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
 
 
How hunting hawks home in on prey inside a chaotic swarm   (Research)
A new study shows how hunting hawks solve the problem of intercepting a single bat within a dense swarm. More here >
Written by: RBA (30 Aug 2022)
 
 
18 years of tracking birds in small Nigerian forest - what we found and why it matters   (Conservation News)
In West Africa, there's virtually no systematic monitoring of bird population trends. But this is changing. More here >
Written by: RBA (30 Aug 2022)
 
 
New approach to poultry farming needed following devastating avian flu pandemic   (Conservation News)
The current outbreak is thought to be the worst ever in the UK and has been particularly damaging for our internationally-important seabird colonies. More here >
Written by: RBA (30 Aug 2022)
 
 
Government intends to ban peat sales by 2024   (News)
The UK Government has announced its intention to ban the sale of peat to amateur gardeners by 2024 but it's not clear how far the ban will extend. More here >
Written by: RBA (30 Aug 2022)
 
 
Mark Thomas becomes latest BOURC member   (News)
The BOU has announced that Mark Thomas has joing the British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee replacing Andy Stoddart. More here >
Written by: RBA (30 Aug 2022)
 
 
Mull White-tailed Eagle chick dead from bird flu   (Conservation News)
Concerns are growing over the impact highly pathogenic avian influenza HPAI, also known as bird flu, might have on Scotland's iconic White-tailed Eagle population. More here >
Written by: RBA (25 Aug 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 16 - 22 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. Headlines this week included Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Greater Sand Plover. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (23 Aug 2022)
 
 
Ospreys breed in Yorkshire for first time in over 200 years   (Conservation News)
A pair of Ospreys have produced two chicks at Bolton Castle Estate in Yorkshire - the first time the species have successfully bred in the county since records began in 1800. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Aug 2022)
 
 
Boxing clever: the simple conservation strategy saving threatened Roseate Terns   (Conservation News)
The use of next boxes on Rockabill Island off the Dublin coast has proved a simple, yet highly effective, conservation tool. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Aug 2022)
 
 
Over 150 vultures deliberately poisoned to death in South Africa and Botswana   (Wildlife crime)
The vulture poisoning crisis continues in Africa. Last week more than 150 vultures were seemingly targeted and poisoned in two separate incidents. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Aug 2022)
 
 
Sir David Attenborough to present major new series on UK wildlife   (News)
Wild Isles (working title) is a major new five part natural history series from Silverback Films for BBC One and iPlayer. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Aug 2022)
 
 
Laws that protect England's amazing wild spaces under threat   (Conservation News)
The RSPB is warning that vital laws that protect nature in England will be under threat in Autumn when the new Prime Minister assumes office. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Aug 2022)
 
 
Hen Harriers take flight with crowdfunded tags   (Conservation News)
Two wildlife conservation charities have partnered up to learn more about one of the UK’s rarest birds of prey, with the support of a public crowdfunder appeal. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Aug 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 9 - 15 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic which this week included an influx of Aquatic Warblers and an Irish first. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (16 Aug 2022)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Scopoli's Shearwater, Co.Cork - an Irish first   (Finders account)
Paul Connaughton of Shearwater Wildlife Tours describes the first record of Scopoli's Shearwater off the coast of Ireland. More here >
Written by: Paul Connaughton,  (16 Aug 2022)
 
 
Thousands of Scotland's seabirds set to die in fishing nets   (Conservation News)
RSPB Scotland are urging the Scottish Government to take vital action to protect vulnerable seabirds from being caught and killed by fishing gear. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Aug 2022)
 
 
Are animal migrations social?   (Research)
New research suggests that social interactions and social learning during migration are likely more widespread than previously thought. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Aug 2022)
 
 
Bird behaviour influenced by human activity during COVID-19 lockdowns   (Research)
A new study has shown that many birds took advantage of COVID-19 lockdowns and used areas where the human footprint was lighter. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Aug 2022)
 
 
Record summer for 'hummingbirds' in UK gardens   (News)
Data from the BTO shows a 4x increase in the number of gardens recording a Hummingbird Hawkmoth, making 2022 a record year. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Aug 2022)
 
