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.
 
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RBA Daily News Summaries - Daily summaries of the news on an easy to use, searchable page
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 11 - 17 May 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
With bands of rain borne of largely unhelpful winds, spring migration seemed to come to something of a juddering halt this week, as always though, there were exceptions to that rule. More here >
Written by:  (18 May 2021)
 
 
Mark Avery's Book Review: Wild Winter   (Book review)
In his winter journey through the mountains and bothies of the Highlands, the author finds adventure, humour and a deep sense of connection with this wild land. More here >
Written by:  (18 May 2021)
 
 
A wind farm in Navarre is killing one vulture every three days   (Research)
In just eight months pf operation the 32 turbine windfarm in Navarre, Spain, has killed at least 100 vultures. More here >
Written by:  (18 May 2021)
 
 
Noise pollution reduces the reproductive success of the House Sparrow   (Conservation News)
Researchers studied how noise pollution from the Moors and Christians festivities affects the reproduction of the House Sparrow. More here >
Written by:  (18 May 2021)
 
 
eBird passes one billion bird observations   (News)
The milestone was reached when an Australasian Swamphen was reported by Heidi Krajewski during Global Big Day 2021. More here >
Written by:  (18 May 2021)
 
 
Moth numbers decline by 46 percent in Scotland    (Conservation News)
The latest Scottish Biodiversity Indicator shows that moth abundance has almost halved, falling 46% between 1990 and 2018. More here >
Written by:  (14 May 2021)
 
 
Suspended sentence for egg collector despite previous conviction   (Wildlife crime)
Terrance Potter was found with a collection of almost 200 eggs including Golden Plover and Curlew. More here >
Written by:  (14 May 2021)
 
 
A tale of two warblers   (Research)
The latest BTO/RSPB/JNCC Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) report shows the very different fortunes in England for two almost identical warblers. More here >
Written by:  (14 May 2021)
 
 
Suspect identified after three Bearded Vultures killed in Andalusia   (Wildlife crime)
One wild-hatched and two reintroduced Bearded Vultures recently lost their lives due to a poisoning incident in Granada, Andalusia. More here >
Written by:  (14 May 2021)
 
 
Saker Falcon breeds again in Bulgaria   (Conservation News)
In Bulgaria, the Saker Falcon, considered extinct as a breeding species since the early 2000s, was recovered in 2018. More here >
Written by:  (14 May 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 4 - 10 May 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
A spring week that had all the thrills and spills we could possibly have hoped for. Big passerines from east and west, a tasty shorebird or two, yes - spring had definitely sprung with a vengeance. More here >
Written by:  (11 May 2021)
 
 
Biden administration moves closer to reinstating Migratory Bird Protections   (Conservation News)
The Biden administration has begun a new rulemaking process to formally withdraw the Trump administration's rule removing incidental protections from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. More here >
Written by:  (11 May 2021)
 
 
Peregrine believed to be poisoned again at notorious Shropshire blackspot   (Wildlife crime)
West Mercia Police are appealing for information after a female Peregrine was found dead at Clee Hill Quarry in Shropshire. More here >
Written by:  (11 May 2021)
 
 
UK's bright urban lights attract migrant birds   (Research)
The calling rates of migrating Blackbirds, Song Thrushes and Redwings were significantly higher over brightly lit urban areas. More here >
Written by:  (11 May 2021)
 
 
Corncrakes return to Rathlin after decades-long absence   (Conservation News)
Four calling male Corncrakes have been recorded on Rathlin Island for first time since the late 70s / early 80s. More here >
Written by:  (11 May 2021)
 
 
Male Hoopoes provide extra nourishment to mates who paint their eggs well   (Research)
Females 'paint' their eggs, using her beak to pull an oily substance from a gland located beneath the base of her tail. More here >
Written by:  (11 May 2021)
 
 
Great Reed Warblers fly high over Sahara and Mediterranean   (Research)
By using tiny data loggers researchers discovered that some birds flew as high as 6,000 metres on their migration to and from Africa. More here >
Written by:  (11 May 2021)
 
 
Spurn Migration Festival is back   (News)
After a year off due to the Covid Pandemic, the dates have been announced for the Spurn Migration Festival 2021. Between 10-12 Sept the magic of migration will be live from Kilnsea. More here >
Written by:  (11 May 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 27 Apr - 3 May 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:  (04 May 2021)
 
 
RSPCA rescuer swims to save Buzzard trapped in fishing line   (News)
An RSPCA rescuer swam out into a lake to save a buzzard tangled in a discarded fishing line and released it back to the wild hours later. More here >
Written by:  (04 May 2021)
 
