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
 
 
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)
 
 
Wildlife Trusts launch nature's recovery appeal   (Conservation News)
The Wildlife Trusts has launched 30 by 30, a public appeal to raise 30-million pounds to start putting nature into recovery across at least 30% of land and sea by 2030. More here >
Written by:  (13 Oct 2020)
 
 
Scottish Capercaillie to benefit from 2-million pound EU funding boost   (Conservation News)
RSPB Scotland has launched a two-million-pound project supported by the EU LIFE fund designed to improve the condition of protected areas on land it owns and manages. More here >
Written by:  (12 Oct 2020)
 
 
Record-breaking year for Roseate Terns   (Conservation News)
The UK's rarest nesting seabird has had a record-breaking year with 130 breeding pairs on Coquet Island, the only breeding colony in the UK. More here >
Written by:  (12 Oct 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Eyebrowed Thrush, Brae, Shetland, October 2020   (Finders account)
On a ringing session targeting Redwings near Brae on Shetland, Phil Harris and Glen Tyler net an Eyebrowed Thrush. More here >
Written by:  (12 Oct 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 29 Sept - 5 Oct   (Weekly Roundup)
A vintage week. The Northern Isles saw multiple megas across the islands. Whilst the east coast of the mainland saw a large fall of rare and scarce passerines. More here >
Written by:  (06 Oct 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Tennessee Warbler, Shetland, October 2020   (Finders account)
Dougie Preston describes finding Britain's fifth Tennessee Warbler at Yell on Shetland, as another 'blocker' falls. More here >
Written by:  (06 Oct 2020)
 
 
Short-toed Eagle found on Dorset beach taken into care   (News)
Originally it was thought the bird was an Osprey but after being captured its true identity was revealed. More here >
Written by:  (06 Oct 2020)
 
 
Tracking of UK white storks reveals new migratory routes and strategies   (Research)
Initial data from the birds released this year indicates that migratory storks crossed to Continental Europe via Dover-Calais. More here >
Written by:  (06 Oct 2020)
 
 
Alien species to increase by 36% worldwide by 2050   (Research)
A new study also predicts the arrival of around 2,500 new alien species in Europe, which translates to an increase of 64 percent for the continent over the 45-year period. More here >
Written by:  (06 Oct 2020)
 
 
Conservationists may be forced to relocate cold-loving butterflies   (Research)
A new study suggests that future conservationists may have to evacuate some populations of butterflies to cooler habitats, higher up in mountains or further north in places including Scotland, Scandinavia and the Alps. More here >
Written by:  (05 Oct 2020)
 
 
Mayor of Manchester calls for immedate ban on peatland burning   (Conservation News)
Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Manchester and a number of politicians and local communities have added their voice to the RSPB's calls for an immediate ban. More here >
Written by:  (05 Oct 2020)
 
 
1000 confirmed cases of bird of prey persecution in last decade   (Wildlife crime)
RSPB data, peer-reviewed science and population surveys prove many of these crimes are concentrated on and near driven grouse moors. More here >
Written by:  (05 Oct 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Siberian Thrush, Kilminning, Fife Oct 2020   (Finders account)
During a superb few days for rare bird finds, Ken Shaw opens the top drawer and pulls out a Siberian Thrush. More here >
Written by:  (05 Oct 2020)
 
 
Cypriot police ignore mass killing of protected birds   (Wildlife crime)
Hundreds of corpses have been found by CABS including Bee-eaters, Roller, Night Heron but the police refused to investigate. More here >
Written by:  (01 Oct 2020)
 
 
Whales to be 'herded' out of Scottish Loch ahead of military exercise   (News)
There are concerns that sonar used by warships during the Joint Warrior military exercise could distress the animals. More here >
Written by:  (01 Oct 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 22 - 28 Sept 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn rounds up a decent week for rare and scarce birds around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (30 Sep 2020)
 
 
HS2 Ltd takes possession of nature reserve without notice   (Conservation News)
HS2 Ltd will now begin work on destroying decades of hard work by staff and volunteers who have made it a haven for wildlife. More here >
Written by:  (29 Sep 2020)
 
 
Provide shady spots to protect butterflies from climate change   (Research)
Species that mostly rely on finding shade to keep cool are at a greater risk of population decline due to climate change and habitat loss. More here >
Written by:  (29 Sep 2020)
 
 
Researchers show conscious processes in birds' brains for the first time   (Research)
Until now this type of consciousness has only been witnessed in humans and other primates. More here >
Written by:  (29 Sep 2020)
 
 
Man arrested for raptor persecution in Wiltshire   (Wildlife crime)
Carcasses of a number of birds of prey, including red kites and buzzards, were found at the location in Beckhampton. More here >
Written by:  (29 Sep 2020)
 
 
Shorebirds more likely to divorce after successful breeding   (Research)
Researchers have found that pairs that successfully raised chicks were more likely to divorce, whereas unsuccessful pairs tended to stick together and try breeding again. More here >
Written by:  (29 Sep 2020)
 
