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
 
 
Search begins for the Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder   (News)
The BTO and the Spurn Bird Observatory Trust are once again on the lookout for the UK’s best young birders. More here >
Written by: RBA (31 May 2022)
 
 
Spurn Migration Festival tickets on sale now   (Event)
Tickets are now on sale for this year's Spurn Migration Festival, a weekend of walks and talks at one of Britain's most exciting bird migration hotspots. More here >
Written by: BTO (25 May 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 17 - 23 May 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on a good late May week for birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Pal. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (24 May 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 10 - 16 May 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (17 May 2022)
 
 
70 Hen Harriers confirmed 'missing' or illegally killed since 2018   (Wildlife crime)
The shocking milestone was reached as two more satellite-tagged harriers ‘disappear’ in suspicious circumstances from a National Trust-owned grouse moor in the Peak District National Park. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 May 2022)
 
 
Additions to natural history collections declining   (Research)
Authors of a new study suggest that it is vital to maintain collecting efforts in order to address future unforeseen ecological issues. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 May 2022)
 
 
Magpies sing less, sing later and are less motivated   (Research)
Just like humans, after a poor night's sleep the birds shifted their normal singing from twilight to midday, have a reduced song bandwidth and struggle with cognitive tasks. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 May 2022)
 
 
Natural recolonisation: Bearded Vulture pair attempts to breed in La Rioja   (News)
The pair laid a clutch in the wild - the first time in over 70 years and only the second record of natural recolonisation away from the Pyrenees. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 May 2022)
 
 
National Highways and The Wildlife Trusts announce £6 million fund to boost biodiversity   (News)
The projects will help create, restore and connect places for wildflowers, trees and wildlife, where the environment has been impacted by activities from previous road building. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 May 2022)
 
 
Bird populations in eastern Canada declining due to forest degradation   (Research)
Species including Blackburnian Warbler and Golden-crowned Kinglet have seen significant declines in their breeding habitat. More here >
Written by: RBA (13 May 2022)
 
 
Not all is rosy for the Pink Pigeon   (Research)
The authors of a major study on the once critically endangered pink pigeon say boosting the species' numbers is not enough to save it from extinction in the future. More here >
Written by: RBA (13 May 2022)
 
 
UK governments looking for a loophole to abandon seabird recovery   (Conservation News)
The RSPB has expressed concerns that a new UK Marine Strategy will mean UK governments are no longer accountable for seabird recovery. More here >
Written by: RBA (13 May 2022)
 
 
Stop burning the world's forests for UK energy - says RSPB   (Conservation News)
The vast majority of biomass electricity in the UK comes from burning wood pellets, mainly sourced and imported from forests in the south eastern USA. More here >
Written by: RBA (13 May 2022)
 
 
Mark Avery's Book Review: In Search of One Last Song   (Book of the Month)
This is a story about going in search of the people who are trying to save our birds, as well as confronting the enormity of what losing them would really mean. More here >
Written by:  (13 May 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 3 - 9 May 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (10 May 2022)
 
 
Urban lighting needs to consider migrating birds   (Research)
Airspace is a habitat that needs to be conserved in order to aid birds during nocturnal migrations. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 May 2022)
 
 
Global bird populations steadily declining   (Research)
A new study has concluded that staggering declines in bird populations are taking place around the world. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 May 2022)
 
 
New bee bus stops coming soon to a street near you   (News)
The Wildlife Trusts and Clear Channel join forces to help nature thrive in towns and cities. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 May 2022)
 
 
New Government targets could mean less wildlife for future generations   (News)
The Wildlife Trusts is warning that the landmark Environment Act will fail to protect wildlife and lead to a net decline. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 May 2022)
 
 
UK flying insects have declined by nearly 60% in less than 20 years   (News)
The findings were made during a citizen-science survey organised by Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 May 2022)
 
 
New hide opens at Scottish reserve following arson attack in 2021   (News)
The new Phoenix Hide at Loch Leven National Nature Reserve has been officially opened, rising from the ashes of the old building that was burnt down in 2021. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 May 2022)
 
 
Live camera at RSPB Scotland's Loch Garten Nature Centre provides viewers with 24/7 Goshawk footage   (Conservation News)
Visitors to RSPB Scotland's Loch Garten Nature Centre have been enjoying live footage of an active Goshawk nest within their Abernethy nature reserve. More here >
Written by: RSPB (03 May 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 26 Apr - 02 May 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP, with two top quality birds being found in the last few hours of the week. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (03 May 2022)
 
 
Dynamic rivers contributed to Amazon's rich bird diversity   (Research)
Researchers have found that as small Amazonian river systems change over time, they spur the evolution of new species. More here >
Written by: RBA (29 Apr 2022)
 
 
New app breaking down language barriers between ornithologists   (News)
Researchers have designed an app to protect birds at risk of extinction across the world by breaking down language barriers between scientists. More here >
Written by: RBA (29 Apr 2022)
 
