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
 
 
2020 hailed as a 'good' year for butterflies   (Conservation News)
Despite the seemingly positive news, conservation scientists warn that our view of what is 'good' might be shifting. More here >
Written by:  (01 Apr 2021)
 
 
Humans largely to blame for Egyptian Vulture deaths in southeastern Europe   (Research)
New research indicates that more Egyptian Vultures are dying in eastern Europe and the Middle East, with over 50% of deaths caused by humans. More here >
Written by:  (01 Apr 2021)
 
 
Murrelets eavesdrop on other murrelets to help choose breeding sites   (Research)
New research has shown that the choice of breeding locations is strongly influenced by whether they hear other murrelets in the area. More here >
Written by:  (01 Apr 2021)
 
 
2020 - A huge success for seabirds on England's south coast   (Conservation News)
Last year saw a huge number of threatened seabirds successfully breed along England's south coast. More here >
Written by:  (01 Apr 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 23 - 29 Mar 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his regular take on the week's comings and goings from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (30 Mar 2021)
 
 
Why some songbirds make migratory pit-stops to replace worn feathers   (Research)
While not as 'sexy' and thus, not as well studied, as breeding or migration, moult is a critical process. More here >
Written by:  (30 Mar 2021)
 
 
International investigation discovers bald eagles' killer   (Research)
Scientists have discovered exactly what has been killing Bald Eagles and waterfowl at wetland sites in the United States. More here >
Written by:  (30 Mar 2021)
 
 
Book Review: Gone   (Book review)
Mark Avery reviews Gone: a search for what remains of the World's extinct creatures. More here >
Written by:  (30 Mar 2021)
 
 
Unprecedented migratory bird die-off linked to wildfires and toxic gases   (Research)
An abnormally large number of migratory birds were found dead in parts of western and central US states in August and September 2020. More here >
Written by:  (29 Mar 2021)
 
 
Watch your step and help rare breeding birds   (Conservation News)
As we start to return to the countryside the RSPB is asking people to follow the countryside code and to stick to paths to avoid disturbing ground-nesting birds. More here >
Written by:  (29 Mar 2021)
 
 
Everglades poised for a 'phenomenal' wading bird season   (Conservation News)
The prediction comes after a record-breaking rainy season increased the amount of fish in historical nesting grounds. More here >
Written by:  (26 Mar 2021)
 
 
Rodenticides in the environment pose threats to birds of prey   (Research)
A new study by researchers in Germany has demonstrated that these substances are widely found in liver tissues of birds of prey in the country. More here >
Written by:  (24 Mar 2021)
 
 
Nature charities welcome cancellation of Oxford-Cambridge Expressway   (Conservation News)
A group of charities have long opposed the proposed Expressway because of the environmental damage that would have been caused. More here >
Written by:  (24 Mar 2021)
 
 
Starving Puffin chicks leading to population decline   (Research)
New research has found that a lack of prey near some major breeding colonies is driving Puffin chicks to starve. More here >
Written by:  (24 Mar 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 16 - 22 Mar 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
This week included belated news of a long-staying Eyebrowed Thrush in Kent, an American Herring Gull in Cornwall, and non-avian news of a Walrus on the Pembrokeshire coast. More here >
Written by:  (23 Mar 2021)
 
 
Volunteers wanted for innovative Scottish Mountain Hare survey   (Conservation News)
Volunteers are wanted for the first on-the-ground national survey to shed light on distribution and numbers of Scottish Mountain Hares. More here >
Written by:  (22 Mar 2021)
 
 
Hope for House Sparrows   (Conservation News)
The UK population declined dramatically between 1977-2018 but recent years has seen numbers increase in some parts of the UK. More here >
Written by:  (19 Mar 2021)
 
 
Cranes steer clear of wind turbines when selecting stopover sites   (Research)
Whooping cranes migrating through the U.S. Great Plains avoid "rest stop" sites that are within 5 km of wind-energy infrastructure. More here >
Written by:  (19 Mar 2021)
 
 
Deforestation taking a heavy toll on international bird haven   (Research)
Deforestation is severely affecting forest bird species in Colombia, home to the greatest number of bird species in the world. More here >
Written by:  (19 Mar 2021)
 
 
Northern Irish tern colonies suffer catastrophic year in 2020   (Conservation News)
A new report has revealed Sandwich and Common Terns experienced some of their lowest numbers since records began. More here >
Written by:  (19 Mar 2021)
 
 
Extinct Caribbean bird's closest relatives hail from Africa and South Pacific   (Research)
In a genetic surprise, ancient DNA analysis has uncovered an unexpected link between Caribbean bird life and the Old World. More here >
Written by:  (18 Mar 2021)
 