 
RSPB calls for immediate moratorium on release of gamebirds in UK countryside   (News)
Risk of worsening the current avian influenza outbreak means precautionary approach now necessary for 2022 shooting season. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 Aug 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 2 - 8 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last week across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic, which this week included a first for Britain. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (09 Aug 2022)
 
 
Mark Avery's Book Review: Land Healer   (Book review)
Following the farming year and the natural cycle of the seasons, Land Healer chronicles a life of conservation lived at the edges, and is a manifesto for rethinking our relationship with the natural world before it's too late. More here >
Written by:  (09 Aug 2022)
 
 
New hope for world's most endangered sea mammal   (News)
Projections previously indicated that the Vaquita could be extinct by now but there is new hope for the species. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 Aug 2022)
 
 
How climate change will restructure the world's bird communities   (Research)
A new study has investigated how the communities of birds all over the world could change in the future. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 Aug 2022)
 
 
Curlews fly free on Dartmoor as part of project to save iconic species   (Conservation News)
27 Curlews set free in the Devon national park this summer join another 33 released in 2021 after eggs were collected by conservationists. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 Aug 2022)
 
 
Endangered Saiga Antelope numbers bounce back from near extinction   (News)
After dropping to just 40,000 individuals in 2005 the latest estimate puts the population at 1.32 million. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 Aug 2022)
 
 
No room for 'Ratty'   (News)
Cheshire Wildlife Trust's Sean Hawkins nature reserve will be compulsory purchased by HS2 Ltd despite objections. More here >
Written by: RBA (04 Aug 2022)
 
 
Avian influenza reaches Welsh Gannet colony   (News)
The RSPB has confirmed that the avian influenza outbreak which has been devasting British seabird colonies is killing birds on their Grassholm reserve. More here >
Written by: RBA (03 Aug 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 26 Jul - 1 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last week across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (03 Aug 2022)
 
 
Migratory Monarch Butterfly added to IUCN Endangered Red List   (News)
The butterfly known for its spectacular annual journey of up to 4,000 kilometres across the Americas. More here >
Written by: RBA (02 Aug 2022)
 
 
Cinereous Vulture fatally collides with a wind turbine   (News)
Another Cinereous Vulture has collided with a wind turbine in the Greek Rhodopes within a Natura 2000 area. More here >
Written by: RBA (02 Aug 2022)
 
 
Moths use ultrasound to defend against bats   (Research)
Some moth species emit ultrasonic signals of their own that startle bats into breaking off pursuit. More here >
Written by: RBA (02 Aug 2022)
 
 
Competition limits the ranges of mountain birds   (Research)
A new study helps reveal why tropical mountain birds occupy such narrow elevation ranges, a mystery that has puzzled scientists for centuries. More here >
Written by: RBA (02 Aug 2022)
 
 
Climate change could be making it harder for seabirds to feed   (Research)
One consequence of climate change is that large areas of our oceans are becoming cloudier. More here >
Written by: RBA (02 Aug 2022)
 
 
North West Bird Watching Festival returns to WWT Martin Mere   (Event)
The popular event, which returns this year bigger and better than ever, will be held over the weekend of Sat 15 - Sun 16 Oct at WWT Martin Mere. More here >
Written by: RBA (02 Aug 2022)
 
 
Somerset Wildlife Trust bans dogs on two nature reserves   (News)
The trust has taken the decision to restrict dogs to being allowed only on public rights of way at their Westhay Moor and Catcott nature reserves. More here >
Written by: RBA (29 Jul 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 19 - 25 Jul   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last week across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (26 Jul 2022)
 
 
This songbird can keep time with the best of them   (Research)
When it comes to keeping time, an unassuming species of songbird is on a par with professional musicians, according to new research. More here >
Written by: RBA (26 Jul 2022)
 
 
New study offers hope to endangered species troubled by neophobia   (Research)
Findings from a new study investigating how birds experience neophobia, which is the fear of new things, could play a vital role in helping to save Critically Endangered species. More here >
Written by: RBA (26 Jul 2022)
 
 
Climate patterns thousands of miles away affect US bird migration   (Research)
In a NASA-led study, scientists have linked the variability in the arrival dates of North American migratory birds to large-scale climate patterns originating thousands of miles away. More here >
Written by: RBA (26 Jul 2022)
 
