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
 
 
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)
 
 
Search begins for the Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder   (News)
The BTO and the Spurn Bird Observatory Trust are once again on the lookout for the UK’s best young birders. More here >
Written by: RBA (31 May 2022)
 
 
Spurn Migration Festival tickets on sale now   (Event)
Tickets are now on sale for this year's Spurn Migration Festival, a weekend of walks and talks at one of Britain's most exciting bird migration hotspots. More here >
Written by: BTO (25 May 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 17 - 23 May 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on a good late May week for birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Pal. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (24 May 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 10 - 16 May 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (17 May 2022)
 
 
70 Hen Harriers confirmed 'missing' or illegally killed since 2018   (Wildlife crime)
The shocking milestone was reached as two more satellite-tagged harriers ‘disappear’ in suspicious circumstances from a National Trust-owned grouse moor in the Peak District National Park. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 May 2022)
 
 
Additions to natural history collections declining   (Research)
Authors of a new study suggest that it is vital to maintain collecting efforts in order to address future unforeseen ecological issues. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 May 2022)
 
 
Magpies sing less, sing later and are less motivated   (Research)
Just like humans, after a poor night's sleep the birds shifted their normal singing from twilight to midday, have a reduced song bandwidth and struggle with cognitive tasks. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 May 2022)
 
 
Natural recolonisation: Bearded Vulture pair attempts to breed in La Rioja   (News)
The pair laid a clutch in the wild - the first time in over 70 years and only the second record of natural recolonisation away from the Pyrenees. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 May 2022)
 
 
National Highways and The Wildlife Trusts announce £6 million fund to boost biodiversity   (News)
The projects will help create, restore and connect places for wildflowers, trees and wildlife, where the environment has been impacted by activities from previous road building. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 May 2022)
 
 
Bird populations in eastern Canada declining due to forest degradation   (Research)
Species including Blackburnian Warbler and Golden-crowned Kinglet have seen significant declines in their breeding habitat. More here >
Written by: RBA (13 May 2022)
 
 
Not all is rosy for the Pink Pigeon   (Research)
The authors of a major study on the once critically endangered pink pigeon say boosting the species' numbers is not enough to save it from extinction in the future. More here >
Written by: RBA (13 May 2022)
 
 
UK governments looking for a loophole to abandon seabird recovery   (Conservation News)
The RSPB has expressed concerns that a new UK Marine Strategy will mean UK governments are no longer accountable for seabird recovery. More here >
Written by: RBA (13 May 2022)
 
 
Stop burning the world's forests for UK energy - says RSPB   (Conservation News)
The vast majority of biomass electricity in the UK comes from burning wood pellets, mainly sourced and imported from forests in the south eastern USA. More here >
Written by: RBA (13 May 2022)
 
 
Mark Avery's Book Review: In Search of One Last Song   (Book of the Month)
This is a story about going in search of the people who are trying to save our birds, as well as confronting the enormity of what losing them would really mean. More here >
Written by:  (13 May 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 3 - 9 May 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (10 May 2022)
 
 
Urban lighting needs to consider migrating birds   (Research)
Airspace is a habitat that needs to be conserved in order to aid birds during nocturnal migrations. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 May 2022)
 
 
Global bird populations steadily declining   (Research)
A new study has concluded that staggering declines in bird populations are taking place around the world. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 May 2022)
 
 
New bee bus stops coming soon to a street near you   (News)
The Wildlife Trusts and Clear Channel join forces to help nature thrive in towns and cities. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 May 2022)
 
 
New Government targets could mean less wildlife for future generations   (News)
The Wildlife Trusts is warning that the landmark Environment Act will fail to protect wildlife and lead to a net decline. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 May 2022)
 
 
UK flying insects have declined by nearly 60% in less than 20 years   (News)
The findings were made during a citizen-science survey organised by Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 May 2022)
 
 
New hide opens at Scottish reserve following arson attack in 2021   (News)
The new Phoenix Hide at Loch Leven National Nature Reserve has been officially opened, rising from the ashes of the old building that was burnt down in 2021. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 May 2022)
 
 
Live camera at RSPB Scotland's Loch Garten Nature Centre provides viewers with 24/7 Goshawk footage   (Conservation News)
Visitors to RSPB Scotland's Loch Garten Nature Centre have been enjoying live footage of an active Goshawk nest within their Abernethy nature reserve. More here >
Written by: RSPB (03 May 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 26 Apr - 02 May 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP, with two top quality birds being found in the last few hours of the week. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (03 May 2022)
 
