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
 
 
British Birds seeks new compiler for News & comment   (News)
BB is looking for a budding journalist with an interest in sharing ornithological news stories. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (15 Feb 2022)
 
 
Suspended sentence for man who took Red Kite from nest   (Wildlife crime)
Dewi Price was found guilty of seven wildlife offences - which included disturbing a red kite nest and taking a baby chick. More here >
Written by: RBA (15 Feb 2022)
 
 
Citizen scientists provide vital new information about Tawny Owls   (Research)
Thanks to the efforts of nearly 10,000 'citizen scientists' we now have a much greater understanding of the UK's breeding Tawny Owls. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Feb 2022)
 
 
Was bird monitoring immune to COVID-19?   (News)
Scientists at the BTO came up with some clever crunching to assess the effect of the pandemic on bird recording. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Feb 2022)
 
 
Vets save knife-swallowing Bearded Vulture   (News)
The vulture is better known for its incredible ability to swallow and digest bones. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Feb 2022)
 
 
White-tailed Eagles found dead on shooting estates in southern England   (Wildlife crime)
The two birds, found dead in suspicious circumstances, were part of the Isle of Wight reintroduction project. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Feb 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 1 - 7 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 (08 Feb 2022)
 
 
Hummingbirds found to exert fine control over body heat   (Research)
Scientists have made a new discovery about the ability of hummingbirds to regulate their body temperature. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Feb 2022)
 
 
Native birds have vanished across Australia since colonisation   (Research)
New research has, for the first time, registered just how much Australia has actually lost. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Feb 2022)
 
 
Mark Avery's Book Review: The Wryneck   (Book of the Month)
This all-encompassing and engaging account has been written for a wide audience, whether professional ornithologist, citizen scientist or amateur birder. More here >
Written by:  (08 Feb 2022)
 
 
Fear of predators reduces population growth over generations   (Research)
A new study has shown fear of being killed can halve the population size of prey in 5 years or less. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Feb 2022)
 
 
Dog faeces and urine could be harming nature reserves   (Research)
Dogs being walked in nature reserves contribute a significant amount of nutrients to the environment through their faeces and urine. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Feb 2022)
 
 
UK plants flowering a month earlier due to climate change   (Research)
The changes caused by earlier flowering could have profound consequences for wildlife, agriculture and gardeners. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Feb 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 25 - 31 Jan 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 Feb 2022)
 
 
Gamekeeper convicted of beating to death two buzzards, avoids jail   (Wildlife crime)
John Orrey was filmed killing the birds on an estate that is home to a commercial pheasant shoot. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Poland's border wall will cut Europe's oldest forest in half   (News)
Poland is planning to build a wall along its border with Belarus, primarily to block migrants fleeing the Middle East and Asia. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Birds and bees: why new buildings need to support the natural world   (News)
New planning laws in Brighton and Hove now require developers to install bricks for bees and swifts into all new buildings taller than five metres. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Birds shuffle and repeat their tunes to keep the audience listening   (Research)
Male Song Sparrows deliberately shuffle and mix their song repertoire possibly as a way to keep it interesting for their female audience. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Songbirds use the Earth's magnetic field as a stop sign during migration   (Research)
A new study has shed light on how birds navigate back to their breeding site after flying across two continents. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
New research on famous 'supertramp' birds offers fresh evolutionary insights   (Research)
'Supertramp' birds in Southeast Asia are providing unique insights into how evolution is linked to flight ability and competition. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Government puts bees at risk again in 2022   (News)
The Government has permitted the use of the banned pesticide thiamethoxam on sugar beet in England in 2022. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Location of re-introduced Chequered Skipper butterfly revealed   (News)
For the first time since 1976, wildlife enthusiasts will be able to see the rare and beautiful Chequered Skipper butterfly in the wild in England this summer. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 18 - 24 Jan 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 (26 Jan 2022)
 
 
Mark Avery's Book Review: Ants   (Book review)
In this book, impassioned entomologist Richard Jones reveals the bizarre and sometimes poorly studied behaviours of ants. More here >
Written by:  (25 Jan 2022)
 