 
Helmeted Hornbill gets a protection boost in Thailand   (Conservation News)
The Critically Endangered species is heavily targeted by poachers and traffickers for its ivory-like casque. More here >
Written by:  (17 Mar 2021)
 
 
Endangered bird is losing its songs   (Research)
Researchers found that a significant portion of male Regent Honeyeaters appear to be learning tunes exclusively from other species they encounter. More here >
Written by:  (17 Mar 2021)
 
 
Males give up on trying to attract females when they are in poor condition   (Research)
Male animals are less likely to try to attract a mate when they are in poor condition. More here >
Written by:  (17 Mar 2021)
 
 
Are offshore wind farms a risk to migrating Shelducks?   (Research)
New research by Scientists at the BTO tracked Shelducks migrating between Britain and locations in the North Sea. More here >
Written by:  (16 Mar 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 9 - 15 Mar 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Hampshire may have scored its first Baikal Teal. The Northern Mockingbird continued its winter stay in Devon whilst Sheffield birders were treated to a cracking adult Long-tailed Skua on their doorstep. More here >
Written by:  (16 Mar 2021)
 
 
Book Review: Birds of Lincolnshire   (Book review)
Mark Avery reviews the new Birds of Lincolnshire chronicling the avifauna of the east coast county. More here >
Written by:  (16 Mar 2021)
 
 
Plans to reintroduce Ospreys to Suffolk   (Conservation News)
Suffolk Wildlife Trust has opened a consultation on a 5-year plan to reintroduce Ospreys back to the county. More here >
Written by:  (16 Mar 2021)
 
 
Female Gannets go the extra mile to feed chicks   (Research)
Female Gannets travel further than male Gannets to find fish for their chicks in some years but not others. More here >
Written by:  (14 Mar 2021)
 
 
Albatrosses regularly fly to unprotected 'Wild West' areas   (Research)
The birds spend almost 40% of their time on the high seas which the authors say highlights the need for international co-operation to ensure their survival. More here >
Written by:  (14 Mar 2021)
 
 
Warming climate slows tropical birds' population growth rates   (Research)
In Tanzania the population decline of at least six bird species over 30 years could be attributable to rising temperatures. More here >
Written by:  (14 Mar 2021)
 
 
Stay of execution for bees in 2021   (Conservation News)
The government will not be granting emergency authorisation for the use of a banned neonicotinoid on sugar beet this year. More here >
Written by:  (12 Mar 2021)
 
 
UK public embraces garden wildlife during coronavirus lockdown   (News)
The number of people participating in GBW during 2020 more than doubled in what was a unique year. More here >
Written by:  (12 Mar 2021)
 
 
Wing tags severely impair flight in vultures   (Research)
Wing tags on Cape Vultures are putting the birds' lives further at risk, a new movement ecology study has shown. More here >
Written by:  (12 Mar 2021)
 
 
Crowd-funding appeal to help replace bird hide destroyed by fire   (News)
The Mill Hide on the shores of Loch Leven National Nature Reserve was completely gutted in a blaze on February 18th. More here >
Written by:  (12 Mar 2021)
 
 
Eagle Owl found dumped in a box at roadside   (Wildlife crime)
A Eurasian Eagle Owl had been dumped in a box at the side of a road in Staffordshire and brought traffic to a halt. More here >
Written by:  (12 Mar 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 2 - 8 Mar 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his regular take on the week's comings and goings from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (09 Mar 2021)
 
 
Grassland management for Stone-curlew   (Conservation News)
Detailed studies of Stone-curlews, breeding in the east of England, give some clues as to how to provide the right habitat mix for these big-eyed, nocturnal waders. More here >
Written by:  (09 Mar 2021)
 
 
Britain's moths decline by one third   (Conservation News)
A new report shows a worrying 33% decline in the populations of larger moths in Britain over the last 50 years. More here >
Written by:  (09 Mar 2021)
 
 
Scientists find strongest evidence yet of 'migration gene'   (Research)
Researchers say their findings add further evidence to suggest genetics has a strong role to play in the distance of migration routes. More here >
Written by:  (09 Mar 2021)
 
 
Book Review: Shearwater   (Book review)
Part memoir, part homage to wilderness, Shearwater traces the author's 50-year obsession with one of nature's supreme oceanic travellers. More here >
Written by:  (09 Mar 2021)
 
