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.
 
 
 
 
As urban heat rises, bird diversity declines   (Research)
A new study across 336 cities in China concludes that heat-retaining buildings and paved surfaces are directly related to a loss in bird diversity. More here >
Written by:  (24 Aug 2023)
 
 
Campus birds found to be less afraid of humans after pandemic closure   (Research)
Scientists report that once campus life returned to normal, Dark-eyed Juncos acted "drastically less fearful" of humans. More here >
Written by:  (24 Aug 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 15 - 21 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Scilly drew booby twitchers to the west, Scotland got in on the action with a booby of their own, and the east coast enjoyed a nice arrival of migrants. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (22 Aug 2023)
 
 
Scottish Government announces plan to ban snares   (News)
The Scottish Government has announced its intention to ban the use of snares in Scotland, following decades of campaigning from Scottish animal welfare charity, OneKind. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Aug 2023)
 
 
More White-tailed Eagles released in western Ireland   (News)
The latest release of 24 birds around Lough Derg and the Shannon Estuary takes the total number of birds released to 171. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Aug 2023)
 
 
Rare hybrid dolphins sighted off Cornish coast   (News)
Two rare hybrid of a Common Dolphin and a Striped Dolphin were recently sighted off the coast of Falmouth, Cornwall. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Aug 2023)
 
 
Cinereous Vulture released in Portugal after recovery from a gunshot wound   (Conservation News)
A Cinereous Vulture was released in Portugal after being rehabilitated from a shot on its wing. Geres, named after the national park where he was found. More here >
Written by:  (21 Aug 2023)
 
 
Water Voles brought back to the Lake District   (News)
More than 200 captive-bred Water Voles have been released in restored habitat in Cumbria having previously been wiped out. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Aug 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 8 - 14 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Another week with seabirds making the headlines and once more the Scilly Pelagics' team are top of the pile with their sensational re-find of Britain's second Red-footed Booby. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (15 Aug 2023)
 
 
Award for RSPB Geltsdale's tenant farmers, who help to protect Curlews   (Conservation News)
RSPB Geltsdale's tenant farmers have won an award for their efforts to protect and support Curlews and other wading birds. More here >
Written by:  (15 Aug 2023)
 
 
New EU Life project to reintroduce Bearded Vultures to Bulgaria   (Conservation News)
The project will bring the Bearded Vulture back from extinction in Bulgaria and strengthen the reintroduced populations of Cinereous Vulture. More here >
Written by:  (15 Aug 2023)
 
 
Spoonbills breed in Norfolk Broads for first time in 400 years   (Conservation News)
Conservationists are celebrating the return of breeding Spoonbills to the Norfolk Broads after a 400 year absence. More here >
Written by:  (15 Aug 2023)
 
 
Irish Corncrake numbers hit highest numbers for a decade   (Conservation News)
Although numbers remain very low, a new survey has found 218 calling males - a 10% increase on 2022 numbers and a 35% increase over the past five years. More here >
Written by:  (15 Aug 2023)
 
 
Urban Great Tits have paler plumage than their forest-living relatives   (Research)
Researchers analysed feather samples in cities and forests around Europe to try to discover why urban birds are often noticeably paler than their countryside relatives. More here >
Written by:  (15 Aug 2023)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Red-footed Booby, Isles of Scilly, August 2023   (Finders account)
Just a week after finding a South Polar Skua, Bob Flood finds another mega seabird in the shape of a Red-footed Booby. More here >
Written by: Bob Flood (08 Aug 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 1 - 7 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's birds birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (08 Aug 2023)
 
 
Avian Flu experts urge beachgoers to report dead birds   (News)
The call comes as thousands of threatened seabirds suspected to have died from Avian Influenza are once again washing up on UK beaches. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Aug 2023)
 
 
Bird study shows Europe's nature in 'dire straits'   (Conservation News)
Nearly four in 10 of Europe's bird species are now of conservation concern, including 14% of global concern. More here >
Written by:  (08 Aug 2023)
 
 
Sparrows drift from favored spots after losing 'friends'   (Research)
A new study says, suggesting that in Golden-crowned Sparrow populations, friendly, familiar faces help anchor it to familiar spaces. More here >
Written by:  (08 Aug 2023)
 
 
Bat activity lower at solar farm sites   (Research)
The activity level of six bat species was significantly reduced at solar farm sites, researchers have observed. More here >
Written by:  (08 Aug 2023)
 
