Articles
Here you will find a wide range of birding related articles from various organisations, conservation bodies as well as individual accounts of rare bird finds and other interesting articles.
 
Click on the More > link to read the article.
 
RBA Daily News Summaries - Daily summaries of the news on an easy to use, searchable page
 
 
new  Hen Harrier 'Fingal' disappears in suspicious circumstances   (Wildlife crime)
Another satellite-tagged hen harrier has disappeared, the fourth to vanish on a Scottish grouse moor since the beginning of April. More here >
Written by:  (17 Sep 2020)
 
 
Another Hen Harrier disappears on a Yorkshire grouse moor   (Wildlife crime)
This latest bird is the 44th harrier to go 'missing' or to be confirmed killed since 2018 and has led to renewed calls for licensing of grouse shooting. More here >
Written by:  (16 Sep 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 8 - 14 Sept 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland, and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (15 Sep 2020)
 
 
White-tailed Eagles breed in Deeside - first time for around 200 years   (Conservation News)
The pair nested on Mar Estate and are one of 5 territorial pairs in the Cairngorms National Park this year, of which 3 have fledged young. More here >
Written by:  (15 Sep 2020)
 
 
Grouse shooting and hunting exempt from 'Rule of Six'   (News)
With coronavirus cases rising once again, the new 'rule of six' law has been instituted in England this week and grouse shooting is exempt. More here >
Written by:  (15 Sep 2020)
 
 
EVENT: Oriental Bird Club Virtual AGM 2020   (Event)
In view of the ongoing COVID-19 global health pandemic, the 2020 Annual General Meeting, No. 36, will take place online via Zoom. More here >
Written by:  (15 Sep 2020)
 
 
Court orders immediate suspension of Turtle Dove 'hunting' in France   (Conservation News)
As many as 10,000 birds may already have been killed this season before the suspension had been ordered. More here >
Written by:  (14 Sep 2020)
 
 
Suffolk Cuckoo goes on an Atlantic Odyssey in bid to reach wintering grounds   (Conservation News)
The Cuckoo named 'Carlton' travelled 1000 miles over the sea from northern Spain to the south-western coast of Morocco. More here >
Written by:  (14 Sep 2020)
 
 
Spoonbills breed in Suffolk for first time in 300 years   (Conservation News)
Four chicks were successfully raised from two separate nests on RSPB Havergate Island nature reserve, Suffolk's only island. More here >
Written by:  (14 Sep 2020)
 
 
Mega birding milestones on the Isles of Scilly   (Personal Account)
The Isles of Scilly Bird Group is celebrating their milestone twentieth year this autumn and hoping that 2020 will mark the 450th bird species recorded on the archipelago. More here >
Written by:  (10 Sep 2020)
 
 
Lyrebirds move more litter and soil than any other digging animal   (Research)
Researchers have documented the extraordinary changes that lyrebirds make to the ground layer in forests in their role as an ecosystem engineer. More here >
Written by:  (08 Sep 2020)
 
 
Gulls pay attention to human eyes   (Research)
Herring gulls notice where approaching humans are looking, and flee sooner when they're being watched, a new study shows. More here >
Written by:  (08 Sep 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 1 - 7 Sept 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland, and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (08 Sep 2020)
 
 
Sixty English Hen Harrier chicks fledge in 2020   (Conservation News)
Announcing the news, Natural England failed to mention how many birds have gone missing or have been illegally killed in the same period. More here >
Written by:  (07 Sep 2020)
 
 
Curlew chicks rescued, relocated and released after peatland fires   (Conservation News)
For the first time in Ireland, a licence was acquired to remove the fragile eggs from their natural habitat, due to the burning, to maximise their chances of survival. More here >
Written by:  (07 Sep 2020)
 
 
Terns from abandoned Skerries colony found at multiple Irish Sea sites   (Conservation News)
The Skerries, which hosts the UK's largest colony of Arctic terns, was abandoned this year due to disturbance. More here >
Written by:  (07 Sep 2020)
 
 
EU countries vote to ban lead shot in wetlands   (Conservation News)
A total of 18 countries, which made up 90% of the votes, voted in support of the ban for a greener, healthier future for the environment, wildlife and people. More here >
Written by:  (07 Sep 2020)
 
 
First Purple Hairstreak recorded in South Lanarkshire for 175 years   (Conservation News)
The butterfly, with tell-tale purple colouring on its black upper wings, has been increasing in distribution in recent years. More here >
Written by:  (07 Sep 2020)
 