 
Call for protection for important wildlife haven   (Conservation News)
Local community and wildlife organisations have come together to call for one of Ayrshire's most important wildlife sites to be protected. More here >
Written by: RSPB (26 Jul 2022)
 
 
Bee-eater chicks hatch in North Norfolk quarry   (News)
Bee-eaters in North East Norfolk have hatched chicks but the RSPB warn they are the Canaries down a coal mine when it comes to an overheating planet. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Jul 2022)
 
 
RSPB Wales ask public to stop feeding garden birds   (News)
The call comes after a serious outbreak of the disease Trichomonosis in the Meirionnydd area of North Wales. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Jul 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 12 - 18 Jul   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last week across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (19 Jul 2022)
 
 
Butterflies, heatwaves, and drought   (News)
What effects will the current record-breaking heatwave have on Britain's butterflies?. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Jul 2022)
 
 
US University allowed to continue brain experiments on Barn Owls   (News)
A US researcher can continue medical experiments on barn owls after a lengthy battle with Peta over animal cruelty and permit complaints. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Jul 2022)
 
 
Star speakers announced for 2022 Spurn Migfest   (News)
Top ornithologists Martin Collinson and Alex Lees will give the headline talks at this year's Spurn Migfest, taking place at East Yorkshire's Spurn Bird Observatory between 9 and 11 Sept. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Jul 2022)
 
 
Butterfly scientists call on public for help   (News)
Butterfly Conservation are today urging the whole nation to help Britain's butterflies by taking part in the Big Butterfly Count. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Jul 2022)
 
 
UK first - Bison are released in Kent woodland   (News)
A pioneering conservation project reached a historic milestone as European bison were released into an ancient woodland in Kent. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Jul 2022)
 
 
Nearly 200 landwatches taking place for National Whale and Dolphin Watch!   (Press report)
Over 192 landwatches scheduled across the UK in preparation for the biggest National Whale and Dolphin Watch yet. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Jul 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 5 - 11 Jul   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last week across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (14 Jul 2022)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Turkestan Shrike Bempton, East Yorkshire   (Finders account)
Whilst stopping to check the latest news on the RBA birdnews app, Trevor Charlton noticed a bird land on a fence at RSPB Bempton. More here >
Written by: Trevor Charlton,  (12 Jul 2022)
 
 
Swans sacrifice rest to squabble   (Research)
Scientists studied the behaviour of mute and whooper swans to see how they used their time and energy. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Jul 2022)
 
 
Rebound for bird on brink of extinction   (Conservation News)
Plains Wanderer is ranked the No. 1 priority for conservation action among birds of the world by the Zoological Society of London. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Jul 2022)
 
 
Internationally protected Coul Links once again under threat from golf course   (News)
A coalition of seven environmental organisations has expressed concern over new plans for a golf course at Coul Links in East Sutherland. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Jul 2022)
 
 
Small charity takes out big bold loan to boost nature in Wales   (News)
A small charity with big plans for nature's recovery is launching an appeal to help breathe new life into Pentwyn – an upland in the Welsh Marches. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Jul 2022)
 
 
Rising temperatures implicated in decline of the Willow Warbler   (Research)
Evidence is building to suggest the population in southern Britain is a casualty of recent anthropogenic climate change. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Jul 2022)
 
 
British List: Long-legged Buzzard added to the British List   (British List)
The British list has hit 630 with the latest addition - a Long-legged Buzzard present on Shetland in September 2019. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Jul 2022)
 
 
Black2Nature - Camps For Inner-City Young People   (News)
Black2Nature campaign for equal access to nature for all but concentrate on Visible Minority Ethnic and have launched an urgent fundraiser to help them to continue their work. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Jul 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 28 Jun - 4 Jul   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from the last seven days across Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (05 Jul 2022)
 
 
Farmers help save Curlews in Severn and Avon Vale meadows   (Conservation News)
Farmers have joined forces with conservationists from the WWT to help save the curlew - one of the UK's rarest wading birds - as part of the new Flourishing Floodplains project. More here >
Written by: RBA (05 Jul 2022)
 
 
Record number of sightings of threatened butterfly species in Kent   (News)
Successful conservation projects in Kent have resulted in a record level of sightings of the Duke of Burgundy, a threatened butterfly species. More here >
Written by: RBA (05 Jul 2022)
 