 
Interest in bird feeding surged worldwide during the COVID-19 lockdowns   (Research)
Interest in local bird feeding appears to have ramped up even in countries not historically noted for bird feeding practices. More here >
Written by:  (08 Aug 2023)
 
 
Finders in the Field: South Polar Skua, Scilly, July 2023   (Finders account)
During a tremendous few days for seabirds off the Isles of Scilly, Bob Flood and the Scilly Pelagics team make a mega skua discovery. More here >
Written by: Bob Flood (02 Aug 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 25 - 31 Jul   (Weekly Roundup)
A mega week for seabirds in the southwest whilst on Shetland a stunning Hudsonian Godwit is found. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (01 Aug 2023)
 
 
Migfest 2023 - get your tickets now   (News)
Spurn Migfest 2023 is a little over a month away - get your tickets now and enjoy one of the highlights of the birding calendar. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Aug 2023)
 
 
Arctic Terns may navigate climate dangers   (Research)
Arctic Terns - which fly on the longest migrations of any animal on Earth - may be able to navigate the dangers posed by climate change, new research suggests. More here >
Written by:  (01 Aug 2023)
 
 
Seabirds on the brink as Avian Flu rips through colonies for third year   (News)
Thousands of seabirds are reported to have already died this summer, with 21 of the UK’s 25 breeding seabird species now having tested positive for the virus since 2021. More here >
Written by: RSPB (01 Aug 2023)
 
 
Spurn Bird Observatory Appoints Chair   (News)
Spurn Bird Observatory Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Harris as the organisation's new Chair, taking over from Rob Adams. More here >
Written by: Spurn Bird Observatory (01 Aug 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 18 - 24 Jul   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's birds birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (25 Jul 2023)
 
 
Bird Flu Devastates Key Irish Seabird Colonies   (News)
BirdWatch Ireland staff have been dealing with unprecedented outbreaks of avian influenza at some of Ireland’s most important seabird colonies. More here >
Written by: Birdwatch Ireland (25 Jul 2023)
 
 
RSPB Scotland welcomes government consultation to end sandeel fishing   (Conservation News)
The consultation to bring sandeel fishing in Scottish waters to an end as a momentous opportunity for our struggling seabird populations the RSPB has said. More here >
Written by: RSPB (25 Jul 2023)
 
 
Poetic birdsong: nightingales can flexibly adjust pitch   (Research)
New research has shown Nightingales flexibly adjust the pitch of certain song parts over a wide range of frequencies to imitate competitors. More here >
Written by:  (25 Jul 2023)
 
 
Choughs to be reintroduced to Kent   (Conservation News)
In the coming weeks Kent Wildlife Trust will release 10 hand-reared Choughs into the Kent countryside marking a return of the species to the county after an absence of 200 years. More here >
Written by: RBA (25 Jul 2023)
 
 
Bee-eaters breed in Greater Manchester   (News)
A pair of Bee-eaters have bred at an undisclosed site in Greater Manchester but the adults abandoned the nest before the young could fledge. More here >
Written by: RBA (25 Jul 2023)
 
 
Study reveals how birds track environmental conditions across the seasons   (Research)
Scientists carried out a study to better understand how different species of North American birds track their preferred climatic conditions. More here >
Written by:  (24 Jul 2023)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Black-winged Kite, Hickling, Norfolk   (Finders account)
Birder Alan Postle was flying high as a kite after he discovered a mega rare raptor at Stubb Mill watchpoint in east Norfolk. More here >
Written by:  (18 Jul 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 11 - 17 Jul   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's birds birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic which included Britain's first twitchable Black-winged Kite. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (18 Jul 2023)
 
 
The first Hooded Vulture ringed in Morocco is visiting Spain   (News)
An immature Hooded Vulture ringed in Morocco in April has been seen in Northern Spain, which might be the first observation of a wild Hooded Vulture so far north in Europe. More here >
Written by: VCF (18 Jul 2023)
 
 
First White-tailed Eagle in 240 years fledges in England   (Conservation News)
In a landmark moment for conservationists, the first White-tailed Eagle for over 240 years has fledged from a nest in the wild in England. More here >
Written by:  (18 Jul 2023)
 
 
Concern grows for Anglesey's seabird colonies   (Conservation News)
Important seabird colonies off the coast of Anglesey hit by a suspected outbreak of bird flu. More here >
Written by: RSPB (13 Jul 2023)
 
 
BOURC gets new member and new Chair   (News)
The British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee has announced a new member and change to the position of Chair. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Jul 2023)
 