 
Storm Petrels fly up to 300km offshore to fish in waters around Shetland   (Conservation News)
For the first time, several years of data have been collected on the birds movements at sea. More here >
Written by:  (02 Sep 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 25 - 31 Aug 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland, and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (01 Sep 2020)
 
 
Released Bearded Vulture found dead, probably killed by Golden Eagle   (Conservation News)
The captive-bred Bearded Vulture 'Coco' had a short-lived life in the wild. After she was released in Maestrazgo on 12 June 2020. More here >
Written by:  (01 Sep 2020)
 
 
Inter-Peninsula Bird Race September 2020   (Event)
Take part in the race being held at four observatories across two continents on Saturday 12th September 2020. More here >
Written by:  (01 Sep 2020)
 
 
Tropical songbirds stop breeding to survive drought   (Research)
Instead of trying to juggle the demands of new offspring and harsh environmental conditions, most of the songbird species studied opted to reduce their reproduction during drought. More here >
Written by:  (01 Sep 2020)
 
 
Wintering waterbirds easily disturbed by drones   (Research)
Newly published research, investigated the response to wintering waterbirds to drones, and shown that they can be easily scared into flight by drone use More here >
Written by:  (01 Sep 2020)
 
 
French Government gives green light for mass Turtle Dove killing   (Conservation News)
France has authorised the killing of nearly 18,000 Turtle Doves, a globally threatened species. More here >
Written by:  (01 Sep 2020)
 
 
EU forces France to ban 'barbaric glue traps'   (Conservation News)
Thanks in large part to a campaign run by LPO, Birdlife's Partner in France, President Emmanuel Macron has announced a one-year suspension on the trapping of wild birds with glue. More here >
Written by:  (01 Sep 2020)
 
 
Griffon vulture population in Israel reaches a new high   (Conservation News)
206 Griffon Vultures were counted in Israel, which is a record number in recent years. More here >
Written by:  (31 Aug 2020)
 
 
Volunteers strive to save rare butterfly in the Scottish Borders   (Conservation News)
A new study has shown the region to hold significant nationally important colonies of the butterfly. More here >
Written by:  (31 Aug 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 18 - 24 Aug 2020   (Rarity Review)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland, and the Western Palearctic, including another mega seabird and much more. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (25 Aug 2020)
 
 
Black-winged Stilts fledge in Somerset   (Conservation News)
A trio of Black-winged Stilt chicks have flown the nest at WWT Steart Marshes, where to the disbelief of conservationists, they hatched last month. More here >
Written by:  (25 Aug 2020)
 
 
Three young Montagu's Harriers deliberately killed in the Netherlands   (Wildlife crime)
The three chicks were found on the road near to the nest site in East Groningen. More here >
Written by:  (20 Aug 2020)
 
 
Griffon Vulture chicks jump to their death following disturbance from helicopter   (Conservation News)
Three chicks are presumed to have drowned whilst three more were rescued by park guards in the Uvac Special Nature Reserve, Serbia. More here >
Written by:  (20 Aug 2020)
 
 
White-tailed Eagle rescued after suspected wind turbine strike   (Conservation News)
The White-tailed Eagle was found with a head injury on moorland on the Isle of Lewis recently. More here >
Written by:  (19 Aug 2020)
 
 
Seven more White-tailed Eagles released on the Isle of Wight   (Conservation News)
The five-year reintroduction programme now in its second year is led by Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation. More here >
Written by:  (19 Aug 2020)
 
 
Plastic debris releases potentially harmful chemicals into seabird stomach fluid   (Research)
This is the first study to show that plastic waste can release chemicals into the stomach oil of seabirds over time, potentially posing a threat to their health. More here >
Written by:  (19 Aug 2020)
 
 
Swans reserve aggression for each other   (Research)
A study examined three swan species - Mute, Whooper and Bewick's and found all were most frequently aggressive to their own kind. More here >
Written by:  (19 Aug 2020)
 
 
Songbirds, like people, sing better after warming up   (Research)
By singing early and often, a new study suggests, birds perform better during the day. More here >
Written by:  (19 Aug 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 11 - 17 Aug 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland, and the Western Palearctic, featuring Scopoli's Shearwater and plenty of birds along the east coast, including Roller and Collared Flycatcher. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (18 Aug 2020)
 
 
Fair Isle Bird Observatory Rebuild Appeal   (News)
Fair Isle Bird Observatory are seeking your help to rebuild their Observatory which was so tragically lost to fire in 2019. More here >
Written by:  (17 Aug 2020)
 
 
Plastic found lining UK seabird nests on a worrying scale   (Research)
The urgent need to prevent plastic entering the environment becomes ever clearer. More here >
Written by:  (14 Aug 2020)
 
