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: 16 - 22 Feb 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Winter may not be done with us yet, but change is coming and this week we saw the first pioneering spring migrants arrive, Jon Dunn reports. More here >
Written by:  (23 Feb 2021)
 
 
Book Review: Skylarks with Rosie   (Book review)
Stephen Moss's evocative account underlines how a global crisis changed the way we relate to the natural world, giving us hope for the future. More here >
Written by:  (23 Feb 2021)
 
 
The BB/BTO Best Bird Book of the Year 2020   (News)
British Birds and the British Trust for Ornithology announce the winner of the award for Best Bird Book of the Year 2020. More here >
Written by:  (22 Feb 2021)
 
 
Eaten to Extinction: another devasting year for MacGillivray's Prion   (Conservation News)
All but one of this year's chicks at a monitoring site have died, with invasive mice eating many of the newly hatched chicks. More here >
Written by:  (20 Feb 2021)
 
 
Award-winning bird hide destroyed in suspected arson   (News)
A bird hide on the shores at Loch Leven National Nature Reserve has been destroyed in a fire that is thought to have been started deliberately. More here >
Written by:  (20 Feb 2021)
 
 
Eco-fusion is the new normal   (Conservation News)
To cull or not to cull. Will Ring-necked Parakeet go the way of the Ruddy Duck and should it?. More here >
Written by:  (19 Feb 2021)
 
 
Extinction looming for the Masked Finfoot   (Conservation News)
New population estimates of the Masked Finfoot indicate it could be on course to become Asia's next avian extinction if urgent action isn't taken. More here >
Written by:  (19 Feb 2021)
 
 
Displaced birds can 'read' the earth's magnetic signature to get back on course   (Research)
Researchers claim that, for the first time, they have shown that birds displaced by storms are able to navigate back to their migratory route. More here >
Written by:  (18 Feb 2021)
 
 
Scientists and indigenous people unite to save Colombian condors   (Research)
For the first time indigenous people in Colombia's Purace national park are helping biologists conduct a census of condors in the country. More here >
Written by:  (18 Feb 2021)
 
 
Plastic in the ocean kills more threatened albatrosses than we thought   (Research)
Researchers estimate that plastic ingestion causes up to 17.5% of near-shore albatross deaths in the southern hemisphere. More here >
Written by:  (18 Feb 2021)
 
 
2021 - a big year for Beavers   (Conservation News)
The Wildlife Trusts bring beavers back to five more counties this year - 20 years after they reintroduced the first beavers to Britain. More here >
Written by:  (18 Feb 2021)
 
 
Himalayan songbirds evolved thicker down   (Research)
Researchers have said the study results could lead to eventually understanding how some birds might cope with climate change. More here >
Written by:  (16 Feb 2021)
 
 
Book Review: Restoring the Wild by Roy Dennis   (Book review)
Restoring the Wild offers eye-opening insights into the complexities of reintroducing extinct animals to Britain. It also sets out the case for why this is essential for our island's continuing health. More here >
Written by:  (16 Feb 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 9 - 15 Feb 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
The Northern Mockingbird and White-throated Sparrow were still dug in down south, and there was a big surprise in the offing in Norfolk. More here >
Written by:  (16 Feb 2021)
 
 
Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust statement on redundancies and future of obs   (News)
The future of Fair Isle Bird Observatory is uncertain following the a devastating fire in 2018 and subsequent financial difficulties. More here >
Written by:  (15 Feb 2021)
 
 
BTO launches birding Equipment Donation Scheme   (News)
The scheme will help redistribute binoculars, telescopes and identification field guides from those that don't need them anymore, to those that do. More here >
Written by:  (15 Feb 2021)
 
 
Non-native European House Sparrow declining in the US   (Research)
From 1995 to 2016, the proportion of FeederWatch sites reporting House Sparrows declined by 7.5%. Latest estimates peg the population at 82 million individuals. More here >
Written by:  (12 Feb 2021)
 
 
Common Pipistrelle bats attracted to wind turbines   (Research)
The reasons for this are not clear but possibilities include attraction to the turbines themselves or the presence of more of the bats' insect prey around turbines. More here >
Written by:  (12 Feb 2021)
 
 
Storm Darcy forces Bewick's Swans to make rare migratory U-turn   (News)
A flock of Bewick's Swans which had begun their epic migration from Slimbridge to the Arctic tundra have turned back to avoid the latest 'Beast from the East'. More here >
Written by:  (12 Feb 2021)
 