 
Extinct Chernobyl eagle back from the dead   (Research)
Greater Spotted Eagles have returned to the Chernobyl area after going extinct before the nuclear disaster in 1986. More here >
Written by: RBA (24 Jan 2022)
 
 
RSPB Scotland calls for emergency wildfowling moratorium on the Solway   (News)
The call comes as avian influenza has devastated the wintering Barnacle Goose population. More here >
Written by: RBA (24 Jan 2022)
 
 
Researchers discover unexpected deep diving in albatross   (Research)
Researchers have found some Black-browed Albatrosses diving at unexpected depths to pursue prey. More here >
Written by: RBA (24 Jan 2022)
 
 
Bluefin tuna tagged for first time in UK waters with acoustic 'residency' tags   (12 Birds of Christmas)
The tags send coded messages to listening stations moored on the seabed and record how long bluefin tuna are in UK waters each year. More here >
Written by: RBA (20 Jan 2022)
 
 
Biden announces $1.1 billion for Everglades restoration   (Conservation News)
A historic increase in Everglades funding was announced Wednesday by the Biden administration, with a plan to restore South Florida's famous wilderness. More here >
Written by: RBA (20 Jan 2022)
 
 
India bids farewell to 'supermum' tiger Collarwali   (News)
Indian animal lovers are in mourning over the sudden passing of a nationally famous tigress credited with repopulating a forest redoubt for her endangered kin. More here >
Written by: RBA (20 Jan 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 11 - 16 Jan 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 (18 Jan 2022)
 
 
Paddyfield Pipit doesn't make the grade for the British List   (British List)
The BOURC has announced that Britain's only record of Paddyfield Pipit has been placed in Category D of the British List. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Jan 2022)
 
 
Ecuador expands sea life protections around Galapagos   (Conservation News)
Ecuador has created a massive new marine reserve north of its Galapagos islands, forming a Pacific corridor up to Costa Rica's Cocos Island National Park. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Jan 2022)
 
 
Where have all the Twite gone?   (Conservation News)
Nature lovers across the South Pennines are being asked to support efforts to stop the songbird disappearing from the area's uplands. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Jan 2022)
 
 
New offshore windfarms could be a disaster for Scotland's seabirds   (Conservation News)
RSPB Scotland has criticised plans announced by the Scottish government for huge new offshore windfarms. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Jan 2022)
 
 
Lost birds and mammals spell doom for some plants   (Research)
In one of the first studies of its kind, researchers have gauged how biodiversity loss of birds and mammals will impact plants' chances of adapting to human-induced climate warming. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Jan 2022)
 
 
Regent Honeyeater is on the edge of extinction   (Conservation News)
There are less than 300 birds left in the wild as habitat loss has pushed the survivors into little pockets across their once vast range. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Jan 2022)
 
 
UK Red Squirrel conservation strategies likely to undermine species survival in future   (Research)
Conservation strategies that favour non-native conifer plantations are likely to negatively impact Red Squirrels. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Jan 2022)
 
 
Study shows the toll industrial farming takes on bird diversity   (Research)
Researchers studied how different farming indicators impact the bird diversity in farmland bordering the former Iron Curtain in Germany. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Jan 2022)
 
 
Bald Eagle rebound stunted by lead ammunition poisoning   (Research)
Poisonings from contaminated carcasses has reduced population growth by 4% to 6% annually in the northeastern US. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Jan 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 4 - 10 Jan 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 (11 Jan 2022)
 
 
Surprisingly few animals die in wildfires   (Research)
New research suggests that more than 90% of animals survive the immediate passage of a typical wildfire but more research is needed on mega fires. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Jan 2022)
 
 
Israeli Big Year record broken   (News)
Yoav Perlman, Director of Birdlife Israel, broke the 400 barrier in his big year during 2021. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Jan 2022)
 