 
Fair Isle Bird Obs hoping for 2024 reopening   (News)
Due to the considerable delays encountered with the the rebuild since last autumn , Fair Isle Bird Observatory will not be reopening this year. More here >
Written by:  (12 Jul 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 4 - 10 Jul    (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 (11 Jul 2023)
 
 
Two White-tailed Eagles poisoned in Antrim   (Wildlife crime)
Two dead White-tailed Eagles recovered from the Glenwherry area, Ballymena were illegally poisoned, it has been confirmed. More here >
Written by: RSPB (11 Jul 2023)
 
 
World's most threatened seabirds visit remote plastic pollution hotspots   (Research)
An analysis of global tracking data for 77 species of petrel has revealed that a quarter of all plastics potentially encountered in their search for food are in remote international waters. More here >
Written by:  (11 Jul 2023)
 
 
Birds raise fewer young when spring arrives earlier in a warming world   (Research)
Rising global temperatures are making it harder for birds to know when it's spring and time to breed according to a new study. More here >
Written by:  (07 Jul 2023)
 
 
Vineyard fungicides pose a threat to survival of wild birds   (Research)
New research reveals that wild birds living in vineyards can be highly susceptible to contamination by triazole fungicides, more so than in other agricultural landscapes. More here >
Written by:  (07 Jul 2023)
 
 
BTO celebrates 90th birthday   (News)
Members and supporters of the British Trust for Ornithology came together to celebrate the leading bird research and monitoring charity's 90th birthday at its headquarters in Thetford, Norfolk. More here >
Written by: BTO (07 Jul 2023)
 
 
RSPB demands government action following marine heatwave off UK coast   (Conservation News)
The RSPB is calling on the UK Government to act now to help safeguard the future of threatened seabirds following record-breaking marine temperatures. More here >
Written by: RSPB (07 Jul 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 27 Jun - 3 Jul 2023   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic, headlined by two rare swifts. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (04 Jul 2023)
 
 
The social costs of Vulture Collapse in India   (Conservation News)
A recently published working paper sheds light on the ecological and socio-economic impacts of vulture collapse in India. More here >
Written by: VCF (04 Jul 2023)
 
 
Man receives community order for illegally-set spring trap   (Wildlife crime)
A man has received a community order for an illegally-set spring trap that caused catastrophic leg injuries to a Barn Owl. More here >
Written by: Raptor Persecution UK (04 Jul 2023)
 
 
Songbird study shows one-hit wonder must change his tune to attract a mate   (Research)
Male birds that are able to precisely repeat song notes stand the best chance of attracting a female mate. More here >
Written by:  (04 Jul 2023)
 
 
Large investment needed for nature and climate-friendly farming   (Conservation News)
New study finds at least £4.4bn a year needed for nature and climate-friendly farming to meet legal targets. More here >
Written by: RSPB (04 Jul 2023)
 
 
Bee-eater nest in Norfolk quarry fails   (News)
The RSPB has reported that the Bee-eater nest in a north Norfolk quarry has failed, possibly due to predation by stoats. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jun 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 20 - 26 Jun 2023   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's birds birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (27 Jun 2023)
 
 
Another Cinereous Vulture collides with Greek wind turbine   (News)
The latest incident has again shed light on the increasing cumulative effects of wind turbines on protected birds of prey and vultures in the Thrace region of Greece. More here >
Written by: VCF,  (27 Jun 2023)
 
 
New wave of bird flu rips through threatened gull and tern colonies   (News)
At least 10,000 Black-headed Gulls, 4% of the total UK population, are feared to have died since the end of March. Hundreds of Common Terns have also died, with signs of severe losses for this species still to come. More here >
Written by: BTO (27 Jun 2023)
 
 
National Lottery pledges towards an ambitious £8m nature partnership   (News)
Urgent action to save Wales's most vulnerable wildlife, including the High Brown Fritillary, is set to get underway this summer, thanks to the players of the National Lottery. More here >
Written by:  (27 Jun 2023)
 
 
Scientists discover why Cuckoos' clocks can't adjust to climate change   (Research)
Spring is arriving earlier each year but Cuckoos are unable to shift the timings of their annual migration in response. More here >
Written by: BTO (22 Jun 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 13 - 19 Jun 2023   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's birds birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic, and this week it was finds in Cambridgeshire making the headlines. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (20 Jun 2023)
 