 
Welsh Osprey nest rebuilt after chainsaw attack   (Conservation News)
North Wales Wildlife Trust has rebuilt an Osprey nesting platform after criminals using a chainsaw felled the platform at Llyn Brenig, south-west of Denbigh. More here >
Written by:  (04 May 2021)
 
 
Spanish Cinereous Vulture, reintroduced in Bulgaria, probably shot in Hungary   (Wildlife crime)
The bird's satellite tag was found in Hortobagy National Park and it is believed to be the latest victim of illegal vulture killing in Europe. More here >
Written by:  (04 May 2021)
 
 
Cranes found nesting in Ireland   (Conservation News)
Found nesting on a rewetted bog in the midlands of Ireland, if the pair are successful it will be the first time they will have bred in Ireland in 300 years. More here >
Written by:  (04 May 2021)
 
 
Mark Avery's Book Review: Beak, Tooth and Claw   (Book review)
Mark reviews the latest title by Mary Colwell and its safe to say, that come December, this will not make Mark's top ten books of 2021. More here >
Written by:  (04 May 2021)
 
 
Vandal fells Osprey platform with chainsaw   (Wildlife crime)
This platform in North Wales has been used by up to three Ospreys this year with a pair looking like they might breed there for the first time. More here >
Written by:  (01 May 2021)
 
 
Listen for a quirky alternative this International Dawn Chorus Day   (News)
From the song of warblers to the pee-wit of lapwings, WWT are urging people to get out into local wetlands and listen to the unusual and often outlandish sounds of wetland birds. More here >
Written by:  (01 May 2021)
 
 
First confirmed death of adult Tristan Albatross due to house mice   (Conservation News)
The female was sitting on a nest with her chick beneath her and died from the wounds inflicted by the rodents. More here >
Written by:  (01 May 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 20 - 26 Apr 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:  (28 Apr 2021)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Rock Thrush, April 2021   (Finders account)
Bob Flood finds a Rock Thrush on Scilly, which has now hosted six records, making it the UK hotspot for the species with a fifth of all records. More here >
Written by:  (28 Apr 2021)
 
 
Book Review: Much Ado About Mothing    (Book review)
James Lowen embarks on a year-long quest to celebrate the joy of Britain's rarest and most remarkable moths. More here >
Written by:  (27 Apr 2021)
 
 
Great Tits can change their traditions for the better   (Research)
New research reveals immigration as a powerful driver of cultural change in birds that could help them to adapt to rapidly changing environments. More here >
Written by:  (27 Apr 2021)
 
 
Artificial colonies provide hope for penguins in South Africa   (Conservation News)
With numbers plummeting and food hard to find, African Penguins face a bleak future, but BirdLife South Africa has a plan to ensure they thrive again. More here >
Written by:  (27 Apr 2021)
 
 
Owls harmed by post-fire logging, not fire   (Research)
For years, different groups of scientists assumed forest fires are a threat to the imperilled Spotted Owl. More here >
Written by:  (27 Apr 2021)
 
 
Nepal Poison Bait Incident Kills 69 Vultures   (Wildlife crime)
Apparently local villagers illegally used poison to kill stray dogs, and these dog carcasses were then eaten by the vultures, killing them. More here >
Written by:  (26 Apr 2021)
 
 
Record breaking Cuckoo returns to the UK   (News)
PJ the Cuckoo has returned to his forest home in Suffolk and has become a record-breaker whilst doing so. More here >
Written by:  (26 Apr 2021)
 
 
Italy to allow the shooting of up to 7.5 million Turtle Doves   (Conservation News)
The move would sanction a bag limit equivalent to the entire European Turtle Dove population, a species of high conservation concern - with sharply declining populations. More here >
Written by:  (26 Apr 2021)
 
 
Egyptian Vultures found nesting in Cape Verde   (Conservation News)
It is only the second occupied nest of this extremely endangered island population found in the country over the last five years. More here >
Written by:  (22 Apr 2021)
 
 
Raccoons and Raccoon Dogs are expected to expand their ranges in Europe   (Research)
Throughout Europe, the Raccoon is now established in 20 countries, while the Raccoon Dog inhabits as many as 33 countries. More here >
Written by:  (20 Apr 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 13 - 19 Apr 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:  (20 Apr 2021)
 
 
UK waters are home again to the Bluefin Tuna   (Research)
Their numbers appear to be increasing, following a long period of absence linked to population decline, according to research led by Cefas and the University of Exeter. More here >
Written by:  (20 Apr 2021)
 
 
Discovery of the oldest wild Egyptian Vulture   (News)
Conservationists have discovered the oldest known living Egyptian Vulture in the wild thanks to long-term monitoring efforts. More here >
Written by:  (20 Apr 2021)
 
 
At least 180 migratory land bird species trapped across Asia   (Research)
Trapping for food, the caged bird trade and other uses, together with hunting and habitat destruction, is driving widespread declines. More here >
Written by:  (20 Apr 2021)
 