 
Injured Cinereous Vulture pair gets new chance to contribute to the species conservation   (Conservation News)
The two birds named Sophia and Badahos recently arrived at Sofia Zoo in Bulgaria. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Jan 2022)
 
 
Bird protection volunteers' vehicle damaged by explosive device   (News)
CABS has urged the Cypriot government to take a clear stand against poaching and violence following the latest attack. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Jan 2022)
 
 
Bezos Earth Fund Invests $12 Million in Bird Conservation in the Tropical Andes   (Conservation News)
The $12 million grant will support local communities and Indigenous peoples to establish and strengthen 30-40 new protected sites. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 Jan 2022)
 
 
Former quarry turns haven for threatened birds   (Conservation News)
Nature is reclaiming her territory at a quarry in the east of England that is being transformed into a vast reserve offering vital sanctuary to endangered birds. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 Jan 2022)
 
 
Endangered fairywrens breed outside season for second year   (Research)
Purple-crowned Fairywrens in Northern Australia may be more flexible in their breeding behaviour than previously thought. More here >
Written by: RBA (06 Jan 2022)
 
 
Birding Roundup 21 Dec 2021 - 3 Jan 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the Christmas and New Year fortnight from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (05 Jan 2022)
 
 
Environmental charities call on Boris Johnson to make good on COP26 promises   (Conservation News)
The National Trust, RSPB, Woodland Trust and The Wildlife Trusts call for urgent action and build on the promises made at COP26 in Glasgow More here >
Written by: RBA (05 Jan 2022)
 
 
Crows keep special tools extra safe   (Research)
Crows are more likely to store relatively complex and efficient foraging tools for future use than more basic tools. More here >
Written by: RBA (05 Jan 2022)
 
 
Extreme heatwave kills hundreds of penguins   (Research)
Researchers in Argentina witnessed the mass die-off at one of the world's largest breeding colonies for Magellanic Penguins when temperatures reached 44C. More here >
Written by: RBA (05 Jan 2022)
 
 
Tracking of nearctic skuas surprises scientists   (Research)
Scientists tracking three species of Skua found they had diverse migratory paths from a shared breeding site. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Dec 2021)
 
 
Steller's Sea-Eagle found in Massachusetts   (News)
The spectacular raptor was found on the Taunton River in Massachusetts, south of Boston on Monday. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Dec 2021)
 
 
Warbler that heads north for the winter   (Research)
New research from the BTO has shown that Blackcaps wintering in the UK originate from at least seven different countries. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Dec 2021)
 
 
Merry Christmas from the RBA team   (News)
A Christmas message for all our subscribers and supporters.
More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Dec 2021)
 
 
The Rare Bird Alert birding round-up 14 - 20 Dec   (Weekly Roundup)
In his final roundup of the year, Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by:  (22 Dec 2021)
 
 
A quiet Christmas? How Britain & Ireland's breeding birds fared in 2021   (Conservation News)
The latest results from the BTO report a poor year for many of our birds, largely due to a cooler and wetter spring than average. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
First Ever Vulture Safe Zone in Nepal Declared Fully Safe   (Conservation News)
The area has seen the removal of the veterinary drug diclofenac which is responsible for a large number of vulture deaths. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
Human disturbance affecting Little Penguins   (Research)
A new study has found increasing human disturbance to Little Penguin habitat may lead to increasingly aggressive behaviour from the birds. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
Increased protection for rare bird species' habitats in Russia   (Conservation News)
A new mapping tool released by WWF Russia will help identify and determine habitats in need of protection from logging. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
Antarctic seabird faces declining populations   (Research)
A long-term study by British Antarctic Survey shows significant declines in two locations on South Georgia. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
Energy-saving strategy helps hummingbirds fuel their long migrations   (Research)
Ruby-throated hummingbirds use the same energy-conserving strategy to survive overnight fasts and build the fat stores they need to fuel long migrations. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
Thousands of threatened seabirds are dying due to Government delays on fixable bycatch problem   (Conservation News)
Conservation organisations are concerned the delays will result in the UK’s globally important seabird populations being needless killed. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
RSPB Minsmere hails heathland restoration a success   (Conservation News)
Improving the heathland has allowed declining birds like Stone Curlew, Nightjar and Dartford Warbler to make Minsmere their home. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
The Rare Bird Alert birding round-up 7 - 13 Dec   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (14 Dec 2021)
 
