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
 
 
Port expansion threat to wader and wildfowl refuge   (Conservation News)
The Fraser River Delta is an internationally important refuge for wintering wildfowl and passage shorebirds. More here >
Written by:  (28 Dec 2020)
 
 
'Phantom chorus' birdsong boosts human well-being in protected areas   (Research)
Researchers investigated how much the natural sounds humans hear during their time in the great outdoors contribute to this sense of well-being. More here >
Written by:  (28 Dec 2020)
 
 
Babbler falls into climate change trap   (Research)
Chestnut-crowned Babblers responded to rising temperatures by changing their behaviour in ways that could actually reduce successful breeding. More here >
Written by:  (28 Dec 2020)
 
 
Attenborough Nature reserve purchased by Wildlife Trust   (Conservation News)
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has become the legal owners of Attenborough Nature Reserve thanks to a large grant from Biffa Award and public backing. More here >
Written by:  (28 Dec 2020)
 
 
Habitat characteristics do not affect song frequency   (Research)
A new study suggests that habitat characteristics do not affect song frequency, thereby refuting a long-standing theory. More here >
Written by:  (28 Dec 2020)
 
 
Study examines attitudes toward non-native birds   (Research)
A new study examines whether people are willing to 'manage' non-native species to protect native cavity-nesting birds. More here >
Written by:  (23 Dec 2020)
 
 
Andean Condor heads list of raptors in steep decline   (Conservation News)
Poisoned, poached, persecuted: Iconic raptors such as the Andean Condor, Secretarybird and Martial Eagle have moved to higher threat categories on the IUCN Red List. More here >
Written by:  (23 Dec 2020)
 
 
Merry Christmas from Rare Bird Alert   (News)
A Christmas message to our all subscribers, followers and supporters. More here >
Written by:  (22 Dec 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 15 - 21 Dec   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his final weekly birding roundup of 2020 ahead of a bumper double Christmas and New Year roundup in a fortnight's time. More here >
Written by:  (22 Dec 2020)
 
 
Critically Endangered lark rebounds after reintroduction success   (Conservation News)
Through a combination of reintroductions, translocations, and eradication of feral cats, the endemic Raso Lark of Cape Verde is showing signs of recovery. More here >
Written by:  (18 Dec 2020)
 
 
Monarch butterflies denied endangered species listing despite 99% decline   (Research)
After a long-awaited decision, the United States government recommends not designating the butterfly a threatened species. More here >
Written by:  (17 Dec 2020)
 
 
New research highlights impacts of Roundup weedkiller on wildlife   (Research)
Researchers found that even at approved regulatory levels, the weedkiller causes embryonic development failure, significant DNA damage, and interferes with metabolism and gut function. More here >
Written by:  (17 Dec 2020)
 
 
Worrying declines in Scotland's seabirds and upland birds   (Conservation News)
The latest State of the UK's Birds 2020 (SUKB) report this year highlights the continuing poor fortunes of Scotland's seabirds and upland wading birds. More here >
Written by:  (17 Dec 2020)
 
 
Marsh Harriers breed in Ireland for first time since 1917   (Conservation News)
Two pairs of Marsh Harrier has successfully fledged two young from nests in Co.Galway and Co.Westmeath the Irish Raptor Study Group have announced. More here >
Written by:  (17 Dec 2020)
 
 
New report reveals declines in UK's woodland birds   (Conservation News)
The distribution and numbers of birds in the UK are changing dramatically, with many species experiencing worrying declines according to a new report. More here >
Written by:  (17 Dec 2020)
 
 
Major landscape-scale nature restoration project in Kent gets 1.9 million cash boost   (Conservation News)
The funds have been awarded to a partnership led by RSPB in partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust and Canterbury City Council. More here >
Written by:  (17 Dec 2020)
 