 
Birds and bees play crucial role in better coffee   (Research)
A groundbreaking new study finds that coffee beans are bigger and more plentiful when birds and bees team up to protect and pollinate coffee plants. More here >
Written by: RBA (29 Apr 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 19 - 25 Apr 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (26 Apr 2022)
 
 
First Osprey breeding attempt in southern Britain for nearly 200 years   (Conservation News)
A pair of Ospreys has laid an egg at a secret nest site in the Poole Harbour area, making it the first nesting attempt in southern Britain in nearly 200 years. More here >
Written by: RBA (26 Apr 2022)
 
 
Brains and brawn helped crows and ravens take over the world   (Research)
The birds big bodies and brains played an important role in helping crows and ravens survive in new areas. More here >
Written by: RBA (26 Apr 2022)
 
 
Nathusius' pipistrelle bat sets new migration record with 2,400km flight   (Research)
Researchers believe the female may have migrated along the Baltic coast and could have flown more than 3000km. More here >
Written by: RBA (26 Apr 2022)
 
 
Man charged with intentionally disturbing lekking Capercaille   (Wildlife crime)
The individual was spotted at dawn by surveyors at a lek site in Strathspey. More here >
Written by: RBA (26 Apr 2022)
 
 
New study finds lyrebirds sample, compose and share songs   (Research)
Previously, lyrebirds and other vocal mimics were viewed as 'passive' mimics - like a recorder merely reproducing what they heard. More here >
Written by: RBA (25 Apr 2022)
 
 
Eagle thriving months after treatment at wildlife hospital   (News)
A White-tailed Eagle from the Isle of Mull is thriving on the Isle of Rum months after being rescued and treated by the Scottish SPCA. More here >
Written by: RBA (25 Apr 2022)
 
 
UK Curlew numbers falling in winter too   (Research)
While wintering numbers increased during the 1980s and 1990s they have been in decline since then. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Apr 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 12 - 18 Apr 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (19 Apr 2022)
 
 
The shape of things to come: Tropical birds are changing because of us   (Research)
A new study has shown that human activity on Hainan has led to biotic homogenization in birds, with communities and species becoming increasingly similar. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Apr 2022)
 
 
Green eggs and scam: Cuckoo finch's long con may be up   (Research)
New research suggests the tables may be turning in this evolutionary scam as species evolve more elaborate eggs to filter out fakes. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Apr 2022)
 
 
Captive-bred Egyptian Vulture forms a pair in the wild: a first for Europe   (Conservation News)
For the first time in Europe, a captive-bred Egyptian Vulture released in Italy has formed a pair in the wild. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Apr 2022)
 
 
Birdwatch Ireland appoints first woman Chief Executive   (News)
Linda Lennon is the first woman to take on the role with Ireland's largest conservation charity. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Apr 2022)
 
 
Common Swifts use daily torpor to save energy during breeding season   (Research)
Researchers have found that swifts save energy during cool nights in Europe during the breeding season. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Apr 2022)
 
 
MSP calls for White-tailed Eagles to be culled   (News)
Scottish National Party MP and crofter Angus MacNeil has called for Scottish White-tailed Eagles to be culled. More here >
Written by: RBA (13 Apr 2022)
 
 
Spanish energy giant sued as power lines kill 100s of birds   (News)
Prosecutors said 255 birds died in the Osona region north of Barcelona between 2018 and 2020, including protected species such as white storks, griffon vultures, and short-toed eagles. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Apr 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 5 - 11 Apr 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (12 Apr 2022)
 
 
The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2022 Results   (News)
The results of the annual mass birding participation event are in with almost 700,000 people taking part. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Apr 2022)
 
 
Collision hotspots for migrating birds revealed in new study   (Research)
New research highlights the areas in Europe and North Africa where the construction of wind turbines or power lines is likely to increase the risk of death for migrating birds. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Apr 2022)
 
 
'Broken wing' tactic found to be more widespread than thought   (Research)
Biologists have known about the broken wing tactic for more than 100 years, but its extent has never been thoroughly studied. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Apr 2022)
 
 
Failing to protect our seas and oceans is leading to an increase in urban Herring Gulls   (Conservation News)
A report by Natural England suggests three quarters of the gulls now live in urban areas because of the relatively safe nesting options and a more reliable source of food. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Apr 2022)
 
 
Royal Mail celebrates migratory birds with new stamp collection   (News)
The Royal Mail celebrates the magnificence of migratory birds with new stamps featuring some of our most iconic summer visitors. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Apr 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 29 Mar - 4 Apr 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Chris Batty looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (06 Apr 2022)
 
 
Light pollution increasing year round for some migrating birds   (Research)
The trend is a real concern for birds that fly at night during spring and fall migration and even during non-migratory seasons. More here >
Written by: RBA (06 Apr 2022)
 