 
'Island of Rats' recovers   (Conservation News)
An island in the Aleutian archipelago has become an example of how ecosystems can recover to their natural state following the removal of rats. More here >
Written by:  (09 Mar 2021)
 
 
Dutch-ringed Barnacle Goose found in China   (News)
A colour-ringed Barnacle Goose from the resident population in the Netherlands was recently observed and photographed in Eastern China. More here >
Written by:  (09 Mar 2021)
 
 
Energy company to breed California Condors to replace birds killed by wind turbines.   (Conservation News)
Wildlife authorities are helping a wind energy company breed condors in captivity, to replace any birds that are killed by wind turbines. More here >
Written by:  (09 Mar 2021)
 
 
Gamekeeper filmed using eagle owl to lure buzzards to their deaths   (Wildlife crime)
RSPB investigators recorded two Buzzards being shot and killed on North Yorkshire grouse moor but a conviction could not be secured. More here >
Written by:  (09 Mar 2021)
 
 
UK's longest running bird survey hit by Covid-19   (Press report)
Covid-19 restrictions during spring 2020 meant many surveyors were unable to visit heronries, causing a break in the long-term monitoring of breeding Grey Herons. More here >
Written by:  (08 Mar 2021)
 
 
Survey of UK's coast highlights change in wintering waterbird populations   (Research)
The findings from a survey of the wintering waterbirds on the UK's non-estuarine coast has revealed significant changes in the numbers of several waterbird species. More here >
Written by:  (05 Mar 2021)
 
 
Trouble ahead for heavily smuggled but unprotected songbird   (Conservation News)
The Oriental Magpie-robin is headed for trouble if it is not protected from rampant trapping in Malaysia. More here >
Written by:  (05 Mar 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 23 Feb - 1 Mar 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his regular take on the week's comings and goings from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (02 Mar 2021)
 
 
Threatened moth brought back from the brink of extinction   (Conservation News)
The Barberry Carpet, a threatened species in Britain, is being saved from a worrying decline in Dorset, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire More here >
Written by:  (02 Mar 2021)
 
 
Indonesia kicks off 2021 with a bumper crop of bird seizures   (Wildlife crime)
Indonesian authorities have shown no let up in efforts to save wild birds, with more than 11,000 wild birds seized in January 2021 alone. More here >
Written by:  (02 Mar 2021)
 
 
Lead shot poisoning flamingos in Greece   (Conservation News)
Dozens of flamingos in a northern Greek lagoon have died in recent days after ingesting lead shot illegally used by hunters. More here >
Written by:  (02 Mar 2021)
 
 
Population of critically endangered Bahama Oriole is much larger than previously thought   (Conservation News)
A new study has suggested the overall population is likely to be several thousand stong, 10 times larger than previous estimates. More here >
Written by:  (02 Mar 2021)
 
 
Book Review: Regeneration   (Book review)
This book introduces a strong voice in nature writing to the world. This is Andrew Painting’s first book and Mark Avery thinks it is a "cracker". More here >
Written by:  (02 Mar 2021)
 
 
New partnership formed to save England's threatened Curlews   (Conservation News)
The Curlew Recovery Partnership brings together all those with an interest in Curlew conservation to help secure the future of the Eurasian Curlew. More here >
Written by:  (01 Mar 2021)
 
 
Voluntary move away from lead ammunition shows little progress    (Conservation News)
New research reveals that, a year after the announcement of the voluntary shift away from lead shot to non-lead alternatives, some 99% of shot Pheasants still contain lead shot. More here >
Written by:  (26 Feb 2021)
 
 
Enigmatic bird missing for 172 years rediscovered in Borneo   (Conservation News)
The Black-browed Babbler, widely considered by experts the "greatest enigma in Indonesian ornithology", has been sensationally rediscovered in the rainforests of Borneo. More here >
Written by:  (25 Feb 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 16 - 22 Feb 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Winter may not be done with us yet, but change is coming and this week we saw the first pioneering spring migrants arrive, Jon Dunn reports. More here >
Written by:  (23 Feb 2021)
 
 
Book Review: Skylarks with Rosie   (Book review)
Stephen Moss's evocative account underlines how a global crisis changed the way we relate to the natural world, giving us hope for the future. More here >
Written by:  (23 Feb 2021)
 
 
The BB/BTO Best Bird Book of the Year 2020   (News)
British Birds and the British Trust for Ornithology announce the winner of the award for Best Bird Book of the Year 2020. More here >
Written by:  (22 Feb 2021)
 
 
Eaten to Extinction: another devasting year for MacGillivray's Prion   (Conservation News)
All but one of this year's chicks at a monitoring site have died, with invasive mice eating many of the newly hatched chicks. More here >
Written by:  (20 Feb 2021)
 
