warming climate, but the margin between coping and lethal heat stress may be narrow. More here >

Campaigners are urging NatureScot to refuse permission for the annual killing of young Gannets, while the agency says any decision will be based on the latest scientific evidence. More here >

Conservationists say large-scale heathland restoration is helping one of southern England’s most distinctive birds continue its recovery after decades of decline. More here >

Hawk Conservancy Trust launches project to safeguard scarce nesting trees used by Lappet-faced Vultures in Kruger National Park after discovering elephants are destroying vital breeding sites. More here >

A new RSPB report reveals more than 900 confirmed incidents involving birds of prey across the UK in the past ten years. More here >

Jon Dunn looks back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >

White-backed Vultures fitted with transmitters in Morocco have crossed into southern Spain. More here >

The wave of misogynistic personal attacks directed at Dr Ruth Tingay came after promotion of her Friends of the Dales talk. More here >

New campaign combines public voting with growing concerns over long-term insect declines. More here >

Fresh sightings from India's remote Great Nicobar Island have renewed interest in a little-known rail that may represent a species still unknown to science. More here >

Conservationists in the Basque Country report a rare and successful adoption by a same-sex eagle pair. More here >

Conservationists say the nesting is a rare piece of good news for one of the world's most threatened forest regions. More here >

New monitoring data suggests the long decline of the House Sparrow in Paris may have slowed since 2014, although numbers in the French capital remain far below historic levels. More here >

New nationwide survey finds several familiar gull species have suffered major population declines over the last 20 years. More here >

Chris Batty looks back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic, headlined by Long-tailed Skuas, Temminck's Stints and Subalpine Warblers. More here >

A new study reveals that Storm Petrels routinely travel hundreds of kilometers while deliberately seeking crosswinds. More here >