 
Hunting, climate change and habitat loss driving declines in iconic Asian birds   (Conservation News)
Species including the Maleo, Vietnamese Crested Argus, Lesser Florican and Green Imperial-pigeon are all declining. More here >
Written by:  (14 Dec 2021)
 
 
Scottish Corncrake numbers continue to fall   (Conservation News)
The latest RSPB Scotland survey has shown that Corncrake numbers continue worrying downward trend More here >
Written by:  (14 Dec 2021)
 
 
The Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder of the Year   (News)
Fifteen-year-old Corin Woodhead, from Scotland, was named Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder of the Year in the senior category and ten-year-old Levi Gravett in the junior category. More here >
Written by:  (14 Dec 2021)
 
 
Migratory birds have lighter-coloured feathers   (Research)
Researchers have discovered an unexpected way that migratory birds keep their cool during such arduous journeys. More here >
Written by:  (13 Dec 2021)
 
 
Dead White-tailed Eagles test positive for bird flu   (Conservation News)
Dead eagles found in Scotland and Ireland in recent weeks have tested positive for Avian influenza (H5N1). More here >
Written by:  (09 Dec 2021)
 
 
Time is running out for Vietnamese wildlife hotspot   (Conservation News)
Snaring, trapping, shooting, fishing and logging are threatening a wide range of species in Kon Plong in the central highlands. More here >
Written by:  (07 Dec 2021)
 
 
Ring-billed Gulls found able to pass the 'string-pull' test   (Research)
The string-pull test is a widely used experiment to test the cognitive abilities of animals and this is the first time a gull has passed. More here >
Written by:  (07 Dec 2021)
 
 
The Rare Bird Alert birding round-up 30 Nov - 6 Dec   (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:  (07 Dec 2021)
 
 
Wintering grounds of Europe's Greater Spotted Eagles uncovered   (Research)
Scientists tracked birds to better understand the movements and pressures they face outside of the breeding season. More here >
Written by:  (03 Dec 2021)
 
 
Cameron's Cottage opens in the New Forest   (News)
Built in memory of Cameron Bespolka, the facility connects young people with limited access to nature with the outdoors. More here >
Written by:  (02 Dec 2021)
 
 
New UK Red List for birds: more than one in four species in serious trouble   (Conservation News)
The newly revised list now includes species, such as Swift, House Martin and Greenfinch for the first time. More here >
Written by:  (02 Dec 2021)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Brunnich's Guillemot, Holkham & Wells, Norfolk   (Finders account)
Whilst guiding a group of birders in north Norfolk Marcus Nash finds the county's first Brunnich's Guillemot. More here >
Written by: Marcus Nash,  (02 Dec 2021)
 
 
The Rare Bird Alert birding round-up 23 - 29 Nov   (Weekly Roundup)
Chris Batty looks back on a week where Storm Arwen brought a good selection of seabirds including an unprecedented influx of Brunnich's Guillemots. More here >
Written by:  (01 Dec 2021)
 
 
Ross's Goose added to the British List   (British List)
An adult at Plex Moss, Lancashire, from 5 December 1970 to 17 January 1971 becomes the first record for Britain. More here >
Written by:  (30 Nov 2021)
 
 
Extent of Sooty Terns' migration presents conservation challenges   (Research)
Researchers have found that birds ranged up to 2,900 km from their breeding colonies and covered some 47,000 km during an eight-month migratory period. More here >
Written by:  (30 Nov 2021)
 
 
Sea temperature rises causes increase in albatross separations   (Research)
Fewer nutrients at the water surface increases hunger and egg production resulting in birds separating. More here >
Written by:  (30 Nov 2021)
 
