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
 
 
45-year-old seabird highlights impact of Avian Influenza   (Conservation News)
At 45 years old, a Fulmar recorded on an uninhabited Scottish island is one of the oldest of its kind ever recorded. More here >
Written by: RBA (27 Sep 2022)
 
 
Sixty years later, book that launched environmental movement exposes Government's inaction on pesticides   (Conservation News)
Sixty years after author Rachel Carson first sounded the alarm about pesticides in her book "Silent Spring", the UK Government's approach to pesticide policy continues to be one of dither and delay. More here >
Written by: RBA (27 Sep 2022)
 
 
Not all wildlife recovered in lockdowns, new research finds   (Research)
As humans took shelter during COVID, reports of wildlife reclaiming once human-dominated spaces abounded, but biologists are noticing the patterns were not repeated around the globe. More here >
Written by: RBA (27 Sep 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 13 - 19 Sep   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last seven days across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (20 Sep 2022)
 
 
How songbirds' striking colours put them at risk   (Research)
A new study has looked at what effect the unique colour combination plays in birds being more likely to be traded as pets. More here >
Written by: RBA (20 Sep 2022)
 
 
Cheshire Wildlife Trust to celebrate birthday with major land purchase   (News)
To be able to buy and create the new reserve the trust needs to raise £200k and is asking the public to contribute by donating to a crowd-funder. More here >
Written by: RBA (20 Sep 2022)
 
 
Cowbird chicks do best with two warbler nest mates   (Research)
A new study seeks to understand the strategies cowbird chicks use to survive in Prothonotary Warbler nests. More here >
Written by: RBA (20 Sep 2022)
 
 
Ireland to cull three gull species for 'health and safety' reasons   (Conservation News)
BirdWatch Ireland has condemned, as a breach of European Union law, a decision to approve the removal and destruction of gulls eggs in Balbriggan, north Co Dublin. More here >
Written by: RBA (20 Sep 2022)
 
 
National Bird of Prey Hospital increases capacity with new annex   (News)
Opened by TV wildlife presenter, zoologist and conservationist Megan McCubbin, the increased capacity will enable the facility to treat and rehabilitate more than 200 birds. More here >
Written by: RBA (20 Sep 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 6 - 12 Sep   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last seven days across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (13 Sep 2022)
 
 
How female White-necked Jacobins evolved to look like males   (Research)
A new study has looked at why, about 20% of female birds defy the norm, and retain male-like plumage into adulthood. More here >
Written by: RBA (13 Sep 2022)
 
 
Natural England accused of being 'compromised' on tackling Hen Harrier persecution   (Rarity Review)
Natural England has taken money from the shooting industry as part of the Hen Harrier Action Plan and is contractually not allowed to criticise partners from whom they took money. More here >
Written by: RBA (13 Sep 2022)
 
 
WWT helps win protection for wetland wildlife at Hinkley Point C nuclear power station   (Conservation News)
WWT has helped secure a big win for wetland nature in preserving vital environmental protections at Hinkley Point C nuclear power station on the Severn Estuary. More here >
Written by: WWT (13 Sep 2022)
 
 
More Golden Eagles released in South Scotland   (Conservation News)
Pioneering conservation project reveals new record number of Golden Eagles soaring in southern Scottish skies ahead of UK's only Golden Eagle festival. More here >
Written by: RBA (13 Sep 2022)
 
 
Disease drives decline of another familiar garden bird   (Conservation News)
A parasitic disease is responsible for the severe declines seen in both UK Greenfinch and Chaffinch populations. More here >
Written by: BTO (13 Sep 2022)
 
 
Conservation Organisations Pay Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II   (News)
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday [8th September], a number of British conservation organisations have paid tribute to her. More here >
Written by: RBA (13 Sep 2022)
 
 
When Bee-eaters came to the village   (Personal Account)
Carol Thornton from the North East Norfolk Bird Club on Norfolk's first breeding Bee-eaters and the club's part in their success story during the summer of 2022. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 Sep 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 30 Aug - 5 Sep   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last seven days across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (06 Sep 2022)
 
 
Rare seabirds disturbed by Scottish marine traffic   (News)
Species such as Red-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe and Black-throated Diver have shown to be adversely affected by inshore marine traffic. More here >
Written by: RBA (06 Sep 2022)
 