 
Marbled Murrelets threatened by warming oceans and old-forest loss   (Research)
The elusive seabird can nest as much as 60 miles inland in mature forests. More here >
Written by:  (29 Sep 2020)
 
 
Birds risk starvation if they start breeding early due to climate change   (Research)
Shifting lifecycle stages to match the tempo of climate change has hidden dangers for some animals, according to new research. More here >
Written by:  (29 Sep 2020)
 
 
Big Butterfly Count 2020 sees lowest numbers of butterflies recorded in 11 years   (Conservation News)
The fall in butterfly numbers may be due to a number of factors including an unusually warm spring which led many species to emerge earlier than usual, More here >
Written by:  (28 Sep 2020)
 
 
Missing Golden Eagle satellite tag found dumped in river   (Wildlife crime)
The discovery sheds new light on the activities that criminals will go to in a bid to cover up the illegal killing of protected birds of prey. More here >
Written by:  (28 Sep 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 15 - 21 Sept 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland, and the Western Palearctic which this week included a first for the WP. More here >
Written by:  (22 Sep 2020)
 
 
Appeal for information following raptor persecution crimes in Dorset   (Wildlife crime)
Dorset police are investigating two raptor persecution crimes in North and East Dorset. More here >
Written by:  (22 Sep 2020)
 
 
Rare migration pattern observed in Common Swifts   (Research)
Chain migration has previously only been observed in two species: the Sharp-shinned Hawk and the Northern Gannet. More here >
Written by:  (22 Sep 2020)
 
 
Citizens help scientists demonstrate value of protected areas in biodiversity hotspots   (Research)
Researchers analysed data from eBird, the world's largest citizen science platform for biodiversity. More here >
Written by:  (22 Sep 2020)
 
 
Migration shapes patterns of disease transmission   (Research)
Long-distance animal migrations can trigger relapse of dormant infections, influencing when and where infection risk peaks. More here >
Written by:  (22 Sep 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: probable White-chinned Petrel, Cley   (Finders account)
Richard Millington describes finding what might be only the second record of the species in Britain. More here >
Written by:  (22 Sep 2020)
 
 
Hen Harrier 'Fingal' disappears in suspicious circumstances   (Wildlife crime)
Another satellite-tagged hen harrier has disappeared, the fourth to vanish on a Scottish grouse moor since the beginning of April. More here >
Written by:  (17 Sep 2020)
 
 
Another Hen Harrier disappears on a Yorkshire grouse moor   (Wildlife crime)
This latest bird is the 44th harrier to go 'missing' or to be confirmed killed since 2018 and has led to renewed calls for licensing of grouse shooting. More here >
Written by:  (16 Sep 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 8 - 14 Sept 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland, and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (15 Sep 2020)
 
 
White-tailed Eagles breed in Deeside - first time for around 200 years   (Conservation News)
The pair nested on Mar Estate and are one of 5 territorial pairs in the Cairngorms National Park this year, of which 3 have fledged young. More here >
Written by:  (15 Sep 2020)
 
 
Grouse shooting and hunting exempt from 'Rule of Six'   (News)
With coronavirus cases rising once again, the new 'rule of six' law has been instituted in England this week and grouse shooting is exempt. More here >
Written by:  (15 Sep 2020)
 
 
EVENT: Oriental Bird Club Virtual AGM 2020   (Event)
In view of the ongoing COVID-19 global health pandemic, the 2020 Annual General Meeting, No. 36, will take place online via Zoom. More here >
Written by:  (15 Sep 2020)
 
 
Court orders immediate suspension of Turtle Dove 'hunting' in France   (Conservation News)
As many as 10,000 birds may already have been killed this season before the suspension had been ordered. More here >
Written by:  (14 Sep 2020)
 
 
Suffolk Cuckoo goes on an Atlantic Odyssey in bid to reach wintering grounds   (Conservation News)
The Cuckoo named 'Carlton' travelled 1000 miles over the sea from northern Spain to the south-western coast of Morocco. More here >
Written by:  (14 Sep 2020)
 
 
Spoonbills breed in Suffolk for first time in 300 years   (Conservation News)
Four chicks were successfully raised from two separate nests on RSPB Havergate Island nature reserve, Suffolk's only island. More here >
Written by:  (14 Sep 2020)
 
 
Mega birding milestones on the Isles of Scilly   (Personal Account)
The Isles of Scilly Bird Group is celebrating their milestone twentieth year this autumn and hoping that 2020 will mark the 450th bird species recorded on the archipelago. More here >
Written by:  (10 Sep 2020)
 
 
Lyrebirds move more litter and soil than any other digging animal   (Research)
Researchers have documented the extraordinary changes that lyrebirds make to the ground layer in forests in their role as an ecosystem engineer. More here >
Written by:  (08 Sep 2020)
 
 
Gulls pay attention to human eyes   (Research)
Herring gulls notice where approaching humans are looking, and flee sooner when they're being watched, a new study shows. More here >
Written by:  (08 Sep 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 1 - 7 Sept 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland, and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (08 Sep 2020)
 