 
Free food from trawlers helps identify important areas for seabird conservation   (Research)
Studying fishing boats' routes could assist better coastal planning and ultimately protect threatened seabirds. More here >
Written by:  (30 Nov 2021)
 
 
Birds of prey wear 3D-printed shoes to treat foot disease   (News)
The innovative solution was created to treat a medical condition known as pododermatitis or 'bumblefoot' in birds. More here >
Written by:  (30 Nov 2021)
 
 
Portuguese Ruppell's Vulture tracked to Senegal   (News)
A Ruppell's Vulture GPS-tagged in Portugal following rehabilitation has already traveled to Africa two weeks after its release. More here >
Written by:  (30 Nov 2021)
 
 
New Red List of British butterflies   (Conservation News)
A new Red List assessment of the extinction risk of butterfly species in Great Britain has been produced by Butterfly Conservation. More here >
Written by:  (30 Nov 2021)
 
 
Norfolk's first Brunnich's Guillemot dies at Wells   (News)
A Brunnich's Guillemot has died hours after being found off the North Norfolk coast, the first confirmed record of the species in the county. More here >
Written by:  (26 Nov 2021)
 
 
The Rare Bird Alert birding round-up 16 - 22 Nov   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on a week that featured a Killdeer, an arrival of Lesser Scaups, and further afield a Siberian Rubythroat. More here >
Written by:  (23 Nov 2021)
 
 
Swanscombe Peninsula confirmed as Site of Special Scientific Interest   (News)
The area has been threatened by The London Resort - a proposed theme park on Swanscombe Marshes - Dubbed as the 'UK Disneyland'. More here >
Written by:  (23 Nov 2021)
 
 
Griffon Vultures transported to Cyprus to help prevent extinction   (Conservation News)
The first Griffon Vultures from Spain are about to arrive in Cyprus to support the extremely threatened population of the species on the island. More here >
Written by:  (23 Nov 2021)
 
 
Wildlife Trust announces the end of Birdfair at Rutland   (News)
After 30 years and millions of pounds raised for conservation the British Birdwatching fair at Rutland has been ended. More here >
Written by:  (23 Nov 2021)
 
 
Mark Avery's Book Review: More Birds than Bullets   (Book review)
Stories by Geoffrey McMullan on his experiences with birds, people, and the places he has visited whilst in the British Army. More here >
Written by:  (22 Nov 2021)
 
 
New member joins the RBA team   (News)
We are delighted to welcome Leicestershire birder Toby Carter to the RBA team. More here >
Written by:  (19 Nov 2021)
 
 
Feral cats blamed for deaths of 65 Cory's Shearwaters   (Conservation News)
The shearwater chicks were recently found near La Restinga, on the island of El Hierro on the Canary Islands. More here >
Written by:  (19 Nov 2021)
 
 
There may be more bird species in the tropics than we know   (Research)
Study of a perky little bird suggests there may be far more avian species in the tropics than those identified so far. More here >
Written by:  (18 Nov 2021)
 
 
The Rare Bird Alert birding round-up 9 - 15 Nov   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on a week which featured a Nutcracker, Northern Harrier, American Coot and Ancient Murrelet. More here >
Written by:  (16 Nov 2021)
 
 
Amazon Rainforest birds' bodies transform due to climate change   (Research)
This is the first study to discover these changes which eliminates other factors that may have influenced physiological changes. More here >
Written by:  (16 Nov 2021)
 
 
Black-browed Babbler documented in the wild for first time   (Conservation News)
A team of ornithologists discovered, photographed, and obtained the first-ever footage of the rare babbler in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. More here >
Written by:  (16 Nov 2021)
 
 
600 million breeding birds have been lost in Europe since 1980   (Conservation News)
A new study on breeding birds in Europe shows one out of every six birds over nearly a 40-year period has been lost. More here >
Written by:  (16 Nov 2021)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Belted Kingfisher, Brockholes, Lancashire   (Finders account)
Birder George Shannon was enjoying a day's Barbel fishing on the River Ribble when he found a Belted Kingfisher. More here >
Written by:  (16 Nov 2021)
 
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