 
Albatrosses from space: Wildlife detectives needed   (News)
A new citizen science project has been launched to monitor albatrosses using very high resolution satellite images. More here >
Written by: RBA (06 Sep 2022)
 
 
Expansion of offshore wind could be a catalyst for marine restoration   (Conservation News)
A new report, published by the RSPB, looks at how the UK can live up to its offshore wind commitments and protect our natural world. More here >
Written by: RBA (06 Sep 2022)
 
 
Willow Warbler decline linked to climate change   (News)
New research has uncovered how the decline in one Red-listed species is linked to climate-induced changes in its breeding behaviour. More here >
Written by: RBA (06 Sep 2022)
 
 
Marine Protected Areas in Antarctica should include young Emperor Penguins   (News)
Scientists are calling for better protections for juvenile Emperor Penguins, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers listing the species under the Endangered Species Act. More here >
Written by: RBA (06 Sep 2022)
 
 
World's first case of bird flu in a porpoise   (News)
The discovery comes as Europe and North America battle a vast outbreak of avian flu among wild birds. More here >
Written by: RBA (06 Sep 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 23 - 29 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (30 Aug 2022)
 
 
How hunting hawks home in on prey inside a chaotic swarm   (Research)
A new study shows how hunting hawks solve the problem of intercepting a single bat within a dense swarm. More here >
Written by: RBA (30 Aug 2022)
 
 
18 years of tracking birds in small Nigerian forest - what we found and why it matters   (Conservation News)
In West Africa, there's virtually no systematic monitoring of bird population trends. But this is changing. More here >
Written by: RBA (30 Aug 2022)
 
 
New approach to poultry farming needed following devastating avian flu pandemic   (Conservation News)
The current outbreak is thought to be the worst ever in the UK and has been particularly damaging for our internationally-important seabird colonies. More here >
Written by: RBA (30 Aug 2022)
 
 
Government intends to ban peat sales by 2024   (News)
The UK Government has announced its intention to ban the sale of peat to amateur gardeners by 2024 but it's not clear how far the ban will extend. More here >
Written by: RBA (30 Aug 2022)
 
 
Mark Thomas becomes latest BOURC member   (News)
The BOU has announced that Mark Thomas has joing the British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee replacing Andy Stoddart. More here >
Written by: RBA (30 Aug 2022)
 
 
Mull White-tailed Eagle chick dead from bird flu   (Conservation News)
Concerns are growing over the impact highly pathogenic avian influenza HPAI, also known as bird flu, might have on Scotland's iconic White-tailed Eagle population. More here >
Written by: RBA (25 Aug 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 16 - 22 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. Headlines this week included Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Greater Sand Plover. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (23 Aug 2022)
 
 
Ospreys breed in Yorkshire for first time in over 200 years   (Conservation News)
A pair of Ospreys have produced two chicks at Bolton Castle Estate in Yorkshire - the first time the species have successfully bred in the county since records began in 1800. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Aug 2022)
 
 
Boxing clever: the simple conservation strategy saving threatened Roseate Terns   (Conservation News)
The use of next boxes on Rockabill Island off the Dublin coast has proved a simple, yet highly effective, conservation tool. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Aug 2022)
 
 
Over 150 vultures deliberately poisoned to death in South Africa and Botswana   (Wildlife crime)
The vulture poisoning crisis continues in Africa. Last week more than 150 vultures were seemingly targeted and poisoned in two separate incidents. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Aug 2022)
 
 
Sir David Attenborough to present major new series on UK wildlife   (News)
Wild Isles (working title) is a major new five part natural history series from Silverback Films for BBC One and iPlayer. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Aug 2022)
 
 
Laws that protect England's amazing wild spaces under threat   (Conservation News)
The RSPB is warning that vital laws that protect nature in England will be under threat in Autumn when the new Prime Minister assumes office. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Aug 2022)
 
