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
 
 
Wildlife criminals taking advantage of COVID-19 crisis   (Wildlife crime)
Criminals are using the pandemic as cover for a significant increase in wildlife crime in Central and Eastern Europe. More here >
Written by:  (13 Apr 2020)
 
 
Birds nesting in 'eggstraordinary' places   (News)
As the breeding season gets into full swing birds have been spotted nesting in unusual places. More here >
Written by:  (13 Apr 2020)
 
 
Help save puffins during your lockdown   (Conservation News)
RSPB is asking for members of the public to join in from home in its ground-breaking project, Puffarazzi, to help to find out more about our beloved seabirds. More here >
Written by:  (13 Apr 2020)
 
 
Surprising hearing talents in cormorants   (Research)
The Great Cormorant has more sensitive hearing under water than in air, a new study has found. More here >
Written by:  (13 Apr 2020)
 
 
Bearded Vulture hatches in Picos de Europa for first time in nearly 70 years   (Conservation News)
A Bearded Vulture chick has hatched in Picos de Europa for the first time since the species was declared extinct there in 1956. More here >
Written by:  (13 Apr 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 31 Mar - 6 Apr 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Whilst birders spent their second week in lockdown lots of garden lists were getting a boost in numbers but there were rarities to be found too. More here >
Written by:  (07 Apr 2020)
 
 
Honeyeaters send lightning-fast warning signals   (Research)
Honeyeaters can spread the word in the blink of an eye, using a two-stage alarm. More here >
Written by:  (07 Apr 2020)
 
 
Whooping Cranes forming larger flocks as wetlands are lost are at risk   (Research)
Large groups mean that a disease outbreak or extreme weather event could inadvertently impact a substantial portion of this still fragile population. More here >
Written by:  (07 Apr 2020)
 
 
American Robins now migrate 12 days earlier than in 1994   (Research)
A new study concludes that robin migration is kicking off earlier by about five days each decade. More here >
Written by:  (07 Apr 2020)
 
 
Birdfair 2020 Cancelled   (News)
This year's Birdfair at Rutland Water has been called off due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. More here >
Written by:  (07 Apr 2020)
 
 
When warblers warn of cowbirds, blackbirds get the message   (Research)
Red-winged Blackbirds respond to warning calls of Yellow Warblers defending nests from cowbirds. More here >
Written by:  (06 Apr 2020)
 
 
House Sparrow still top garden bird    (Conservation News)
The latest results from the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch, the 41st year it has run, are revealed More here >
Written by:  (06 Apr 2020)
 
 
NocMig: birding by night   (Personal Account)
A huge nocturnal movement of Common Scoter has ignited the nocmig flame in many birders. More here >
Written by:  (04 Apr 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 24 - 31 Mar 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Birders went into 'lockdown listing mode' across the UK this week, but what was found? More here >
Written by:  (31 Mar 2020)
 
 
Get Vis-Migging during lockdown   (Personal Account)
During lockdown Tim Vaughan has been using his daily exercise to do a spot of vis-migging. More here >
Written by:  (31 Mar 2020)
 
 
New 'Looming Eyes Buoy' could save seabirds' lives   (Conservation News)
Conspicuous 'eyespots', which are found on many creatures such as butterflies, can evoke an avoidance response in many bird species. More here >
Written by:  (31 Mar 2020)
 
 
Extinct in the Wild: can these species come back from captivity?   (Conservation News)
Birdlife considers the prospects of the five remaining bird species categorised as Extinct in the Wild. More here >
Written by:  (31 Mar 2020)
 
 
What's on the end of the stick, Vic?    (Personal Account)
RBA Meets: Mark Golley chats to comedian, artist, actor and television presenter Jim Moir about his love of birds and art. More here >
Written by:  (30 Mar 2020)
 
 
Covid19 - an update on our birdnews service    (News)
In light of the current restrictions on personal movements we have made some changes to our news output. More here >
Written by:  (27 Mar 2020)
 