 
Dynamic rivers contributed to Amazon's rich bird diversity   (Research)
Researchers have found that as small Amazonian river systems change over time, they spur the evolution of new species. More here >
Written by: RBA (29 Apr 2022)
 
 
New app breaking down language barriers between ornithologists   (News)
Researchers have designed an app to protect birds at risk of extinction across the world by breaking down language barriers between scientists. More here >
Written by: RBA (29 Apr 2022)
 
 
Birds and bees play crucial role in better coffee   (Research)
A groundbreaking new study finds that coffee beans are bigger and more plentiful when birds and bees team up to protect and pollinate coffee plants. More here >
Written by: RBA (29 Apr 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 19 - 25 Apr 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (26 Apr 2022)
 
 
First Osprey breeding attempt in southern Britain for nearly 200 years   (Conservation News)
A pair of Ospreys has laid an egg at a secret nest site in the Poole Harbour area, making it the first nesting attempt in southern Britain in nearly 200 years. More here >
Written by: RBA (26 Apr 2022)
 
 
Brains and brawn helped crows and ravens take over the world   (Research)
The birds big bodies and brains played an important role in helping crows and ravens survive in new areas. More here >
Written by: RBA (26 Apr 2022)
 
 
Nathusius' pipistrelle bat sets new migration record with 2,400km flight   (Research)
Researchers believe the female may have migrated along the Baltic coast and could have flown more than 3000km. More here >
Written by: RBA (26 Apr 2022)
 
 
Man charged with intentionally disturbing lekking Capercaille   (Wildlife crime)
The individual was spotted at dawn by surveyors at a lek site in Strathspey. More here >
Written by: RBA (26 Apr 2022)
 
 
New study finds lyrebirds sample, compose and share songs   (Research)
Previously, lyrebirds and other vocal mimics were viewed as 'passive' mimics - like a recorder merely reproducing what they heard. More here >
Written by: RBA (25 Apr 2022)
 
 
Eagle thriving months after treatment at wildlife hospital   (News)
A White-tailed Eagle from the Isle of Mull is thriving on the Isle of Rum months after being rescued and treated by the Scottish SPCA. More here >
Written by: RBA (25 Apr 2022)
 
 
UK Curlew numbers falling in winter too   (Research)
While wintering numbers increased during the 1980s and 1990s they have been in decline since then. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Apr 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 12 - 18 Apr 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (19 Apr 2022)
 
 
The shape of things to come: Tropical birds are changing because of us   (Research)
A new study has shown that human activity on Hainan has led to biotic homogenization in birds, with communities and species becoming increasingly similar. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Apr 2022)
 
 
Green eggs and scam: Cuckoo finch's long con may be up   (Research)
New research suggests the tables may be turning in this evolutionary scam as species evolve more elaborate eggs to filter out fakes. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Apr 2022)
 
 
Captive-bred Egyptian Vulture forms a pair in the wild: a first for Europe   (Conservation News)
For the first time in Europe, a captive-bred Egyptian Vulture released in Italy has formed a pair in the wild. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Apr 2022)
 
 
Birdwatch Ireland appoints first woman Chief Executive   (News)
Linda Lennon is the first woman to take on the role with Ireland's largest conservation charity. More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Apr 2022)
 
 
Common Swifts use daily torpor to save energy during breeding season   (Research)
Researchers have found that swifts save energy during cool nights in Europe during the breeding season. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Apr 2022)
 
 
MSP calls for White-tailed Eagles to be culled   (News)
Scottish National Party MP and crofter Angus MacNeil has called for Scottish White-tailed Eagles to be culled. More here >
Written by: RBA (13 Apr 2022)
 
 
Spanish energy giant sued as power lines kill 100s of birds   (News)
Prosecutors said 255 birds died in the Osona region north of Barcelona between 2018 and 2020, including protected species such as white storks, griffon vultures, and short-toed eagles. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Apr 2022)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 5 - 11 Apr 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (12 Apr 2022)
 
 
The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2022 Results   (News)
The results of the annual mass birding participation event are in with almost 700,000 people taking part. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Apr 2022)
 
 
Collision hotspots for migrating birds revealed in new study   (Research)
New research highlights the areas in Europe and North Africa where the construction of wind turbines or power lines is likely to increase the risk of death for migrating birds. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Apr 2022)
 
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