 
Hen Harriers take flight with crowdfunded tags   (Conservation News)
Two wildlife conservation charities have partnered up to learn more about one of the UK’s rarest birds of prey, with the support of a public crowdfunder appeal. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Aug 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 9 - 15 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic which this week included an influx of Aquatic Warblers and an Irish first. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (16 Aug 2022)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Scopoli's Shearwater, Co.Cork - an Irish first   (Finders account)
Paul Connaughton of Shearwater Wildlife Tours describes the first record of Scopoli's Shearwater off the coast of Ireland. More here >
Written by: Paul Connaughton,  (16 Aug 2022)
 
 
Thousands of Scotland's seabirds set to die in fishing nets   (Conservation News)
RSPB Scotland are urging the Scottish Government to take vital action to protect vulnerable seabirds from being caught and killed by fishing gear. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Aug 2022)
 
 
Are animal migrations social?   (Research)
New research suggests that social interactions and social learning during migration are likely more widespread than previously thought. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Aug 2022)
 
 
Bird behaviour influenced by human activity during COVID-19 lockdowns   (Research)
A new study has shown that many birds took advantage of COVID-19 lockdowns and used areas where the human footprint was lighter. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Aug 2022)
 
 
Record summer for 'hummingbirds' in UK gardens   (News)
Data from the BTO shows a 4x increase in the number of gardens recording a Hummingbird Hawkmoth, making 2022 a record year. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Aug 2022)
 
 
RSPB calls for immediate moratorium on release of gamebirds in UK countryside   (News)
Risk of worsening the current avian influenza outbreak means precautionary approach now necessary for 2022 shooting season. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 Aug 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 2 - 8 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last week across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic, which this week included a first for Britain. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (09 Aug 2022)
 
 
Mark Avery's Book Review: Land Healer   (Book review)
Following the farming year and the natural cycle of the seasons, Land Healer chronicles a life of conservation lived at the edges, and is a manifesto for rethinking our relationship with the natural world before it's too late. More here >
Written by:  (09 Aug 2022)
 
 
New hope for world's most endangered sea mammal   (News)
Projections previously indicated that the Vaquita could be extinct by now but there is new hope for the species. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 Aug 2022)
 
 
How climate change will restructure the world's bird communities   (Research)
A new study has investigated how the communities of birds all over the world could change in the future. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 Aug 2022)
 
 
Curlews fly free on Dartmoor as part of project to save iconic species   (Conservation News)
27 Curlews set free in the Devon national park this summer join another 33 released in 2021 after eggs were collected by conservationists. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 Aug 2022)
 
 
Endangered Saiga Antelope numbers bounce back from near extinction   (News)
After dropping to just 40,000 individuals in 2005 the latest estimate puts the population at 1.32 million. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 Aug 2022)
 
 
No room for 'Ratty'   (News)
Cheshire Wildlife Trust's Sean Hawkins nature reserve will be compulsory purchased by HS2 Ltd despite objections. More here >
Written by: RBA (04 Aug 2022)
 
 
Avian influenza reaches Welsh Gannet colony   (News)
The RSPB has confirmed that the avian influenza outbreak which has been devasting British seabird colonies is killing birds on their Grassholm reserve. More here >
Written by: RBA (03 Aug 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 26 Jul - 1 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last week across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (03 Aug 2022)
 
 
Migratory Monarch Butterfly added to IUCN Endangered Red List   (News)
The butterfly known for its spectacular annual journey of up to 4,000 kilometres across the Americas. More here >
Written by: RBA (02 Aug 2022)
 
 
Cinereous Vulture fatally collides with a wind turbine   (News)
Another Cinereous Vulture has collided with a wind turbine in the Greek Rhodopes within a Natura 2000 area. More here >
Written by: RBA (02 Aug 2022)
 
 
Moths use ultrasound to defend against bats   (Research)
Some moth species emit ultrasonic signals of their own that startle bats into breaking off pursuit. More here >
Written by: RBA (02 Aug 2022)
 
 
Competition limits the ranges of mountain birds   (Research)
A new study helps reveal why tropical mountain birds occupy such narrow elevation ranges, a mystery that has puzzled scientists for centuries. More here >
Written by: RBA (02 Aug 2022)
 
 
Climate change could be making it harder for seabirds to feed   (Research)
One consequence of climate change is that large areas of our oceans are becoming cloudier. More here >
Written by: RBA (02 Aug 2022)
 