 
Sixty English Hen Harrier chicks fledge in 2020   (Conservation News)
Announcing the news, Natural England failed to mention how many birds have gone missing or have been illegally killed in the same period. More here >
Written by:  (07 Sep 2020)
 
 
Curlew chicks rescued, relocated and released after peatland fires   (Conservation News)
For the first time in Ireland, a licence was acquired to remove the fragile eggs from their natural habitat, due to the burning, to maximise their chances of survival. More here >
Written by:  (07 Sep 2020)
 
 
Terns from abandoned Skerries colony found at multiple Irish Sea sites   (Conservation News)
The Skerries, which hosts the UK's largest colony of Arctic terns, was abandoned this year due to disturbance. More here >
Written by:  (07 Sep 2020)
 
 
EU countries vote to ban lead shot in wetlands   (Conservation News)
A total of 18 countries, which made up 90% of the votes, voted in support of the ban for a greener, healthier future for the environment, wildlife and people. More here >
Written by:  (07 Sep 2020)
 
 
First Purple Hairstreak recorded in South Lanarkshire for 175 years   (Conservation News)
The butterfly, with tell-tale purple colouring on its black upper wings, has been increasing in distribution in recent years. More here >
Written by:  (07 Sep 2020)
 
 
Storm Petrels fly up to 300km offshore to fish in waters around Shetland   (Conservation News)
For the first time, several years of data have been collected on the birds movements at sea. More here >
Written by:  (02 Sep 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 25 - 31 Aug 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland, and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (01 Sep 2020)
 
 
Released Bearded Vulture found dead, probably killed by Golden Eagle   (Conservation News)
The captive-bred Bearded Vulture 'Coco' had a short-lived life in the wild. After she was released in Maestrazgo on 12 June 2020. More here >
Written by:  (01 Sep 2020)
 
 
Inter-Peninsula Bird Race September 2020   (Event)
Take part in the race being held at four observatories across two continents on Saturday 12th September 2020. More here >
Written by:  (01 Sep 2020)
 
 
Tropical songbirds stop breeding to survive drought   (Research)
Instead of trying to juggle the demands of new offspring and harsh environmental conditions, most of the songbird species studied opted to reduce their reproduction during drought. More here >
Written by:  (01 Sep 2020)
 
 
Wintering waterbirds easily disturbed by drones   (Research)
Newly published research, investigated the response to wintering waterbirds to drones, and shown that they can be easily scared into flight by drone use More here >
Written by:  (01 Sep 2020)
 
 
French Government gives green light for mass Turtle Dove killing   (Conservation News)
France has authorised the killing of nearly 18,000 Turtle Doves, a globally threatened species. More here >
Written by:  (01 Sep 2020)
 
 
EU forces France to ban 'barbaric glue traps'   (Conservation News)
Thanks in large part to a campaign run by LPO, Birdlife's Partner in France, President Emmanuel Macron has announced a one-year suspension on the trapping of wild birds with glue. More here >
Written by:  (01 Sep 2020)
 
 
Griffon vulture population in Israel reaches a new high   (Conservation News)
206 Griffon Vultures were counted in Israel, which is a record number in recent years. More here >
Written by:  (31 Aug 2020)
 
 
Volunteers strive to save rare butterfly in the Scottish Borders   (Conservation News)
A new study has shown the region to hold significant nationally important colonies of the butterfly. More here >
Written by:  (31 Aug 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 18 - 24 Aug 2020   (Rarity Review)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland, and the Western Palearctic, including another mega seabird and much more. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (25 Aug 2020)
 
 
Black-winged Stilts fledge in Somerset   (Conservation News)
A trio of Black-winged Stilt chicks have flown the nest at WWT Steart Marshes, where to the disbelief of conservationists, they hatched last month. More here >
Written by:  (25 Aug 2020)
 
 
Three young Montagu's Harriers deliberately killed in the Netherlands   (Wildlife crime)
The three chicks were found on the road near to the nest site in East Groningen. More here >
Written by:  (20 Aug 2020)
 
 
Griffon Vulture chicks jump to their death following disturbance from helicopter   (Conservation News)
Three chicks are presumed to have drowned whilst three more were rescued by park guards in the Uvac Special Nature Reserve, Serbia. More here >
Written by:  (20 Aug 2020)
 
 
White-tailed Eagle rescued after suspected wind turbine strike   (Conservation News)
The White-tailed Eagle was found with a head injury on moorland on the Isle of Lewis recently. More here >
Written by:  (19 Aug 2020)
 
 
Seven more White-tailed Eagles released on the Isle of Wight   (Conservation News)
The five-year reintroduction programme now in its second year is led by Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation. More here >
Written by:  (19 Aug 2020)
 
 
Plastic debris releases potentially harmful chemicals into seabird stomach fluid   (Research)
This is the first study to show that plastic waste can release chemicals into the stomach oil of seabirds over time, potentially posing a threat to their health. More here >
Written by:  (19 Aug 2020)
 
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