 
Protected forest sees major bird declines over 40 years   (Research)
A 44-year study in the Panamanian rain forest has shown a 70% decline in understory bird species in a protected area in Panama's Parque Nacional Soberania. More here >
Written by: RBA (06 Apr 2022)
 
 
Study finally proves birds are more colourful near the Equator   (Research)
The findings prove a long-held theory that was first suspected by Charles Darwin and Alexander von Humboldt. More here >
Written by: RBA (06 Apr 2022)
 
 
Wild Justice calls for later start to Woodcock shooting season   (Conservation News)
The group wants to the see the shooting season for the UK Red Listed species to change from 1st October to 1st December. More here >
Written by: RBA (06 Apr 2022)
 
 
Why do parrots live so long?   (Research)
A new study has suggested a link between parrots cognitive ability may help them to navigate threats in their environment and to enjoy longer lives. More here >
Written by:  (06 Apr 2022)
 
 
New Loch Garten eagle nest cam goes live   (Research)
In what has been hailed as a first for the UK, a new live camera feed at RSPB Scotland's Loch Garten Nature Centre is giving visitors an up-close look at Scotland's largest bird of prey. More here >
Written by: RBA (06 Apr 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 22 - 28 Mar 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Chris Batty looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (29 Mar 2022)
 
 
Male parents lead young birds on first migration   (Research)
GPS tracking of Caspian Terns show that male parents carry the main responsibility for leading young during their first migration from the Baltic Sea to Africa. More here >
Written by: RBA (29 Mar 2022)
 
 
What causes fluctuations in Painted Lady numbers?   (Research)
It has long been assumed that fluctuations in Painted Lady numbers is largely driven by winter weather - the real picture is more complex however. More here >
Written by: RBA (29 Mar 2022)
 
 
Birds are laying their eggs earlier, and climate change is to blame   (Research)
A new study shows that many species of birds are nesting and laying eggs nearly a month earlier than they did a hundred years ago. More here >
Written by: RBA (29 Mar 2022)
 
 
White-tailed eagles bring tourism boost to Mull   (News)
Between £4.9 million and £8 million of tourist spend is attracted annually by the birds. More here >
Written by: RBA (29 Mar 2022)
 
 
Bitterns enjoy another record-breaking year   (Conservation News)
Britain's loudest bird has had another record-breaking year, with 228 booming males counted in 2021, up from 209 in 2019. More here >
Written by: RBA (25 Mar 2022)
 
 
100 Himalayan Griffon Vultures killed in mass poisoning   (Wildlife crime)
100 protected vultures killed in Assam, India. Officials suspect dogs were being targeted with poisoning. More here >
Written by: RBA (24 Mar 2022)
 
 
Extreme heat harms forest-dwelling bird chicks more than city ones   (Research)
The results of a new study suggests that 'natural' populations may be more vulnerable to more frequent extreme heat. More here >
Written by: RBA (24 Mar 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 15 - 21 Mar 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds of the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (22 Mar 2022)
 
 
Skyrocketing gun sales raises moral dilemma for US conservationists   (News)
Every firearm and bullet sold or imported in the US is subject to an excise tax dedicated to wildlife conservation and restoration. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Mar 2022)
 
 
Poisoning incident deals major blow to vulture conservation in Bulgaria   (Wildlife crime)
Four Cinereous Vultures have been found illegally killed in what conservationists are calling a substantial setback. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Mar 2022)
 
 
Mixed fortunes for Northern Ireland's seabirds   (Conservation News)
The latest Northern Ireland Seabird Report 2021, charts the most recent ups and downs of the country's seabirds and it shows a mixed bag. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Mar 2022)
 
 
Place your bets on where gulls might turn up in winter   (Research)
New research, is providing insights into the lives of Herring Gulls breeding in Scotland and northern England during the winter months. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Mar 2022)
 
 
Herons and Scottish Islands   (News)
There are knowledge gaps for Grey Herons on some of Scottish Islands and the BTO needs your help to fill them in. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Mar 2022)
 
 
Black Swifts rapid descent during lunar eclipse recorded for first time   (Research)
Whilst undertaking research on Black Swifts, scientists managed to observe their behaviour during a lunar eclipse. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Mar 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 8 - 14 Mar 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds of the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (15 Mar 2022)
 
 
Voles cut grass to watch flying predators   (Research)
Brandt's Voles don't eat or use the bunchgrass, they cut it to keep themselves safe, an example of 'ecosystem engineering'. More here >
Written by: RBA (15 Mar 2022)
 
 
New offshore windfarms must do more to help protect kittiwakes and other seabirds   (Research)
New research has shown that key data is being ignored during offshore windfarm planning assessments. More here >
Written by: RBA (15 Mar 2022)
 