 
4.2million lifeline for Scotland's most vulnerable species   (News)
Threatened species in Scotland have received a £4.2m lifeline from The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). More here >
Written by: RBA (05 Jul 2022)
 
 
Redshank, Curlew and Lapwing numbers down nearly 50% in 25 years   (Conservation News)
The latest BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) report provides a stark warning for our breeding waders. More here >
Written by: RBA (04 Jul 2022)
 
 
UK's only Roseate Tern breeding colony hit with Avian Influenza   (Conservation News)
Coquet Island off Northumberland is home to an estimated 160 pairs and thousands of other seabirds. More here >
Written by: RBA (04 Jul 2022)
 
 
The Rare Breeding Birds Panel appeal for old records   (News)
The Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP) are calling for birders to submit old records which will help them fill in gaps in their data. More here >
Written by: RBA (04 Jul 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 21 - 27 Jun 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the week's best birds which included Turkestan Shrike, Moltoni's Warbler and White-throated Sparrow. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (28 Jun 2022)
 
 
Hummingbirds more colourful than all other bird species - combined   (Research)
The range of colours in the plumage of hummingbirds exceeds the colour diversity of all other bird species in total. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Jun 2022)
 
 
Albatross populations are declining due to invasive mouse species   (Research)
New research published shows long-lived albatross species may suffer greater impacts from predation than was previously thought. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Jun 2022)
 
 
Protected areas in Africa are too small to safeguard rapidly declining vulture populations   (Research)
Analysis of movement data of three species of Gyps vultures across Africa showed that their home ranges can significantly exceed existing protected areas. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Jun 2022)
 
 
Infrastructure, hunting and climate change linked to huge migratory bird declines   (Research)
UEA researchers have revealed population declines are greatest among species that migrate to areas with more human infrastructure, as well as higher population densities and hunting levels. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Jun 2022)
 
 
Scottish nature reserves to close to protect seabirds   (Conservation News)
Isle of May and Noss National Nature Reserves (NNRs) will be closed to public landings from 1 July to help protect vulnerable seabird populations from avian influenza. More here >
Written by: RBA (27 Jun 2022)
 
 
Sweet Briar Marshes: Record £600k raised to create urban nature reserve   (Conservation News)
Norfolk Wildlife Trust successfully raises the money in partnership with Aviva to protect rare wildlife and connect the City's residents to nature. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Jun 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 14 - 20 Jun 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
A sweltering (for some) mid-summer week delivered a Pacific Swift on Shetland, breeding Bee-eaters in Norfolk and a Black-browed Albatross off Unst More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (21 Jun 2022)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Pacific Swift, Sumburgh, Shetland   (Finders account)
Whilst stopping for coffee and cake with his photography group, Andy Howard finds Shetland's first Pacific Swift at Sumburgh Head. More here >
Written by: Andy Howard,  (20 Jun 2022)
 
 
Bearded Vulture returns to the Netherlands - a first for the species   (Conservation News)
Even though wandering is normal for young individuals of this species, there are no other records of a Bearded Vulture making such a journey to northwestern Europe twice. More here >
Written by: RBA (20 Jun 2022)
 
 
Turtle Dove numbers slump to new low   (Conservation News)
The Turtle Dove is the fastest-declining UK species, with numbers falling by 98% since the 1970s with just 2,100 breeding pairs left. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Jun 2022)
 
 
British List: Zino's Petrel added to the British List   (British List)
The British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee (BOURC) has accepted Zino's Petrel to Category A of the British List. More here >
Written by: RBA (17 Jun 2022)
 
 
Norfolk quarry hosts breeding Bee-eaters   (News)
Up to six birds are breeding in a quarry in the north east Norfolk Village of Trimingham, the first time the species has bred in the county. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Jun 2022)
 
 
Spurn Bird Observatory launches the Spurn Research Day   (Event)
The Research Day will present scientific research undertaken at Spurn and the surrounding areas in a casual and engaging way. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Jun 2022)
 
 
Raptor Persecution: Goshawk found shot in Forest of Dean   (Wildlife crime)
The body of a Sparrowhawk was also found with the Goshawk, next to a bus stop just south of Aylburton on 25 April. More here >
Written by: RBA (15 Jun 2022)
 