 
Award-winning bird hide destroyed in suspected arson   (News)
A bird hide on the shores at Loch Leven National Nature Reserve has been destroyed in a fire that is thought to have been started deliberately. More here >
Written by:  (20 Feb 2021)
 
 
Eco-fusion is the new normal   (Conservation News)
To cull or not to cull. Will Ring-necked Parakeet go the way of the Ruddy Duck and should it?. More here >
Written by:  (19 Feb 2021)
 
 
Extinction looming for the Masked Finfoot   (Conservation News)
New population estimates of the Masked Finfoot indicate it could be on course to become Asia's next avian extinction if urgent action isn't taken. More here >
Written by:  (19 Feb 2021)
 
 
Displaced birds can 'read' the earth's magnetic signature to get back on course   (Research)
Researchers claim that, for the first time, they have shown that birds displaced by storms are able to navigate back to their migratory route. More here >
Written by:  (18 Feb 2021)
 
 
Scientists and indigenous people unite to save Colombian condors   (Research)
For the first time indigenous people in Colombia's Purace national park are helping biologists conduct a census of condors in the country. More here >
Written by:  (18 Feb 2021)
 
 
Plastic in the ocean kills more threatened albatrosses than we thought   (Research)
Researchers estimate that plastic ingestion causes up to 17.5% of near-shore albatross deaths in the southern hemisphere. More here >
Written by:  (18 Feb 2021)
 
 
2021 - a big year for Beavers   (Conservation News)
The Wildlife Trusts bring beavers back to five more counties this year - 20 years after they reintroduced the first beavers to Britain. More here >
Written by:  (18 Feb 2021)
 
 
Himalayan songbirds evolved thicker down   (Research)
Researchers have said the study results could lead to eventually understanding how some birds might cope with climate change. More here >
Written by:  (16 Feb 2021)
 
 
Book Review: Restoring the Wild by Roy Dennis   (Book review)
Restoring the Wild offers eye-opening insights into the complexities of reintroducing extinct animals to Britain. It also sets out the case for why this is essential for our island's continuing health. More here >
Written by:  (16 Feb 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 9 - 15 Feb 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
The Northern Mockingbird and White-throated Sparrow were still dug in down south, and there was a big surprise in the offing in Norfolk. More here >
Written by:  (16 Feb 2021)
 
 
Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust statement on redundancies and future of obs   (News)
The future of Fair Isle Bird Observatory is uncertain following the a devastating fire in 2018 and subsequent financial difficulties. More here >
Written by:  (15 Feb 2021)
 
 
BTO launches birding Equipment Donation Scheme   (News)
The scheme will help redistribute binoculars, telescopes and identification field guides from those that don't need them anymore, to those that do. More here >
Written by:  (15 Feb 2021)
 
 
Non-native European House Sparrow declining in the US   (Research)
From 1995 to 2016, the proportion of FeederWatch sites reporting House Sparrows declined by 7.5%. Latest estimates peg the population at 82 million individuals. More here >
Written by:  (12 Feb 2021)
 
 
Common Pipistrelle bats attracted to wind turbines   (Research)
The reasons for this are not clear but possibilities include attraction to the turbines themselves or the presence of more of the bats' insect prey around turbines. More here >
Written by:  (12 Feb 2021)
 
 
Storm Darcy forces Bewick's Swans to make rare migratory U-turn   (News)
A flock of Bewick's Swans which had begun their epic migration from Slimbridge to the Arctic tundra have turned back to avoid the latest 'Beast from the East'. More here >
Written by:  (12 Feb 2021)
 
 
Whooper Swan numbers in Ireland reach new high   (Conservation News)
A census carried out across the island of Ireland last year found that Whooper Swan numbers increased by 27%, while Bewick's Swan looks set to be lost from Ireland in the coming years. More here >
Written by:  (11 Feb 2021)
 
 
Fair Isle Bird Observatory warden and administrator facing redundancy   (News)
The loss of the only two permanent staff members has led many to speculate about the long-term future of the observatory which is yet to be rebuilt following a fire in 2018. More here >
Written by:  (11 Feb 2021)
 
 
Starling success traced to rapid adaptation   (Research)
Just 80 European Starlings were released in New York in 1890, the current North American population is now estimated to be 200 million breeding adults. More here >
Written by:  (11 Feb 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 2 - 8 Feb 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Storm Darcy blew in from the east this week, bringing snow and plummeting temperatures for many, but it was rarities from the west which made the headlines. More here >
Written by:  (09 Feb 2021)
 