 
Demoiselle Cranes poisoned in central Mongolia   (Wildlife crime)
Birds in Mongolia often become victims of accidentally poisoning which are targeting agricultrual 'pests'. More here >
Written by:  (13 Aug 2020)
 
 
Use of neonicotinoids found to reduce some bird populations   (Research)
The research adds to the existing data which shows the detrimental effects the chemicals has on wildlife. More here >
Written by:  (13 Aug 2020)
 
 
Scientists devise cheap, ingenious trick to save bird from blood-sucking maggot   (Research)
The results show that with a bit of creative thinking and expert knowledge, vulnerable species can be protected. More here >
Written by:  (13 Aug 2020)
 
 
Painting a single wind turbine blade black reduces bird collision   (Research)
New research provides evidence that painting a single wind turbine blade black reduces collision by 70%. More here >
Written by:  (13 Aug 2020)
 
 
Drone used to feed Griffon Vulture chick after parent is electrocuted   (Conservation News)
This is thought to be the first time a drone has been used to feed a young bird which fledged on 26 July. More here >
Written by:  (13 Aug 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 4 - 10 Aug 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland, and the Western Palearctic which this week included Scotland's first Scopoli's Shearwater. More here >
Written by:  (11 Aug 2020)
 
 
Beach closures shown to benefit threatened shorebirds   (Research)
Closures are controversial, but a new independent report finds evidence that despite complaints, they provide significant benefits for vulnerable beach-nesting birds. More here >
Written by:  (11 Aug 2020)
 
 
Sparrows' storm stress a harbinger of climate-change impact   (Research)
White-throated Sparrows show increased stress when exposed to more numerous and more severe winter storms. More here >
Written by:  (11 Aug 2020)
 
 
Alan Turing's mathematical patterns help researchers understand bird behaviour   (Research)
Scientists have used mathematical modelling to understand why flocks of Long-tailed Tits segregate themselves into different parts of the landscape. More here >
Written by:  (11 Aug 2020)
 
 
Morlais tidal energy project risks future of Anglesey's marine wildlife   (Conservation News)
RSPB Cymru is raising grave concerns over the proposed Morlais Tidal Energy Demonstration Zone off the coast of Anglesey. More here >
Written by:  (11 Aug 2020)
 
 
Government says beavers can stay in their Devon home   (Conservation News)
After five years of groundbreaking work by Devon Wildlife Trust the reintroduced beavers are allowed to stay. More here >
Written by:  (11 Aug 2020)
 
 
McCown's Longspur renamed Thick-billed Longspur   (News)
The renaming comes as part of a wider push to rename the all species named after people. More here >
Written by:  (11 Aug 2020)
 
 
Peak District conservationists considering 'repatriating' Bearded Vulture   (Conservation News)
Although any intervention remains a last resort, conservationists are exploring how the bird may be returned safely to its home reintroduction area. More here >
Written by:  (10 Aug 2020)
 
 
Golden Eagle 'Tom' disappears on Scottish grouse moor   (Wildlife crime)
A fourth Golden Eagle satellite-tagged by conservationists at Raptor Persecution UK and Chris Packham has gone missing in suspicious circumstances on a Scottish grouse moor. More here >
Written by:  (10 Aug 2020)
 
 
Wader chicks rescued from egg collection   (Wildlife crime)
Officers seized over 200 birds' eggs alongside associated equipment, books and taxidermy items, and the investigation is ongoing. More here >
Written by:  (06 Aug 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 28 Jul - 3 Aug 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland, and the Western Palearctic which this week included a first for Britain. More here >
Written by:  (05 Aug 2020)
 
 
Oriole hybridization is a dead end   (Research)
Although Bullock's amd Baltimore Orioles freely breed where their ranges overlap scientists say both parent species will remain separate. More here >
Written by:  (04 Aug 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Zino's Petrel, Isles of Scilly, 30th July 2020, first for Britain   (First for Britain)
Bob Flood finds one of the rarest seabirds in the world off the coast of the Isles of Scilly. More here >
Written by:  (04 Aug 2020)
 
 
One-quarter of native mammals now at risk of extinction in Britain   (Conservation News)
The first official Red List for British Mammals shows that 11 of the 47 mammals native to Britain are classified as being at imminent risk of extinction. More here >
Written by:  (04 Aug 2020)
 
 
Nocturnal flights by Bearded Vultures detected for the first-time using GPS and accelerometer data   (Research)
For the first time, researchers studied the previously undescribed nocturnal flights by Bearded Vultures using GPS and accelerometer technology. More here >
Written by:  (03 Aug 2020)
 