 
Bee-eaters make historic return to Norfolk breeding site   (News)
Eight birds, including a nesting pair, have been spotted again in a sand quarry near Cromer - the first time the summer visitors have returned to the same breeding site in the UK in consecutive years. More here >
Written by: RBA (20 Jun 2023)
 
 
Bearded Vulture dies after colliding with wind turbine in the Netherlands   (News)
This is only the second documented case of a Bearded Vulture being killed by a wind turbine in Europe. More here >
Written by:  (20 Jun 2023)
 
 
Europe's landfill closures may threaten Egyptian Vultures   (Research)
If urban landfills disappear under the new European regulation, some endangered birds such as the Egyptian Vulture will need alternatives to their feeding patterns in order to survive in the future. More here >
Written by:  (20 Jun 2023)
 
 
Lead contamination may mean fewer mockingbirds   (Research)
A new study finds that lead contamination in cities isn't just a risk for children. It could also mean fewer hatchlings for mockingbirds. More here >
Written by:  (20 Jun 2023)
 
 
Urban Great Tits less stressed than their countryside cousins   (Research)
Researchers at Lund University have discovered that Great Tits in urban environments have lower levels of stress hormones than their cousins who live in the forest. More here >
Written by:  (20 Jun 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 6 - 12 Jun 2023   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's birds birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (13 Jun 2023)
 
 
Strawberry growing threatens Europe's most important wetland   (News)
Satellite images show that Spain is in danger of drying out one of the main wetlands in Europe. More here >
Written by:  (13 Jun 2023)
 
 
Cuckoos are tagged and ready to go   (News)
The BTO has fitted 10 more Cuckoos with state-of-the-art satellite tags, allowing scientists and the general public to track their annual migration to central Africa and back. More here >
Written by: BTO (13 Jun 2023)
 
 
Police seeking man following Red Kite death   (News)
Police Scotland are trying to trace a man who found a Red Kite near Closeburn in Dumfries and Galloway. More here >
Written by:  (13 Jun 2023)
 
 
Osprey euthanised following shot gun injuries   (Wildlife crime)
The RSPCA has euthanised an Osprey after it was found shot and injured near Washington, Tyne and Wear on 26th May. More here >
Written by:  (13 Jun 2023)
 
 
WWT awarded £21 million to restore coastal saltmarsh in UK   (Conservation News)
WWT has teamed up with Aviva, the savings and insurance business, on a ground-breaking project to restore saltmarshes in the UK - unlocking the superpowers of wetlands. More here >
Written by: WWT (13 Jun 2023)
 
 
Man charged in relation to Goshawk deaths   (Wildlife crime)
Francis Addison, 72, from South Park, Weeting, has been charged with multiple offences relating to wildlife crime as well as firearms offences. More here >
Written by:  (08 Jun 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 30 May - 5 Jun 2023   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's birds birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (06 Jun 2023)
 
 
Black-winged Stilts breed in Lincolnshire for the first time   (Conservation News)
The RSPB has announced that a pair of Black-winged Stilts have hatched four young at their Frampton Marsh nature reserve in Lincolnshire, the first recorded breeding of the species in the county. More here >
Written by:  (06 Jun 2023)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Turkestan Shrike, West Rise Marsh, East Sussex   (Finders account)
David Thorns describes finding a Turkestan Shrike at West Rise Marsh in East Sussex, a first for the county. More here >
Written by: David Thorns,  (06 Jun 2023)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Song Sparrow, Bardsey, Gwynedd, May 2023   (Finders account)
Assistant bird observatory warden Ed Betteridge, finds a Song Sparrow on Bardsey, the second record for Wales and the famous island. More here >
Written by: Ed Betteridge,  (06 Jun 2023)
 
 
More Hen Harriers disappear in suspicious circumstances   (Wildlife crime)
Two Hen Harriers have vanished in suspicious circumstances in just two weeks within the Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and nearby North Yorkshire. More here >
Written by: RSPB (06 Jun 2023)
 
 
Competition opens to find the UK's most knowledgeable young birders   (News)
Applications are now open for this year's Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder competition, held at Spurn MigFest in East Yorkshire from 8-10 September. More here >
Written by: BTO (06 Jun 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 23 - 29 May 2023   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's birds birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (30 May 2023)
 
 
Gulls decide what to eat by watching people   (Research)
New research has show that Herring Gulls chose what food to scavenge by looking at what humans nearby were eating. More here >
Written by:  (30 May 2023)
 