 
Woman charged with poisoning 128 Wedge-tailed Eagles   (Wildlife crime)
Carcasses were found at her property in Violet Town in the state of Victoria after a number of dead Wedge-tailed Eagles were found in the area. More here >
Written by:  (17 Dec 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 8 - 14 Dec   (Weekly Roundup)
New headliners might have been thin on the ground but there was still some serious quality out there, from waders to wildfowl, passerines to Western Palearctic rares. More here >
Written by:  (15 Dec 2020)
 
 
WWT receives grant of 1.58million to protect and enhance Somerset coast   (Conservation News)
It is one of the first environmental projects awarded a grant from the government's £80 million allocated pot. More here >
Written by:  (15 Dec 2020)
 
 
Litte Terns have best breeding season for 25 years on Blakeney Point   (Conservation News)
Rangers counted 154 pairs of Little Terns nesting over the summer months and 201 chicks - the most since 1994. More here >
Written by:  (14 Dec 2020)
 
 
Cognitive performance of young ravens may parallel adult apes   (Research)
The findings of a new study provide evidence that ravens, similarly to great apes, may have evolved general, sophisticated cognitive skills. More here >
Written by:  (14 Dec 2020)
 
 
Burning of moorlands is the biggest threat to England's SSSIs   (Conservation News)
New analysis of Government data has revealed the threats and raises questions about Natural England's ability to monitor SSSIs. More here >
Written by:  (11 Dec 2020)
 
 
Warmer springs mean more offspring for Prothonotary Warblers   (Research)
Climate change is leading to one migratory bird species, the Prothonotary Warbler, 'taking advantage' of the heat. More here >
Written by:  (10 Dec 2020)
 
 
Competition launched to honour RSPB founder Emily Williamson   (News)
She founded the all-female Society for the Protection of Birds (later the RSPB), is to be honoured with a statue at her former home in Manchester. More here >
Written by:  (10 Dec 2020)
 
 
Wildlife Trust unveils ambitious plan to rewild Nottingham city centre   (News)
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust unveils ambitious post-Covid wildscape to replace notoriously bleak shopping mall. More here >
Written by:  (10 Dec 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 1 - 7 Dec   (Weekly Roundup)
December began this week and with it came freezing fog and snow for many, but the magnificent year for Nearctic arrivals wasn't completely done with us just yet. More here >
Written by:  (08 Dec 2020)
 
 
Spurn Bird Observatory 2021 Calendar   (News)
Spurn Bird Observatory are selling calendars with artwork from 10 artists to raise funds for a land purchase fundraiser. More here >
Written by:  (08 Dec 2020)
 
 
Biological diversity evokes human happiness   (Research)
Researchers examined for the first time whether a diverse nature also increases human well-being on a Europe-wide scale. More here >
Written by:  (08 Dec 2020)
 
 
Warbler colouration shaped by evolution via distinct paths   (Research)
Two genes that are important for the diverse colours and patterns of warbler plumage have evolved through two very different processes. More here >
Written by:  (08 Dec 2020)
 
 
RSPB questions why Orkney sites are missing from new seabird havens   (Conservation News)
Orkney is missing from the long-awaited declaration of 'Special Protection Areas' which will safeguard hundreds of thousands of seabirds. More here >
Written by:  (08 Dec 2020)
 
 
Europe's breeding birds get long-overdue stocktake   (Conservation News)
A new European Breeding Bird Atlas, a milestone for biodiversity research and nature conservation in Europe, has now been published. More here >
Written by: BTO (07 Dec 2020)
 
 
New report reveals good news for rare breeding birds   (Conservation News)
New data shows that in 2018 ten species of rare birds bred in their highest ever recorded numbers across the UK. More here >
Written by: BTO (03 Dec 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Pied-billed Grebe, Chelmarsh Reservoir, Shropshire   (Finders account)
Tom Lowe went to Chelmarsh Reservoir to look at the gull roost, but found a Pied-billed Grebe instead! More here >
Written by:  (02 Dec 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 24 - 30 Nov   (Weekly Roundup)
A Sociable Lapwing in Cornwall and a Double-crested Cormorant in County Kerry head this week's round-up, plus some high quality lingering rarities and plenty more. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (01 Dec 2020)
 