 
Whooper Swan numbers in Ireland reach new high   (Conservation News)
A census carried out across the island of Ireland last year found that Whooper Swan numbers increased by 27%, while Bewick's Swan looks set to be lost from Ireland in the coming years. More here >
Written by:  (11 Feb 2021)
 
 
Fair Isle Bird Observatory warden and administrator facing redundancy   (News)
The loss of the only two permanent staff members has led many to speculate about the long-term future of the observatory which is yet to be rebuilt following a fire in 2018. More here >
Written by:  (11 Feb 2021)
 
 
Starling success traced to rapid adaptation   (Research)
Just 80 European Starlings were released in New York in 1890, the current North American population is now estimated to be 200 million breeding adults. More here >
Written by:  (11 Feb 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 2 - 8 Feb 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Storm Darcy blew in from the east this week, bringing snow and plummeting temperatures for many, but it was rarities from the west which made the headlines. More here >
Written by:  (09 Feb 2021)
 
 
Scientists Reveal Migration Bottlenecks Used by Tens of Millions of Birds   (Research)
The tens of millions of birds that fly through these regions represent major proportions of many species' global populations. More here >
Written by:  (08 Feb 2021)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Northern Mockingbird, Exmouth, Devon   (Finders account)
Britain's third Northern Mockingbird is found in a suburban Devon garden, we hear exclusively from the finder. More here >
Written by:  (08 Feb 2021)
 
 
Bolivia probes deaths of 35 endangered condors   (Wildlife crime)
An investigation has been launched into the apparent poisoning, one of the most devastating such cases for the endangered species. More here >
Written by:  (08 Feb 2021)
 
 
First Balkan Griffon Vulture equipped with GPS tag to help track illegal wildlife poisoning   (Conservation News)
The Vulture was equipped with a GPS tag in Bulgaria within the BalkanDetox LIFE project to help tackle illegal wildlife poisoning incidents in the Balkans. More here >
Written by:  (05 Feb 2021)
 
 
Endangered species bounce back on rat-free Lord Howe Island   (Conservation News)
The last rat was seen 15 months ago and since then species such as the flightless Lord Howe Woodhen have seen increases. More here >
Written by:  (04 Feb 2021)
 
 
Grey Squirrels: is birth control the solution to Britain's invasive species problem?   (Conservation News)
Squirrel feeders laced with contraceptives could be used to suppress grey squirrels in the UK. More here >
Written by:  (04 Feb 2021)
 
 
Holkham's iconic Poplars get the chop   (Conservation News)
The iconic tree-lined avenue at Lady Anne's Drive in North Norfolk is undergoing a makeover as part of a new conservation project. More here >
Written by:  (04 Feb 2021)
 
 
One rare bird find doesn't lead to another   (Research)
Researchers have debunked the theory that when a rare bird is found attracting birders to an area, more rare birds are then found. More here >
Written by:  (04 Feb 2021)
 
 
UK Crane population hits record high   (Conservation News)
Crane numbers have hit record levels after becoming extinct in the UK nearly 400 years ago. Thanks to the efforts of conservationists 64 pairs were present in 2020. More here >
Written by:  (03 Feb 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 26 Jan - 01 Feb 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic, including Bufflehead in Warwickshire and the re-appearance of the Sociable Lapwing in Cornwall. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (02 Feb 2021)
 
 
Review: Birds of Chew Valley Lake   (Book review)
Mark Avery reviews Keith Vinicombe's monumental book detailing the ecology, history and tales of Chew Valley Lakes. More here >
Written by:  (01 Feb 2021)
 
 
Europe's first Bearded Vulture chick of 2021 hatches in Austria   (Conservation News)
On 23 January 2021, the first Bearded Vulture chick of this year hatched at the Richard Faust Bearded Vulture Specialised Captive Breeding Centre in Austria. More here >
Written by:  (29 Jan 2021)
 
 
Death by collision: Counting the cost of power lines on birds in Kenya   (Conservation News)
In Kenya, the routing of a new power line just at the edge of an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, will be a death trap for birds. More here >
Written by: BirdLife (29 Jan 2021)
 
 
Criminals use lime sticks to target songbirds in Gloucestershire   (Wildlife crime)
Gloucestershire police are asking members of the public to be on the lookout for the illegal traps after the discovery outside Dursley. More here >
Written by:  (29 Jan 2021)
 
 
At least 34 Critically Endangered vultures killed by suspected mass poisoning   (Wildlife crime)
The victims from this horrible incident include Slender-billed Vultures and White-rumped Vultures, both considered Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jan 2021)
 
 
Bird species identified that could spread ticks and Lyme disease   (Research)
Thrush species from the genus Turdus, were found to have a significantly greater likelihood of competence compared to other taxa. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jan 2021)
 