 
RSPB Launches Lockdown Breakfast Birdwatch   (News)
The RSPB has begun a daily Breakfast Birdwatch, taking place between 8-9am weekdays, at a time when many of us would have been commuting to work, doing the school run. More here >
Written by:  (25 Mar 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 17 - 23 Mar 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (25 Mar 2020)
 
 
Hedge your bets for nature this year   (Conservation News)
With our wildlife under threat, the RSPB is asking gardeners to help wildlife this year by putting down the shears until August. More here >
Written by:  (25 Mar 2020)
 
 
Butterflies bounce back to their best year in over 20 years   (Conservation News)
In their best year since 1997, just over half of UK butterfly species showed higher population levels in 2019. More here >
Written by:  (25 Mar 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Lesser Kestrel, St.Mary's   (Finders account)
With the help if his new image stabilising binoculars Ashley Fisher finds a Lesser Kestrel on Scilly. More here >
Written by:  (23 Mar 2020)
 
 
Splendid Isolation: Birding through Covid-19   (Personal Account)
Mark Golley gives you his tips on how to continue to enjoy birds and birding as well as staying safe, during the current pandemic. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (20 Mar 2020)
 
 
Covid-19 Coronavirus: an update from RBA   (News)
An update on our operations during the Covid-19 / Coronavirus Pandemic. More here >
Written by:  (18 Mar 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 10 - 16 Mar 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (17 Mar 2020)
 
 
The early bird counts the worms   (Research)
A newly published study by the BTO shows how counting some of our best-loved birds reveals important information about the number of earthworms beneath our feet. More here >
Written by:  (17 Mar 2020)
 
 
Is intensive agriculture reducing Mourning Dove reproduction   (Research)
New research shows that relatively small changes in the amount of land used for different types of agriculture may be related to big changes in how many young Mourning Doves are produced. More here >
Written by:  (17 Mar 2020)
 
 
Birds of a feather really do flock together   (Research)
A species of tiny bird, found on a small island has evolved into five different color variations depending on where on the island it lives. More here >
Written by:  (17 Mar 2020)
 
 
The impact of energy development on bird populations   (Research)
A new study reveals that energy development has negative impacts on sage-grouse reproduction. More here >
Written by:  (17 Mar 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 3 - 9 Mar 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (10 Mar 2020)
 
 
Mandt's' Black Guillemot added to the British List   (British List)
The British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee (BOURC) has added the subspecies to the British List. More here >
Written by:  (10 Mar 2020)
 
 
Birds and mammals killed in illegal wildlife poisoning in Serbia   (Wildlife crime)
Golden Jackals, and birds of prey including a buzzard and White-tailed Eagle have been killed. More here >
Written by:  (10 Mar 2020)
 
 
Restoring farmland ponds attracts more farmland birds   (Conservation News)
Reinstating traditional pond management methods can benefit not only pond species, but also farmland birds. More here >
Written by:  (10 Mar 2020)
 
 
Vulture conservation disaster is nearing 1000 fatalities   (Conservation News)
The death toll in Guinea Bissau continues to rise and the cause is still unidentified. More here >
Written by:  (10 Mar 2020)
 
 
Government gives badgers a reprieve   (Conservation News)
The Wildlife Trusts has welcomed The Government's decision to phase out badger culling and prioritise vaccination in the fight against bovine tuberculosis. More here >
Written by:  (10 Mar 2020)
 
 
Overall benefits for birds from restoring native woodland   (Research)
A new study has shown that more bird species were present in native woodland plantations relative to moorlands. More here >
Written by:  (10 Mar 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 25 Feb - 2 Mar 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (03 Mar 2020)
 
 
Guinea-Bissau becomes a vulture graveyard as over 600 found dead   (Wildlife crime)
The latest mass killing has dealt a significant blow to the country's vulture populations. More here >
Written by:  (03 Mar 2020)
 
 
New Fair Isle bird obs moves a step closer   (News)
Moves to build a new bird observatory in Fair Isle have reached another milestone after planning permission was submitted for the building. More here >
Written by:  (03 Mar 2020)
 
 
Gulls favour food that has been handled by humans   (Research)
Research suggests that gulls are more likely to approach food that they have seen people drop or put down. More here >
Written by:  (03 Mar 2020)
 