 
Black-winged Stilts breed in Yorkshire for first time   (Conservation News)
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has announced that Black-winged Stilts have bred in the county for the first time, at their Potteric Carr Nature Reserve. More here >
Written by: RBA (15 Jun 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 7 - 13 Jun 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
The past week was a pretty quiet one. To be expected at this point in the year, of course, as we catch our breath moving from spring into the dog days of summer. Jon Dunn reports... More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (14 Jun 2022)
 
 
Cuckoo class of 2022 joins the race south   (Conservation News)
The British Trust for Ornithology has satellite-tagged seven new Cuckoos as part of their ongoing research in the migration of the species between Africa and the British Isles. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Jun 2022)
 
 
Government breaks promise on post-brexit nature-friendly farming_policy   (News)
The Wildlife Trusts have condemned a Government u-turn following the publication of its National Food Strategy. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Jun 2022)
 
 
WWT joins politicians to bring an end to toxic lead pollution   (News)
WWT has joined forces with a new cross-party group of parliamentarians and Wildlife and Countryside Link on the toxic impact of lead ammunition pollution. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Jun 2022)
 
 
Farewell to PJ the super Cuckoo   (News)
After covering 60,000 miles the 7-year satellite-tagged old Cuckoo named PJ has died leaving behind a wealth of information about the species' migratory routes. More here >
Written by:  (10 Jun 2022)
 
 
Beach babes: protecting Scilly's secret shorebirds   (Conservation News)
The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust is appealing for help from the public in protecting pairs of nesting ringed plovers on several beaches around the archipelago. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 Jun 2022)
 
 
Concern grows as bird flu kills seabirds in large numbers   (News)
Over the past few weeks, large numbers of dead and dying seabirds have been seen across the UK with Shetland appearing to be the most heavily affected. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 Jun 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 31 May - 6 Jun 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
For many the highlight of the week was the continued presence of the Eleonora's Falcon in Kent whilst off Fair Isle a much sought-after mega didn't read the 'stay put' script, Jon Dunn reports... More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (07 Jun 2022)
 
 
Will invasive songbird change Britain's dawn chorus?   (Research)
Recent records of the Red-billed Leiothrix suggests that the establishment of the species may already be underway. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Jun 2022)
 
 
A parrot as a pet is like a toddler who never grows up   (Research)
Parrots are some of the most heavily trafficked animals on earth and most are very unsuitable as pets. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Jun 2022)
 
 
Researchers show that dynamic soaring isn't just for albatrosses   (Research)
A new study shows how small seabirds have mastered the art of working smarter, not harder, when soaring at sea. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Jun 2022)
 
 
Lost or extinct? Existence of more than 500 animal species remains uncertain   (Research)
An international study provides the first global evaluation of all terrestrial vertebrate species that have not been declared extinct. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Jun 2022)
 
 
Wild animals are evolving faster than previously thought   (Research)
Researchers studying 19 populations of birds and mammals found they were evolving at twice to four times the speed suggested by earlier work. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Jun 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 24 - 30 May 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the final week of May which delivered a mega that many birders have been anticipating for years. More here >
Written by:  (31 May 2022)
 
 
Massive blow to Cypriot Griffon Vulture population   (Wildlife crime)
Three vultures have been found dead on the island including an adult which may have been poisoned and two chicks in a nest. More here >
Written by: RBA (31 May 2022)
 
 
Hummingbirds may struggle to go any further uphill   (Research)
A new study suggests hummingbirds will struggle to survive as climate change forces them to find more 'comfortable' conditions. More here >
Written by: RBA (31 May 2022)
 
 
WWT Steart Marshes becomes part of England's largest super National Nature Reserve   (Conservation News)
England's second sNNR has been declared in Somerset by Natural England on the 70th anniversary of the creation of national nature reserves. More here >
Written by: RBA (31 May 2022)
 
 
Moth motorways could help resist climate change impact   (News)
Moths struggling to move north to adapt to climate change in the UK could be assisted by pinpointing areas where habitat restoration can give them a smoother journey. More here >
Written by: RBA (31 May 2022)
 
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