 
Inbreeding detrimental for survival   (Research)
Researchers examined 3100 house sparrows from eight islands along the Helgeland coast in Norway. More here >
Written by:  (03 Aug 2020)
 
 
Two dogs poisoned by 'Nidderdale cocktail' in bird of prey crime hotspot   (Wildlife crime)
One dog died after consuming a dangerous cocktail of substances while on a walk near Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire, police believe birds of prey were the intended target. More here >
Written by:  (03 Aug 2020)
 
 
Light pollution keeps magpies and pigeons tossing and turning   (Research)
Researchers are urging city-dwellers to switch off their garden lights at night-time after a study of magpies and pigeons revealed the harmful impact artificial light is having on the birds' sleep patterns. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jul 2020)
 
 
Researchers build first AI tool capable of identifying individual birds   (Research)
For the first time, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to train computers to recognise individual birds, a task humans are unable to do. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jul 2020)
 
 
White-tailed Eagle found poisoned on grouse moor in Cairngorms National Park   (Wildlife crime)
The bird was recovered from a moor on Donside, Aberdeenshire, a post mortem has established it died as a result of pesticide poisoning. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jul 2020)
 
 
Ringing report shines a light on some amazing birds   (Conservation News)
During 2019 around 3,000 trained and licensed bird ringers fitted uniquely-numbered rings to 1,047,521 birds. More here >
Written by:  (24 Jul 2020)
 
 
New catalogue of bird of prey crimes in Peak District National Park   (Wildlife crime)
A number of shooting, suspected poisoning and nest robbery incidents involving birds of prey in the Peak District National Park have come to light since lockdown. More here >
Written by:  (24 Jul 2020)
 
 
Finnish boreal birds are breeding earlier in shortened breeding season   (12 Birds of Christmas)
As temperatures in Finland rise due to global warming boreal species are changing their breeding behaviours. More here >
Written by:  (22 Jul 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 14 - 20 Jul 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (21 Jul 2020)
 
 
Restoration of a Critically Endangered seabird   (Conservation News)
The global population of the critically endangered Chinese Crested Tern has more than doubled. More here >
Written by:  (21 Jul 2020)
 
 
Ecuadorian hummingbirds chirp ultrasonic songs of seduction    (Research)
The unusually high-pitched songs may help the birds woo above background noises in their windy, mountain environment. More here >
Written by:  (21 Jul 2020)
 
 
If it's big enough and leafy enough the birds will come   (Research)
A new study from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology highlights specific features of urban green spaces that support the greatest diversity of bird species. More here >
Written by:  (21 Jul 2020)
 
 
Bearded Vultures in Europe: From Persecution to Protection   (Conservation News)
Hans Pohlmann looks at the history of Bearded Vultures in Europe from their persecution to recent reintroductions. More here >
Written by:  (21 Jul 2020)
 
 
'Frequent Fliers' - Study finds long-distance dispersal trend in American Kestrels   (Research)
The findings of a new study indicate that long-distance dispersal is relatively common. More here >
Written by:  (20 Jul 2020)
 
 
BTO names its new Chief Executive   (Conservation News)
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) has named Professor Juliet Vickery as its new Chief Executive. More here >
Written by:  (20 Jul 2020)
 
 
Big Butterfly Count 2020 - give back to nature   (Conservation News)
Chris Packham and Butterfly Conservation have launched the 2020 Big Butterfly Count as a chance for the public to give a gift back to nature this summer. More here >
Written by:  (20 Jul 2020)
 
 
RSPB launches ambitious £738k project to protect Corncrakes   (Conservation News)
RSPB Scotland is launching the Corncrake Calling project to protect the species with the help of a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. More here >
Written by:  (20 Jul 2020)
 
 
Bitterns breed in South Wales for first time in 200 years   (Conservation News)
One of the UK's most rare and threatened bird species has successfully bred on the Gwent Levels for the first time in over 200 years. More here >
Written by:  (20 Jul 2020)
 
 
Hopes soar for Endangered Grey-breasted Parakeet   (Conservation News)
In just 10 years the species has under gone a remarkable change in fortunes. More here >
Written by:  (14 Jul 2020)
 
 
Fifteen Griffon Vultures found dead in a well in Morocco   (Conservation News)
The birds were found near Asilah in Northern Morocco and other birds found nearby were rescued. More here >
Written by:  (14 Jul 2020)
 