 
Climate change and lithium mining negatively influence flamingos   (Research)
The combination of lithium mining and climate change in the Andes Mountains may be negatively influencing flamingo populations. More here >
Written by: RBA (15 Mar 2022)
 
 
The New Caledonian Storm Petrel, a new species, already endangered   (Research)
A new seabird endemic to New Caledonia is described in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club. More here >
Written by: RBA (15 Mar 2022)
 
 
How new bird species arise   (Research)
The discussion about how mountain bird species arise has been ongoing among scientific researchers for many years. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Mar 2022)
 
 
Swallows shun migration for mild winter stay in Britain   (News)
The change in behaviour is one of the most remarkable signs yet of the warming world being caused by climate change, according to the BTO's chief executive. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Mar 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 1 - 7 Mar 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds of the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (08 Mar 2022)
 
 
New study investigates risk to breeding birds from upland burning   (Conservation News)
The burning season overlaps with the nesting attempts of some early-breeding species, including Peregrine, Lapwing, Golden Plover and Stonechat. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Mar 2022)
 
 
What caused blackbirds to fall from the sky to their death?   (News)
Since the 'crash' on the 7th February viewers of the viral video have sought to explain what happened. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Mar 2022)
 
 
Faroe Islands begin review of controversial dolphin hunt   (News)
The Danish autonomous territory has said it had begun discussions about the future of its controversial dolphin hunt, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Mar 2022)
 
 
Is Israel's Egyptian Vulture reintroduction project working?   (Research)
A recently published paper has looked at the success or otherwise of Israel's Egyptian Vulture reintroduction project. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Mar 2022)
 
 
Natural England publishes post-mortem results for two dead Hen Harriers   (News)
Natural England has finally published the post-mortem results of two Hen Harriers found dead in October 2021. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Mar 2022)
 
 
Spurn Bird Obs seeking new operations manager   (News)
Spurn Bird Observatory have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, organised and experienced individual to lead the Observatory's day to day running. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Mar 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 22 - 28 Feb 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds of the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (01 Mar 2022)
 
 
Male birds have stronger immune system than females   (Research)
New research has found evidence that males live longer than females due to differences in their immune systems. More here >
Written by:  (01 Mar 2022)
 
 
Cinereous Vulture population tripled in Mallorca in the last decade   (News)
The results from the first photographic census reveal that the Cinereous Vulture population in Mallorca tripled over the last decade. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Mar 2022)
 
 
Altruism in birds? Magpies help each other remove tracking devices   (Research)
A pilot study of Australian Magpies discovered an entirely new social behaviour rarely seen in birds. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Feb 2022)
 
 
Higher levels of biodiversity appear to reduce extinction risk in birds   (Research)
The enormous variety of life on Earth and the species, traits and evolutionary history they represent, appear to reduce extinction risk in birds. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Feb 2022)
 
 
What bird beaks say about tropical biodiversity   (Research)
Areas of the globe where fruit-eating birds have wider beaks also have larger palm fruits, a new study shows. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Feb 2022)
 
 
Body measurements for all 11,000 bird species released in open-access database   (News)
Called, AVONET, it contains measurements of more than 90,000 individual birds, allowing researchers to test theories and aid conservation. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Feb 2022)
 
 
Teaching old dogs new tricks: sniffer dogs helping detect seabirds   (Research)
An innovative study, led by the RSPB, has been testing the ability of dogs to track seabirds that nest in burrows. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Feb 2022)
 
 
Worrying increase in illegal killing of songbirds in Cyprus   (Wildlife crime)
New figures show an estimated 605,000 songbirds were trapped and killed in 6.5 km of mists nets within the survey area during Autumn 2021. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Feb 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 15 - 21 Feb 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds of the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (22 Feb 2022)
 
 
No venom resistance in snake-eating birds   (Research)
A new study has shown that snake-eating birds have no resistance to venom - they just don't need it. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Feb 2022)
 
 
Big-data tracking technologies revolutionising conservation   (Research)
Recent advances in wildlife tracking techniques are revealing details that were previously impossible to explore. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Feb 2022)
 
 
Nearly half of US Bald Eagles show signs of chronic lead exposure   (Conservation News)
America's national bird is more beleaguered than previously believed, with nearly half of bald eagles tested across the U.S. showing signs of chronic lead exposure. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Feb 2022)
 
 
Important Orkney waters finally granted protection   (Conservation News)
Other areas of Scotland's seas were granted protection in 2020, but two areas in Orkney were left out, despite their importance, until now. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Feb 2022)
 
 
Norfolk Wildlife Trust launches appeal to purchase urban reserve   (News)
Close to the heart of Norwich lies Sweet Briar Marshes: 90 acres of fen, rough meadow, grazing marsh, old hedgerows and young woodland. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Feb 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 8 - 14 Feb 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds of the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (15 Feb 2022)
 
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