 
Bearded Vulture found nesting at 4,800 metres   (News)
The nest in Nepal at 4,800 metres sets a new altitude record for a Bearded Vulture nest, the previous high being 4,600. More here >
Written by:  (03 Mar 2020)
 
 
Threatened birds and mammals have irreplaceable roles in the natural world   (Research)
A new study has shown that threatened birds and mammals are often ecologically distinct and irreplaceable in their environment. More here >
Written by:  (03 Mar 2020)
 
 
RSPB Scotland calling for nature heroes   (Conservation News)
RSPB Scotland and co-sponsor Scottish Natural Heritage are excited to announce entries are now open for the prestigious Nature of Scotland Awards. More here >
Written by:  (03 Mar 2020)
 
 
RSPB Calls for Nests Not Nets   (Conservation News)
The RSPB wants to see nests and not nets, and is appalled to see netting used at The University of Cambridge to prevent birds nesting More here >
Written by:  (03 Mar 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 18 - 24 Feb 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the WP, with Tengmalm's Owl again in Shetland, plus much more. More here >
Written by:  (25 Feb 2020)
 
 
Major study of India's birds show significant declines   (Conservation News)
The first ever full report on the state of India's birds was released this week, made using data collected from over 15,000 birdwatchers across the country. More here >
Written by:  (25 Feb 2020)
 
 
Frozen bird turns out to be 46,000-year-old Horned Lark   (News)
Scientists have recovered DNA from a well-preserved Horned Lark found in Siberian permafrost. More here >
Written by:  (25 Feb 2020)
 
 
Lisbon airport mega-project threatens one of Europe's most important wetlands   (Conservation News)
Ignoring serious questions regarding safety, public health and the environment, the Portuguese government has approved construction of an airport in one of Europe's most important wetlands: the Tejo estuary. More here >
Written by:  (25 Feb 2020)
 
 
Shooting organisations announce intention to move towards removing lead shot   (Conservation News)
After decades of pressure nine UK shooting organisations have announced that they want an end to lead ammunition on live quarry by 2025. More here >
Written by:  (25 Feb 2020)
 
 
Coul Links - wildlife saved from golf course plans   (Conservation News)
Conservation organisations have welcomed the news that the Scottish Government has refused planning permission for a golf course to be built at Coul Links in East Sutherland. More here >
Written by:  (25 Feb 2020)
 
 
Scottish seabird declines continue but may be slowing   (Conservation News)
Although the decline in Scotland’s breeding seabird continues a new study shows it may be be slowing down. More here >
Written by:  (25 Feb 2020)
 
 
Renewed game plan needed to tackle Southeast Asia's wildlife trafficking problem   (Conservation News)
A new report into the illegal wildlife trade from the turn of the century in Southeast Asia shows just how persistent the problem has been. More here >
Written by: TRAFFIC (21 Feb 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 11 - 17 Feb 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the WP, with Tengmalm's Owl again in Shetland, plus much more. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (18 Feb 2020)
 
 
Mass poisoning causes blow to the largest Griffon Vulture colony in mainland Greece   (Conservation News)
Eleven Griffon Vultures have fallen victim to poisoning in the area of Klisoura Gorge in Greece. More here >
Written by: VCF (18 Feb 2020)
 
 
Locust invasion threatens wildlife and livelihoods in Kenya   (Conservation News)
Kenya is bracing itself for a humanitarian and conservation catastrophe in the wake of a desert locust invasion. More here >
Written by: Fauna and Flora International (17 Feb 2020)
 
 
Researchers study how birds retweet news   (Research)
A recent study by the University of Montana sheds a new light on bird social networks. More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (17 Feb 2020)
 
 
Growing flowers to save a Critically Endangered hummingbird   (Conservation News)
In the high Andean forests, the Black-breasted Puffleg is running out of habitat, but a forest restoration programme offers hope. More here >
Written by: BirdLife (17 Feb 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 4 - 10 Feb 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the WP, including belated news of a Tengmalm's Owl. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (11 Feb 2020)
 