 
Wintering Scaup staying away from Britain   (Conservation News)
In the past 50 years the number of wintering Scaup has fallen by 75% since its peak in the 1973/74 winter. More here >
Written by:  (20 Apr 2021)
 
 
Bird feeders have reversed Blackcaps' migration   (Research)
Wintering Blackcaps overwhelmingly originate from breeding locations across Europe, and are undertaking a highly atypical north-westward migration. More here >
Written by:  (15 Apr 2021)
 
 
Eyes to the skies for returning Hen Harriers in Scotland   (Conservation News)
Hen Harriers are the UK's most persecuted bird of prey relative to its population size and sightings help build a picture of where they are. More here >
Written by:  (15 Apr 2021)
 
 
Irish birds are faring worse than ever before   (Conservation News)
The latest review of the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland provides alarming reading, with a 46% increase in the number of Red-listed species, those of highest conservation concern. More here >
Written by:  (15 Apr 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 6 - 12 Apr 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:  (13 Apr 2021)
 
 
Ducks in the Southern U.S. have shifted northward due to climate change   (Research)
A new study shows patterns uncovered by community scientists over 50 years have repercussions for both wildlife and people. More here >
Written by:  (13 Apr 2021)
 
 
Birds learn to avoid flashy, hard-to-catch butterflies   (Research)
New research provides some of the strongest evidence to date for the idea of evasive mimicry, a strategy in which animals protect themselves from predators by matching the colors or patterns of agile relatives. More here >
Written by:  (13 Apr 2021)
 
 
Antipodean Albatross danger zones identified   (Research)
Tracking data revealed that the key tuna fishing fleets operating in the Tasman Sea and to the northeast of New Zealand are from Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, China and Spain. More here >
Written by:  (13 Apr 2021)
 
 
Birds' blood functions as heating system in winter   (Research)
Researchers in Sweden have discovered that bird blood produces more heat in winter, when it is colder, than in autumn. More here >
Written by:  (12 Apr 2021)
 
 
Pigeon shot with nail gun in Glasgow   (Wildlife crime)
The Scottish SPCA are appealing for information after a pigeon was found with a six-inch nail through its beak in Glasgow. More here >
Written by:  (12 Apr 2021)
 
 
Swarovksi expands its NL Pure range   (News)
Swarovski is launching two new binoculars in their Pure range, the 8x32 and 10x32 benefit from a field of view of up to 69 degress. More here >
Written by:  (12 Apr 2021)
 
 
Weather radars can be used to lessen hazards for migratory birds   (Research)
Researchers have discovered that just 10 nights of action are required to reduce risk to 50% of avian migrants passing over a given area in spring and autumn. More here >
Written by:  (09 Apr 2021)
 
 
One million take part in record-breaking RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch   (Conservation News)
Over the first three days of submissions alone, numbers were up 85% compared to the same time period in 2020. More here >
Written by:  (09 Apr 2021)
 
 
Veterinary drug kills Spanish vulture - first confirmed case in Europe   (Conservation News)
Conservationists call the discovery a watershed moment that proves that the drug can enter the vulture food chain, something the EU said could not happen. More here >
Written by:  (08 Apr 2021)
 
 
The Wildlife Trusts' raise almost £8 million in 6 months   (Conservation News)
Funds will buy land to provide new homes for wildlife and allow nature to thrive in increasing abundance across wilder, joined-up places. More here >
Written by:  (08 Apr 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 30 Mar - 5 Apr 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:  (06 Apr 2021)
 
 
How ethically sourced chocolate can support birds   (Research)
A study of currently farmed cacao forests, abandoned forests and natural unfarmed forest on the Caribbean island of Trinidad found that all three supported bird diversity, contrary to expectations. More here >
Written by:  (06 Apr 2021)
 
 
Pumice the key to solving seabird mass death mystery   (Research)
Researchers have used the evidence of pumice from an underwater volcanic eruption to answer a long-standing mystery about a mass death of migrating seabirds. More here >
Written by:  (06 Apr 2021)
 
 
Significant blow to the Cinereous Vulture breeding population in Turkey   (Wildlife crime)
Seven adult birds have been recently been found dead, probably poisoned, in western central Turkey. More here >
Written by:  (06 Apr 2021)
 
 
Coffee for the birds: connecting bird-watchers with shade-grown coffee   (Conservation News)
New research that surveyed birdwatchers finds that only a small percentage buy bird-friendly coffee, with awareness being one of the main constraints. More here >
Written by:  (01 Apr 2021)
 
 
New Countryside Code launched   (News)
A new, refreshed Countryside Code has been launched to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the creation of the founding booklet. More here >
Written by:  (01 Apr 2021)
 
 
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)
 
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