 
Andean Condor can fly for 100 miles without flapping   (Research)
The world's heaviest soaring bird flaps its wings for just 1% of its flight time. More here >
Written by:  (14 Jul 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 7 - 13 Jul 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Highlights of the week included a lingering Yelkouan Shearwater in Dorset, a Brown Booby in Co.Wicklow, a Sooty Tern in Suffolk and a Lammergeier in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. More here >
Written by:  (14 Jul 2020)
 
 
Buzzard shot and killed in Ryedale, North Yorkshire   (Wildlife crime)
The female Buzzard was found seriously injured near Appleton-le-Moors but later died. More here >
Written by:  (13 Jul 2020)
 
 
Zero seabird bycatch on New Zealand vessels using Hookpod   (Conservation News)
A total of 15 vessels are now fishing commercially using Hookpods around New Zealand and all have reported ZERO seabird bycatch when setting lines on these vessels. More here >
Written by:  (13 Jul 2020)
 
 
Bison to make British comeback with Kent reintroduction   (Conservation News)
Bison are set to be introduced to a British woodland following a groundbreaking conservation project in Kent, funded by players of People's Postcode Lottery. More here >
Written by:  (13 Jul 2020)
 
 
Egyptian Vulture hatches in pylon nest - a first for Europe   (News)
In the northwest of Extremadura - an Egyptian Vulture pair have successfully bred on a pylon. More here >
Written by:  (13 Jul 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Sooty Tern, RSPB Minsmere, July 2020   (Finders account)
John Grant finds Suffolk's third modern-day Sooty Tern at Minsmere, where the two previous records have also been found. More here >
Written by:  (13 Jul 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 30 Jun - 6 Jul 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
It was rather appropriate that, in the week which saw World Seabird Day being celebrated around the world, a Black-browed Albatross should delight birders at Bempton Cliffs. More here >
Written by:  (07 Jul 2020)
 
 
Egyptian Vulture family found dead, presumed poisoned   (Wildlife crime)
One of the most productive Egyptian Vulture pairs in Bulgaria, and their newly hatched chicks, have been killed. More here >
Written by:  (06 Jul 2020)
 
 
Adelie Penguins prefer reduced sea ice conditions   (Research)
Researchers have been surprised to find that Adelie Penguins in Antarctica prefer reduced sea ice conditions. More here >
Written by:  (06 Jul 2020)
 
 
Scientists shed new light on how seabirds cruise through air and water   (Research)
New research reveals that these birds, from the Alcidae family, which includes puffins, murres and their relatives, produce efficient propulsive wakes while flying and swimming. More here >
Written by:  (06 Jul 2020)
 
 
Iconic Golden Eagle was once common throughout Wales   (Research)
Scientists looked at their historical distribution as part of their bid to bring the species, which became regionally extinct in the early-1800s, back to the Welsh countryside. More here >
Written by:  (06 Jul 2020)
 
 
Twenty-year study tracks a sparrow song that went 'viral'   (Research)
White-throated sparrows from British Columbia to central Ontario have ditched their traditional three-note-ending song in favor of a unique two-note-ending variant. More here >
Written by:  (06 Jul 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Black-browed Albatross, Bempton Cliffs, July 2020   (Finders account)
Gary Vause and Jason Higgins go to Bempton Cliffs to photograph seabirds and find something special - a Black-browed Albatross! More here >
Written by: RBA (03 Jul 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 23 - 29 June 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn rounds up this week's news from around Britain and the Western Palearctic with the first record of Short-tailed Shearwater and plenty more. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (30 Jun 2020)
 
 
Cowbirds change their eggs' sex ratio based on breeding time   (Research)
Researchers report that Brown-headed Cowbirds show a bias in the sex ratio of their offspring depending on the time of the breeding season. More here >
Written by: RBA (29 Jun 2020)
 
 
Parasites influence appearance and evolution of Barn Swallows   (Research)
Researchers think that local parasites are influencing why Barn Swallows in Europe, the Middle East and Colorado are choosing their mates differently. More here >
Written by: RBA (29 Jun 2020)
 
 
Two more Hen Harriers disappear on grouse moors in Cairngorms National Park   (Wildlife crime)
RSPB Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to move quickly to introduce the licensing of grouse shooting, following the disappearances. More here >
Written by:  (26 Jun 2020)
 
 
Overdue and never again   (Personal Account)
There remain many species that have not occurred here for decades, these species have the potential to attract just as much interest as firsts for Britain. More here >
Written by:  (26 Jun 2020)
 
 
Birding in the UK: Where Are the People Like Me?    (Personal Account)
There is a lack of diversity in the UK nature community, and it is not talked about enough. More here >
Written by:  (25 Jun 2020)
 
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