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
 
 
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)
 
 
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)
 
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