 
How forest fragmentation affects birds depends on their wings   (Research)
Researchers have shown that the extent to which bird wings are designed for crossing gaps is an important factor affecting their ability to survive habitat fragmentation. More here >
Written by:  (30 May 2023)
 
 
Returning birds are a ray of hope for UK curlew numbers   (News)
Four Curlews hand-reared from eggs by WWT staff have returned to the Severn Vale and Avon Vales and bred with wild birds, representing a ray of hope for the threatened species. More here >
Written by: WWT (30 May 2023)
 
 
Island school sets out to protect rare breeding birds on Scilly   (News)
Pupils at the St Martin's Base of Five Islands Academy, Isles of Scilly, have set out to adopt and protect nests of a rare breeding shorebird on the island. More here >
Written by:  (26 May 2023)
 
 
Nightjar numbers hit record high on RSPB reserves   (Conservation News)
A total of 198 territorial male Nightjars were recorded during surveys last year, up from 178 in 2021. More here >
Written by: RSPB (25 May 2023)
 
 
Signs of hope for two threatened farmland songbirds   (Conservation News)
A major new report reports increases in Skylark and Corn Buntings whilst other species including Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow, Grey Partridge and Turtle Dove continue to decline. More here >
Written by: BTO (25 May 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 16 - 22 May 2023   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's birds birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (23 May 2023)
 
 
RSPB Scotland hails consultation on ending commercial sandeel fishing in Scottish waters   (Conservation News)
The removal of sandeels, small oily fish, from Scottish waters - almost exclusively by EU trawlers - has been an issue for decade. More here >
Written by:  (23 May 2023)
 
 
Cities have a role to play in bird conservation   (News)
Cities provide important connections to nature as well as habitat for many species, according to new research. More here >
Written by:  (23 May 2023)
 
 
Report: Butterflies across the EU are in decline   (News)
The diagnosis sounds worrying: More than 80% of habitats in the EU are currently considered vulnerable. More here >
Written by:  (23 May 2023)
 
 
Welsh parliament votes to ban snares   (News)
Leading animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports has praised politicians in Wales following a crucial vote on snaring. More here >
Written by:  (23 May 2023)
 
 
Northern Irish police appeal for information as two White-tailed Eagles found dead   (Wildlife crime)
The birds found near Ballymena had no obvious signs of injury and suspicions have been raised given the unlikely position where they were found. More here >
Written by:  (23 May 2023)
 
 
Dumfries-shire man avoids prison term for 'serious' bird poisoning   (Wildlife crime)
Barry Nicolle pleaded guilty to 14 charges relating to the poisoning of Red Kites with banned pesticides, and placing poisonous baits out in the countryside. More here >
Written by:  (23 May 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 9 - 15 May 2023   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's birds birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (16 May 2023)
 
 
Book of the Week: Birds in Pictures (Mini version)   (News)
RBA subscribers can get this title from WildSounds and Books for the special price of just £7.99, quote RBABOTW. More here >
Written by: WildSounds & Books,  (16 May 2023)
 
 
Controversial Wash barrage plans would be 'catastrophic' for nature   (Conservation News)
Scientists and conservation organisations have hit back at claims made this week by the developer of a proposed tidal barrage across The Wash which experts say would cause 'catastrophic damage' to nature. More here >
Written by: RSPB (16 May 2023)
 
 
Intensive agriculture found to be the main pressure behind most bird population declines   (Conservation News)
Numbers of European farmland bird species found to have more than halved between 1980 and 2016 with pesticides and fertiliser use being found to drive the decline. More here >
Written by: RSPB (16 May 2023)
 
 
Avian Influenza as disease killing thousands of inland gulls   (News)
Avian Influenza is killing large numbers of Black-headed Gulls at inland and coastal breeding colonies, prompting fears among scientists that a new wave of the disease could be building. More here >
Written by: BTO (16 May 2023)
 
 
Scientists track the epic flight of fledged albatross   (Research)
26 young black-browed albatrosses fitted with satellite transmitters on Bird Island in South Georgia are now being tracked in near real-time. More here >
Written by: British Antarctic Survey,  (16 May 2023)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 2 - 8 May 2023   (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 (09 May 2023)
 
 
Study reveals excessive lead levels in raw dog food with pheasant   (Research)
A staggering 77% of raw dog food with pheasant has excessive levels of lead - posing significant risks to our pets, the latest study has confirmed. More here >
Written by:  (09 May 2023)
 
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