 
Scotland's iconic Mountain Hares given greater protection   (Conservation News)
From 1 March 2021, it will be illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take mountain hares at any time unless a licence is obtained. More here >
Written by:  (27 Jan 2021)
 
 
Are there fewer Harpy Eagles than we thought?   (Research)
New research suggests estimates of the species' current distribution are potentially overestimating range size of the Near Threatened raptor. More here >
Written by:  (27 Jan 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 19 - 25 Jan 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (26 Jan 2021)
 
 
Biden administration must act fast to save migratory birds   (Conservation News)
The new Biden administration has until 4th Feb to overturn changes made by Donald Trump just before he left office. More here >
Written by:  (26 Jan 2021)
 
 
Impacts of humans' activities on Britain's birds revealed by new study   (Research)
The research carried out by Durham University in collaboration with the RSPB could provide a new approach to setting conservation priorities. More here >
Written by:  (26 Jan 2021)
 
 
First for Britain: Long-legged Buzzard, Shetland   (First for Britain)
Tom Gale photographed an unusual-looking buzzard on Shetland in Sept 2019 which has now been identified as Britain's first Long-legged Buzzard. More here >
Written by:  (25 Jan 2021)
 
 
Ruddy Shelduck - a request for records   (News)
The British Ornithologists' Union's Records Committee is currently reviewing the status of Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) on the British List. More here >
Written by:  (22 Jan 2021)
 
 
Work starts on returning White-tailed Eagles to Norfolk's skies   (Conservation News)
A public consultation is being launched by a West Norfolk farm regarding the possibility of reintroducing White-tailed Eagles to the area. More here >
Written by:  (22 Jan 2021)
 
 
Time to ban neonicotinoids for good   (Conservation News)
Butterfly Conservation is calling for the ban following the Government's decision to allow the emergency use of the chemical on sugar beet in England. More here >
Written by:  (21 Jan 2021)
 
 
Proposed Lewis wind farm proposal will kill eagles and other protected species   (Conservation News)
RSPB Scotland is objecting to the proposal which the developers' own modelling predicts will kill dozens of protected birds over 25 years. More here >
Written by:  (21 Jan 2021)
 
 
Become a Seabird Scientist from your sofa!   (Research)
Anyone with an internet connection from anywhere in the world can get involved and help scientists with their seabird research. More here >
Written by:  (19 Jan 2021)
 
 
Parrots pushed to extinction despite protection policies   (Research)
Habitat destruction by logging and agriculture is pushing parrot species towards extinction, while current protected areas are failing to mitigate these effects. More here >
Written by:  (19 Jan 2021)
 
 
Cities can help migrating birds by planting more trees and turning lights off   (Research)
Researchers found the mitigating measures will have the greatest impact if undertaken during spring and autumn migration. More here >
Written by:  (19 Jan 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 12 - 18 Jan 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his weekly look back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (19 Jan 2021)
 
 
Six rangers ambushed and killed while protecting gorillas in Virunga National Park   (News)
The rangers were ambushed and killed in the Virunga National Park, famous for its mountain gorillas, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. More here >
Written by:  (17 Jan 2021)
 
 
Vampire finches: how little birds in the Galapagos got a taste for big bird blood   (Research)
Natural selection appears to have fine-tuned the vampire finch beak for skin-piercing and blood-sucking. More here >
Written by:  (17 Jan 2021)
 
 
Cotswold Water Park given greater protection by Natural England   (Conservation News)
In a boost to Nature Recovery, all 177 lakes covering 2,000 hectares of the Cotswold Water Park have been given SSSI status. More here >
Written by:  (15 Jan 2021)
 
 
Major national park expansion for South America's other big forest   (Conservation News)
Gran Chaco, South America's second largest forest and a major national park in Argentina, will expand its size by almost 50 percent. More here >
Written by:  (15 Jan 2021)
 
 
Scottish Wildcat kitten found freezing to death   (News)
A Wildcat kitten found freezing to death in the Huntly's Cave area north of Grantown has been rescued and taken into care. More here >
Written by:  (15 Jan 2021)
 
 
Australia to kill pigeon that crossed Pacific from Oregon   (News)
The racing pigeon survived a Pacific Ocean crossing from the United States but is considered a quarantine risk. More here >
Written by:  (14 Jan 2021)
 
 
Annual Rarity Review 2020: Part Two   (Annual Rarity Review)
David Campbell looks back at the second half of an epic year for rare and scarce birds in Britain and Ireland. More here >
Written by:  (14 Jan 2021)
 