 
Scientists Reveal Migration Bottlenecks Used by Tens of Millions of Birds   (Research)
The tens of millions of birds that fly through these regions represent major proportions of many species' global populations. More here >
Written by:  (08 Feb 2021)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Northern Mockingbird, Exmouth, Devon   (Finders account)
Britain's third Northern Mockingbird is found in a suburban Devon garden, we hear exclusively from the finder. More here >
Written by:  (08 Feb 2021)
 
 
Bolivia probes deaths of 35 endangered condors   (Wildlife crime)
An investigation has been launched into the apparent poisoning, one of the most devastating such cases for the endangered species. More here >
Written by:  (08 Feb 2021)
 
 
First Balkan Griffon Vulture equipped with GPS tag to help track illegal wildlife poisoning   (Conservation News)
The Vulture was equipped with a GPS tag in Bulgaria within the BalkanDetox LIFE project to help tackle illegal wildlife poisoning incidents in the Balkans. More here >
Written by:  (05 Feb 2021)
 
 
Endangered species bounce back on rat-free Lord Howe Island   (Conservation News)
The last rat was seen 15 months ago and since then species such as the flightless Lord Howe Woodhen have seen increases. More here >
Written by:  (04 Feb 2021)
 
 
Grey Squirrels: is birth control the solution to Britain's invasive species problem?   (Conservation News)
Squirrel feeders laced with contraceptives could be used to suppress grey squirrels in the UK. More here >
Written by:  (04 Feb 2021)
 
 
Holkham's iconic Poplars get the chop   (Conservation News)
The iconic tree-lined avenue at Lady Anne's Drive in North Norfolk is undergoing a makeover as part of a new conservation project. More here >
Written by:  (04 Feb 2021)
 
 
One rare bird find doesn't lead to another   (Research)
Researchers have debunked the theory that when a rare bird is found attracting birders to an area, more rare birds are then found. More here >
Written by:  (04 Feb 2021)
 
 
UK Crane population hits record high   (Conservation News)
Crane numbers have hit record levels after becoming extinct in the UK nearly 400 years ago. Thanks to the efforts of conservationists 64 pairs were present in 2020. More here >
Written by:  (03 Feb 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 26 Jan - 01 Feb 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic, including Bufflehead in Warwickshire and the re-appearance of the Sociable Lapwing in Cornwall. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (02 Feb 2021)
 
 
Review: Birds of Chew Valley Lake   (Book review)
Mark Avery reviews Keith Vinicombe's monumental book detailing the ecology, history and tales of Chew Valley Lakes. More here >
Written by:  (01 Feb 2021)
 
 
Europe's first Bearded Vulture chick of 2021 hatches in Austria   (Conservation News)
On 23 January 2021, the first Bearded Vulture chick of this year hatched at the Richard Faust Bearded Vulture Specialised Captive Breeding Centre in Austria. More here >
Written by:  (29 Jan 2021)
 
 
Death by collision: Counting the cost of power lines on birds in Kenya   (Conservation News)
In Kenya, the routing of a new power line just at the edge of an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, will be a death trap for birds. More here >
Written by: BirdLife (29 Jan 2021)
 
 
Criminals use lime sticks to target songbirds in Gloucestershire   (Wildlife crime)
Gloucestershire police are asking members of the public to be on the lookout for the illegal traps after the discovery outside Dursley. More here >
Written by:  (29 Jan 2021)
 
 
At least 34 Critically Endangered vultures killed by suspected mass poisoning   (Wildlife crime)
The victims from this horrible incident include Slender-billed Vultures and White-rumped Vultures, both considered Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jan 2021)
 
 
Bird species identified that could spread ticks and Lyme disease   (Research)
Thrush species from the genus Turdus, were found to have a significantly greater likelihood of competence compared to other taxa. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jan 2021)
 
 
Scotland's iconic Mountain Hares given greater protection   (Conservation News)
From 1 March 2021, it will be illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take mountain hares at any time unless a licence is obtained. More here >
Written by:  (27 Jan 2021)
 
 
Are there fewer Harpy Eagles than we thought?   (Research)
New research suggests estimates of the species' current distribution are potentially overestimating range size of the Near Threatened raptor. More here >
Written by:  (27 Jan 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 19 - 25 Jan 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (26 Jan 2021)
 
 
Biden administration must act fast to save migratory birds   (Conservation News)
The new Biden administration has until 4th Feb to overturn changes made by Donald Trump just before he left office. More here >
Written by:  (26 Jan 2021)
 
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