 
Spurn Bird Observatory - Exciting Land Opportunity Fundraiser   (Event)
Spurn Bird Observatory are launching a series of fundraisers to purchase a prime portion of land in the Triangle in Kilnsea. More here >
Written by: Spurn Bird Observatory (30 Nov 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Sociable Lapwing, Crows an Wra, Cornwall   (Finders account)
David Flumm describes finding a Sociable Lapwing with Lapwing and Golden Plovers whilst driving through west Cornwall. More here >
Written by:  (30 Nov 2020)
 
 
Paperclip-sized tracker reveals intrepid journey of UK's smallest seabird    (Research)
Mark Bolton, Principal Conservation Scientist at the RSPB, explains how a satellite tag the size of a paperclip gave us important new insights into the life of the European Storm-petrel. More here >
Written by: BirdLife (27 Nov 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Crag Martin, Kingsdown, Kent   (Finders account)
After a tip-off to check out a brown hirundine at Kingsdown, Nigel Jarman identifies the bird as Kent's first Crag Martin. More here >
Written by:  (26 Nov 2020)
 
 
Scotland to license grouse shooting   (Conservation News)
The Scottish government has responded to the Werrity Review and accepted one of the key recommendations - to license grouse shooting in Scotland. More here >
Written by:  (26 Nov 2020)
 
 
Huge seizure of Helmeted Hornbill casques in Indonesia   (Wildlife crime)
One trader has been arrested with 71 Helmeted Hornbill casques, 28kg of pangolin scales as well as tiger skin and bones. More here >
Written by:  (25 Nov 2020)
 
 
Migrating animals 'live fast and die young'   (Research)
Scientists studied almost 1,300 species and found migrants generally develop faster, produce offspring earlier and die younger than similar, non-migratory species. More here >
Written by:  (25 Nov 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Ruby-crowned Kinglet - a first for Britain   (First for Britain)
Bruce Taylor finds Britain's first Ruby-crowned Kinglet on Barra but it's a bittersweet moment due to the Covid lockdown. More here >
Written by:  (25 Nov 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 17 - 23 Nov   (Weekly Roundup)
Including a definite first for Britain in the shape of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-bellied Storm Petrel in Norfolk, Crag Martins at opposite ends of Britain and much more. More here >
Written by:  (24 Nov 2020)
 
 
Blue whales return to South Georgia after near extinction   (Research)
The discovery, based on analysis of 30 years' worth of sightings, is crucial evidence in learning how the species is recovering following a ban on commercial whaling in the 1960s. More here >
Written by:  (23 Nov 2020)
 
 
Can animals use iridescent colours to communicate?   (Research)
A new paper from the University of Melbourne reveals how animals use beautiful but unreliable iridescent colours as communication signals. More here >
Written by:  (23 Nov 2020)
 
 
Bruges rounds-up it's canal swans due to bird flu    (News)
The medieval Belgian city of Bruges has rounded up dozens of the Mute Swans that glide through its picturesque canals to shelter them from the spread of bird flu. More here >
Written by:  (23 Nov 2020)
 
 
Abundance of prey species is key to bird diversity in cities   (Research)
Researchers found that the abundance of invertebrates such as insects or spiders as prey is a key factor affecting bird diversity in cities. More here >
Written by:  (23 Nov 2020)
 
 
EU magistrate OKs hunting birds with glue in France   (Conservation News)
Advocate General Juliane Kokott has ruled the practice of trapping wild birds with glue is acceptable on the grounds of being of cultural significance. More here >
Written by:  (20 Nov 2020)
 