 
North West Bird Watching Festival returns to WWT Martin Mere   (Event)
The popular event, which returns this year bigger and better than ever, will be held over the weekend of Sat 15 - Sun 16 Oct at WWT Martin Mere. More here >
Written by: RBA (02 Aug 2022)
 
 
Somerset Wildlife Trust bans dogs on two nature reserves   (News)
The trust has taken the decision to restrict dogs to being allowed only on public rights of way at their Westhay Moor and Catcott nature reserves. More here >
Written by: RBA (29 Jul 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 19 - 25 Jul   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last week across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (26 Jul 2022)
 
 
This songbird can keep time with the best of them   (Research)
When it comes to keeping time, an unassuming species of songbird is on a par with professional musicians, according to new research. More here >
Written by: RBA (26 Jul 2022)
 
 
New study offers hope to endangered species troubled by neophobia   (Research)
Findings from a new study investigating how birds experience neophobia, which is the fear of new things, could play a vital role in helping to save Critically Endangered species. More here >
Written by: RBA (26 Jul 2022)
 
 
Climate patterns thousands of miles away affect US bird migration   (Research)
In a NASA-led study, scientists have linked the variability in the arrival dates of North American migratory birds to large-scale climate patterns originating thousands of miles away. More here >
Written by: RBA (26 Jul 2022)
 
 
Call for protection for important wildlife haven   (Conservation News)
Local community and wildlife organisations have come together to call for one of Ayrshire's most important wildlife sites to be protected. More here >
Written by: RSPB (26 Jul 2022)
 
 
Bee-eater chicks hatch in North Norfolk quarry   (News)
Bee-eaters in North East Norfolk have hatched chicks but the RSPB warn they are the Canaries down a coal mine when it comes to an overheating planet. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Jul 2022)
 
 
RSPB Wales ask public to stop feeding garden birds   (News)
The call comes after a serious outbreak of the disease Trichomonosis in the Meirionnydd area of North Wales. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Jul 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 12 - 18 Jul   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last week across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (19 Jul 2022)
 
 
Butterflies, heatwaves, and drought   (News)
What effects will the current record-breaking heatwave have on Britain's butterflies?. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Jul 2022)
 
 
US University allowed to continue brain experiments on Barn Owls   (News)
A US researcher can continue medical experiments on barn owls after a lengthy battle with Peta over animal cruelty and permit complaints. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Jul 2022)
 
 
Star speakers announced for 2022 Spurn Migfest   (News)
Top ornithologists Martin Collinson and Alex Lees will give the headline talks at this year's Spurn Migfest, taking place at East Yorkshire's Spurn Bird Observatory between 9 and 11 Sept. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Jul 2022)
 
 
Butterfly scientists call on public for help   (News)
Butterfly Conservation are today urging the whole nation to help Britain's butterflies by taking part in the Big Butterfly Count. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Jul 2022)
 
 
UK first - Bison are released in Kent woodland   (News)
A pioneering conservation project reached a historic milestone as European bison were released into an ancient woodland in Kent. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Jul 2022)
 
 
Nearly 200 landwatches taking place for National Whale and Dolphin Watch!   (Press report)
Over 192 landwatches scheduled across the UK in preparation for the biggest National Whale and Dolphin Watch yet. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Jul 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 5 - 11 Jul   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last week across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (14 Jul 2022)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Turkestan Shrike Bempton, East Yorkshire   (Finders account)
Whilst stopping to check the latest news on the RBA birdnews app, Trevor Charlton noticed a bird land on a fence at RSPB Bempton. More here >
Written by: Trevor Charlton,  (12 Jul 2022)
 
 
Swans sacrifice rest to squabble   (Research)
Scientists studied the behaviour of mute and whooper swans to see how they used their time and energy. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Jul 2022)
 
 
Rebound for bird on brink of extinction   (Conservation News)
Plains Wanderer is ranked the No. 1 priority for conservation action among birds of the world by the Zoological Society of London. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Jul 2022)
 
 
Internationally protected Coul Links once again under threat from golf course   (News)
A coalition of seven environmental organisations has expressed concern over new plans for a golf course at Coul Links in East Sutherland. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Jul 2022)
 