 
Why David Attenborough cannot be replaced   (News)
Wildlife television, in Britain at least, is constructed around him. Take him away and the whole thing needs to be reinvented. More here >
Written by:  (13 Jan 2021)
 
 
Skinnier but resilient geese thriving in the high Arctic   (Research)
Barnacle Geese numbers have skyrocketed at their wintering grounds in the UK, but more birds means more competition for food and nesting areas on Svalbard. More here >
Written by:  (13 Jan 2021)
 
 
Natural England under fire as three Hen Harriers go missing   (Wildlife crime)
The body is coming under fire for not being transparent about the disappearances of Hen Harriers tagged as part of their brood management scheme. More here >
Written by:  (13 Jan 2021)
 
 
Review: Flight Identification of European Passerines and Select Landbirds   (Book review)
Andy Stoddart reviews the new title from the WILDGuides stable which seeks to address the flight identification of Europe's passerines, as well as a number of near-passerines. More here >
Written by:  (12 Jan 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 5 - 11 Jan 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn rounds-up the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic which included a White-throated Sparrow in Kent. More here >
Written by:  (12 Jan 2021)
 
 
New computer model to protect eagles from wind-turbine strikes   (Conservation News)
A new computer model is said to offer better protection to Verreaux's Eagles at risk of being killed by wind turbines. More here >
Written by:  (11 Jan 2021)
 
 
Why feral cats are such a threat to Australian wildlife   (Conservation News)
Prior research has shown that they kill billions of animals each year and have pushed multiple species to extinction. More here >
Written by:  (11 Jan 2021)
 
 
First Philippine Eagle bred in captivity dies   (Conservation News)
The first Philippine Eagle bred in captivity in an effort to save one of the world's most endangered birds has died from infections. More here >
Written by:  (11 Jan 2021)
 
 
Spanish Griffon Vultures killed by wind turbines   (Conservation News)
At least 16 Griffon Vultures have very recently met a tragic end after colliding with wind turbines in Aragon region of Spain. More here >
Written by:  (11 Jan 2021)
 
 
Huge reduction in Namibian seabird mortality following bycatch regulation   (Conservation News)
22,000 seabirds are saved in Namibia every year thanks to the Albatross Task Force and the fishing industry. More here >
Written by:  (07 Jan 2021)
 
 
Trump lifts bird protections in last-minute move   (Conservation News)
Under new rules landowners, industry and other individuals will not be prosecuted for accidentally killing a migratory bird. More here >
Written by:  (07 Jan 2021)
 
 
Government approves Hornsea Three Offshore Wind Farm   (Conservation News)
The UK Government's decision to green light plans for a major offshore wind farm has sparked concerns about the potential impact on seabirds. More here >
Written by:  (07 Jan 2021)
 
 
Human-made landscape promotes coexistence of two normally separated Andean warblers   (Research)
Usually found at different altitudes, Slate-throated Whitestart and Spectacled Whitestart have been found coexisting in an area of Ecuador. More here >
Written by:  (05 Jan 2021)
 
 
Eagle Owl diet reveals new records of threatened bush-crickets   (Research)
Researchers believe the predatory bird could be used to identify biodiversity-rich areas in need of protection. More here >
Written by:  (05 Jan 2021)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 22 Dec 2020 - 4 Jan 2021   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn rounds-up the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic over the Christmas and New Year's fortnight. More here >
Written by:  (05 Jan 2021)
 
 
New Year's Eve fireworks blamed for mass starling deaths   (News)
Fireworks set off illegally in the Italian capital Rome, are being blamed for killing hundreds of birds. More here >
Written by:  (04 Jan 2021)
 
 
Bearded Vulture 'Vigo' is actually 'Flysch'    (News)
The full family history of the Bearded Vulture which roamed Britain in 2020 has been revealed for the first time. More here >
Written by:  (04 Jan 2021)
 
 
Poachers' paradise: Gulf hunts fuel Pakistan falcon trafficking   (Wildlife crime)
It is estimated that up to 700 falcons were illegally smuggled out of the country last year alone, often by organised criminal networks. More here >
Written by:  (04 Jan 2021)
 
 
Annual Rarity Review 2020: Part One   (Annual Rarity Review)
Join us as we look back at the first six months of a remarkable year of birding in Britain and Ireland. More here >
Written by:  (29 Dec 2020)
 
 
Male fairy-wrens show looks can be deceiving   (Research)
A new study shows that the vibrant breeding colours of male Superb Fairy-wrens are unlikely to signal male quality to females. More here >
Written by:  (28 Dec 2020)
 
 
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)
 
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