 
Young Buzzard shot and killed in Peak District National Park   (Wildlife crime)
A local resident found the Buzzard, a juvenile, which had hatched this summer. X-rays revealed a piece of shot in the chest. More here >
Written by:  (20 Nov 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: White-bellied Storm Petrel, Cley, Norfolk   (Finders account)
Richard Millington describes a seawatching mega-find off the Cley coast in North Norfolk. More here >
Written by:  (18 Nov 2020)
 
 
Blue Tits missing from our gardens following spring heatwave   (Conservation News)
It is thought that this year's spring, with the fifth-warmest April in over 100 years, meant that invertebrates got off to an early start. More here >
Written by:  (18 Nov 2020)
 
 
Extension of Scilly seabird haven to benefit 15,000 birds   (Conservation News)
The Government has announced the expansion of a protected area in the Isles of Scilly, home to some of our rarest seabirds such as the Manx Shearwater and Storm Petrel. More here >
Written by:  (18 Nov 2020)
 
 
Fishermen found to be mutilating Albatrosses   (Conservation News)
A new study has now revealed the impact that fisheries, and in particular longline fishing, is having upon these endangered birds. More here >
Written by:  (18 Nov 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 10 - 16 Nov   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his comprehensive roundup of the best from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (17 Nov 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Indigo Bunting, St.Agnes, Isles of Scilly   (Finders account)
Lou Cross describes finding Britain's third Indigo Bunting on St.Agnes on the Isles of Scilly. More here >
Written by:  (17 Nov 2020)
 
 
Songbird parents evict young for their own benefit   (Research)
If chicks suffer when they leave the nest too early, why do parents kick them out? More here >
Written by:  (17 Nov 2020)
 
 
Survey of Bearded Vulture twitchers   (Conservation News)
The Vulture Conservation Foundation wants to hear from you if you twitched the Bearded Vulture this year. More here >
Written by:  (17 Nov 2020)
 
 
Migration and moult affect how birds change their colours   (Research)
Scientists investigated how feather colour changes relate to the migrations many birds undertake twice each year. More here >
Written by:  (16 Nov 2020)
 
 
Noise and light alter bird nesting habits and success   (Research)
A new study provides the most comprehensive picture yet of how human noise and light pollution affect birds throughout North America. More here >
Written by:  (16 Nov 2020)
 
 
UK Overseas Territory becomes one of the world's biggest wildlife sanctuaries   (Conservation News)
The new Marine Protection Zone covers an area almost three times the size of the UK. More here >
Written by:  (16 Nov 2020)
 
 
Buzzard shooting caught on camera   (Wildlife crime)
A member of the public recorded the bird being shot near a nature reserve in Kent. More here >
Written by:  (16 Nov 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 3 - 9 Nov   (Weekly Roundup)
Just when it looked like things were starting to settle down, Autumn 2020 burst into life again with a glut of quality rarities, Jon Dunn reports. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (11 Nov 2020)
 
 
Variety in the migratory behaviour of Blackcaps   (Research)
Researchers studying Blackcaps fitted with geolocators have been given new insights into their migration. More here >
Written by:  (10 Nov 2020)
 
 
Species more likely to die out with rapid climate change   (Research)
An ever warmer climate could be bad news for species that depend on stable and abundant access to food at certain times of the year. More here >
Written by:  (10 Nov 2020)
 
 
Bird numbers soar at RSPB's wildlife-friendly farm   (Conservation News)
20 years of nature-friendly farming at the RSPB's Hope Farm has shown that with the right support it possible to produce healthy food that's good for people. More here >
Written by:  (10 Nov 2020)
 
 
One-third of Cypriot Griffon Vultures illegally poisoned since 2015   (Wildlife crime)
Since 2015 there have been 39 confirmed cases of poisoned bait use, with 63 animals impacted. More here >
Written by:  (10 Nov 2020)
 
 
Wetland birds among Arctic animals changing behaviour because of climate change   (Research)
Barnacle Geese returning to the Solway Firth in the UK have been arriving with an ever decreasing amount of young over the last decade. More here >
Written by:  (10 Nov 2020)
 