 
Small charity takes out big bold loan to boost nature in Wales   (News)
A small charity with big plans for nature's recovery is launching an appeal to help breathe new life into Pentwyn – an upland in the Welsh Marches. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Jul 2022)
 
 
Rising temperatures implicated in decline of the Willow Warbler   (Research)
Evidence is building to suggest the population in southern Britain is a casualty of recent anthropogenic climate change. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Jul 2022)
 
 
British List: Long-legged Buzzard added to the British List   (British List)
The British list has hit 630 with the latest addition - a Long-legged Buzzard present on Shetland in September 2019. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Jul 2022)
 
 
Black2Nature - Camps For Inner-City Young People   (News)
Black2Nature campaign for equal access to nature for all but concentrate on Visible Minority Ethnic and have launched an urgent fundraiser to help them to continue their work. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Jul 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 28 Jun - 4 Jul   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last seven days across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (05 Jul 2022)
 
 
Farmers help save Curlews in Severn and Avon Vale meadows   (Conservation News)
Farmers have joined forces with conservationists from the WWT to help save the curlew - one of the UK's rarest wading birds - as part of the new Flourishing Floodplains project. More here >
Written by: RBA (05 Jul 2022)
 
 
Record number of sightings of threatened butterfly species in Kent   (News)
Successful conservation projects in Kent have resulted in a record level of sightings of the Duke of Burgundy, a threatened butterfly species. More here >
Written by: RBA (05 Jul 2022)
 
 
4.2million lifeline for Scotland's most vulnerable species   (News)
Threatened species in Scotland have received a £4.2m lifeline from The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). More here >
Written by: RBA (05 Jul 2022)
 
 
Redshank, Curlew and Lapwing numbers down nearly 50% in 25 years   (Conservation News)
The latest BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) report provides a stark warning for our breeding waders. More here >
Written by: RBA (04 Jul 2022)
 
 
UK's only Roseate Tern breeding colony hit with Avian Influenza   (Conservation News)
Coquet Island off Northumberland is home to an estimated 160 pairs and thousands of other seabirds. More here >
Written by: RBA (04 Jul 2022)
 
 
The Rare Breeding Birds Panel appeal for old records   (News)
The Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP) are calling for birders to submit old records which will help them fill in gaps in their data. More here >
Written by: RBA (04 Jul 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 21 - 27 Jun 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's best birds which included Turkestan Shrike, Moltoni's Warbler and White-throated Sparrow. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (28 Jun 2022)
 
 
Hummingbirds more colourful than all other bird species - combined   (Research)
The range of colours in the plumage of hummingbirds exceeds the colour diversity of all other bird species in total. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Jun 2022)
 
 
Albatross populations are declining due to invasive mouse species   (Research)
New research published shows long-lived albatross species may suffer greater impacts from predation than was previously thought. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Jun 2022)
 
 
Protected areas in Africa are too small to safeguard rapidly declining vulture populations   (Research)
Analysis of movement data of three species of Gyps vultures across Africa showed that their home ranges can significantly exceed existing protected areas. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Jun 2022)
 
 
Infrastructure, hunting and climate change linked to huge migratory bird declines   (Research)
UEA researchers have revealed population declines are greatest among species that migrate to areas with more human infrastructure, as well as higher population densities and hunting levels. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Jun 2022)
 
 
Scottish nature reserves to close to protect seabirds   (Conservation News)
Isle of May and Noss National Nature Reserves (NNRs) will be closed to public landings from 1 July to help protect vulnerable seabird populations from avian influenza. More here >
Written by: RBA (27 Jun 2022)
 
 
Sweet Briar Marshes: Record £600k raised to create urban nature reserve   (Conservation News)
Norfolk Wildlife Trust successfully raises the money in partnership with Aviva to protect rare wildlife and connect the City's residents to nature. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Jun 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 14 - 20 Jun 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
A sweltering (for some) mid-summer week delivered a Pacific Swift on Shetland, breeding Bee-eaters in Norfolk and a Black-browed Albatross off Unst More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (21 Jun 2022)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Pacific Swift, Sumburgh, Shetland   (Finders account)
Whilst stopping for coffee and cake with his photography group, Andy Howard finds Shetland's first Pacific Swift at Sumburgh Head. More here >
Written by: Andy Howard,  (20 Jun 2022)
 
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