 
Citizen scientists provide new insights into House Martin nesting habits   (Conservation News)
Birds that used old nests or artificial nests had greater breeding success than those building from scratch.More here >
Written by:  (10 Nov 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 27 Oct - 2 Nov   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn rounds up the final week up of a memorable and mega-laden October. An Upland Sandpiper on Skokholm and a Mourning Dove in County Kerry were the two standout birds. More here >
Written by:  (03 Nov 2020)
 
 
Wild Justice secures an historic environmental legal victory   (Conservation News)
The not-for-profit organisation has forced DEFRA to agree to license the release of Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges. More here >
Written by:  (03 Nov 2020)
 
 
Possible observation of Bearded Vulture 'Vigo' in France   (News)
The story of 'Vigo' the Bearded Vulture continues. After she departed Britain a couple of weeks ago she may now have been spotted in France. More here >
Written by:  (03 Nov 2020)
 
 
Researchers seek help to track garden finches   (Conservation News)
The BTO have noticed lower numbers of Siskin and Bullfinch using gardens across the first half of this year. More here >
Written by:  (03 Nov 2020)
 
 
Sloshing through marshes to see how birds survive hurricanes   (Research)
Scientists are studying how marsh birds such as Clapper Rails have adapted to tropical storms along the Alabama and Mississippi Gulf coast. More here >
Written by:  (03 Nov 2020)
 
 
Language Matters | A War on Wildlife Project campaign   (Personal Account)
Are 'gamebirds' really game? Why is 'vermin' an acceptable term to describe Britain's native wildlife? The War on Wildlife Project thinks it's time for change. More here >
Written by:  (03 Nov 2020)
 
 
Record number of Griffon Vultures observed in French Alps   (Conservation News)
The eleventh annual Griffon Vulture Census across the Alps has counted a record number of individuals. More here >
Written by:  (03 Nov 2020)
 
 
The efficiency of migratory birds' flight formations   (Research)
Researchers who guided young Northern Bald Ibises to their wintering grounds have now succeeded in studying the birds in flight. More here >
Written by:  (03 Nov 2020)
 
 
Climate drives winter migration in birds but not the return to breeding sites   (Research)
A new study has investigated what effect climatic conditions have on bird migration. More here >
Written by:  (03 Nov 2020)
 
 
Most migratory birds rely on a greening world   (Research)
A new study from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology confirms that most birds synchronise their migratory movements with seasonal changes in vegetation greenness. More here >
Written by:  (03 Nov 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 20 - 26 Oct   (Weekly Roundup)
Autumn 2020 showed no signs of letting up as Britain's third Indigo Bunting is found on Scilly hot on the heels of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. More here >
Written by:  (27 Oct 2020)
 
 
Young Peregrine deliberately poisoned in South Yorkshire   (Wildlife crime)
Officers from South Yorkshire Police are investigating reports of a bird of prey being deliberately poisoned and are appealing for your help to find those responsible. More here >
Written by:  (26 Oct 2020)
 
 
Galapagos sees record rise in penguins and Flightless Cormorants   (Conservation News)
One factor for the increase is thought to be limited disturbance from tourists during the Covid-19 pandemic. More here >
Written by:  (26 Oct 2020)
 
 
New study links plastic ingestion and dietary metals in seabirds   (Research)
The study links the presence of several pieces of plastic in the gut with potential consequences for the nutrition of small seabirds. More here >
Written by:  (26 Oct 2020)
 
 
Montrose Basin's Pink-footed Geese approach record numbers   (Conservation News)
A total of 84,400 geese were counted at the reserve recently. The highest number, an estimated 90,000 geese, was recorded in October 2016. More here >
Written by:  (26 Oct 2020)
 
 
Illegally poisoned Peregrines found dead in North Yorkshire quarry   (Wildlife crime)
North Yorkshire Police and the RSPB are appealing for information regarding the illegal poisoning of two protected peregrines at a disused quarry near Tadcaster. More here >
Written by:  (26 Oct 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Black-and-white Warbler, Tresco, Isles of Scilly, Oct 2020   (Finders account)
After years of birding on Scilly in October, Lloyd Doughty strikes gold on Tresco. More here >
Written by:  (26 Oct 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 13 - 19 Oct   (Weekly Roundup)
The undoubted highlight of the week was the Eastern Rufous Bush Chat in North Norfolk. Elsewhere there was an excellent supporting cast of rare and scarce birds, Jon Dunn reports. More here >
Written by:  (20 Oct 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Eastern Rufous Bush Chat, Stiffkey, Norfolk   (Finders account)
Shropshire birder John Reeves' find delights hundreds of birders who have waited decades for a chance to see the species in Britain. More here >
Written by:  (20 Oct 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Western Orphean Warbler, Lothbeg Point, Highland, Oct 2020   (Finders account)
Dean Macaskill finds Scotland's third Western Orphean Warbler and the first on the Scottish mainland. More here >
Written by:  (19 Oct 2020)
 
 
The RSPB calls for new regulation following review of gamebird shooting   (Conservation News)
Self-regulation by the shooting community had failed to address the environmental impacts says the RSPB. More here >
Written by:  (19 Oct 2020)
 
 
The first human settlers on islands caused extinctions   (Research)
Human arrival in the Bahamas caused some birds to be lost from the islands and other species to be completely wiped out. More here >
Written by:  (19 Oct 2020)
 
 
Mapping bird migration   (Research)
Researchers developed a new metric called the stopover-to-passage ratio to quantify the proportion of birds that stop to rest or forage at a particular location along the migration route. More here >
Written by:  (19 Oct 2020)
 
 
Zoologists uncover new example of rapid evolution in Southeast Asia   (Research)
Zoologists have discovered that Sulawesi Babblers have evolved to attain different sizes on small islands, and in quick-fire time. More here >
Written by:  (19 Oct 2020)
 
 
Birds share food with less fortunate conspecifics   (Research)
Azure-winged Magpies have been shown to share food with others which have none. More here >
Written by:  (19 Oct 2020)
 
 
Grouse-shooting Duke of Cambridge named as new BTO Patron   (News)
The British Trust for Ornithology has announced that His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge has become Patron of the BTO. More here >
Written by:  (19 Oct 2020)
 
 
Petition launched to save famous Welsh nature reserve   (Conservation News)
Kenfig NNR in Glamorgan is home to an internationally important sand dune system and will be known to many birders. More here >
Written by:  (13 Oct 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 6-12 Oct   (Weekly Roundup)
Winds from deep in the western reaches of the Atlantic swept into Britain and Ireland and brought with a glut of Nearctic rarities. More here >
Written by:  (13 Oct 2020)
 
 
Reintroduced Bearded Vulture shot dead in the France   (Wildlife crime)
Released this year as part of a conservation program, this majestic vulture was found riddled with lead on October 11. More here >
Written by:  (13 Oct 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Masked Shrike, Hartlepool, Cleveland, Oct 2020   (Finders account)
After watching the weather charts Stephen Addinall went in search of a rarities at the Jewish Cemetary in Hartlepool. More here >
Written by:  (13 Oct 2020)
 
 
Genetic analysis reveals origins of Bearded Vulture roaming Britain   (Conservation News)
After much speculation the origins of the vulture roaming Britain has been revealed following genetic analysis by Vulture Conservation Foundation. More here >
Written by:  (13 Oct 2020)
 
 
Scottish Butterfly population shows moderate increase   (Conservation News)
The latest Scottish Biodiversity Indicator published by NatureScot examines the long-term trend for butterflies since 1979. More here >
Written by:  (13 Oct 2020)
 
Previous  Next