 
Building for bats in an urban world   (Conservation News)
A new study by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the University of Turin shows how to minimise impacts of urban growth on bats. More here >
Written by: BTO (11 Feb 2020)
 
 
Renewed General Licence brings greater protection for Scotland's wild birds   (Conservation News)
Eleven species of birds will have stronger protection from April 1, when they will be removed from General Licences, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has announced. More here >
Written by: Scottish Natural Heritage (11 Feb 2020)
 
 
Environmental organisations object to gas storage project that could impact wildlife and protected habitats   (Conservation News)
The marine environment and wildlife off Islandmagee in County Antrim are under considerable threat from a marine licence application for a gas storage project. More here >
Written by: RSPB (11 Feb 2020)
 
 
Protecting the Canada Warbler at both ends of its epic journey   (Conservation News)
The Birdlife partner in Colombia is using a local grassroots approach to support an Americas-wide action plan to protect the Canada Warbler. More here >
Written by: BirdLife (11 Feb 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 28 Jan - 3 Feb 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
This week Jon Dunn brings you news and analysis of a potential first for Britain and the Western Palearctic - a Black-tailed Gull in Gloucestershire. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (04 Feb 2020)
 
 
Ruppell's Vulture breeding with Griffon Vulture at two Spanish sites   (News)
Video has been captured of a pair copulating at one colony and another collecting nest material at a second site. More here >
Written by:  (04 Feb 2020)
 
 
Crowdfunder launched to get justice for harriers   (Conservation News)
Conservationist Mark Avery has launched a crowdfunder to appeal a case he lost challenging Natural England's controversial decision to license the so-called brood management of Hen Harriers. More here >
Written by:  (04 Feb 2020)
 
 
The Wren retains top spot as UK's commonest bird   (Conservation News)
The population has risen from 8.5 million pairs in 2013 and now stands at 11 million. More here >
Written by:  (04 Feb 2020)
 
 
Red Sixty Seven: artists and writers show love for Red-listed birds   (News)
A new creative collaboration, bringing together two of Britain's wild bird charities and leading writers and artists, has been launched. More here >
Written by:  (04 Feb 2020)
 
 
Wildlife at risk post-brexit warn conservation charities   (Conservation News)
There are no clear plans on how regulation gaps will be plugged to protect nature post-brexit, says a new report commissioned by some of the top conservation NGO's. More here >
Written by:  (04 Feb 2020)
 
 
Appeal denied for general licence restriction on Lanarkshire estate   (News)
Scottish Natural Heritage rejected the appeal by Leadhills Estate as there was evidence wildlife crimes had been committed. More here >
Written by:  (04 Feb 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 22 - 27 January   (Weekly Roundup)
Tuesdays are the new Wednesdays as our weekly birding roundups moves a day earlier in the week, and back at the helm is Jon Dunn. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jan 2020)
 
 
GPS fitted Albatrosses exposing illicit fishing   (Research)
169 albatrosses fitted with cutting-edge communications gear are in the front-line agent in the fight against illegal fishing. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jan 2020)
 
 
New Penguin Colony Discovered   (Conservation News)
Researchers from Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) have announced the discovery of a new colony of Magellanic Penguins on a remote island in Argentina. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jan 2020)
 
 
Belize creates 70,000 acre biological corridor   (Conservation News)
The corridor links the northernmost nature reserve in the country with the more central natural habitats and is the very first step towards achieving a complete North-South corridor traversing the entire country. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jan 2020)
 
 
Buzzard poisoned in Peak District National Park   (Wildlife Crime)
A member of the public found a buzzard freshly dead in woodland near Tintwistle where a baited Red-legged partridge was laced with the pesticide Alphachloralose. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jan 2020)
 
 
The Echo Parakeet: No longer Endangered   (Conservation News)
The Echo Parakeet has moved from Endangered to Vulnerable - an impressive recovery for a species that once numbered just a dozen birds. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jan 2020)
 
 
Police investigate deaths of three kestrels   (Wildlife Crime)
Police and the RSPB are appealing for information about three potentially shot kestrels (two confirmed), which have come to light since Christmas. More here >
Written by:  (28 Jan 2020)
 
 
Mark Avery appointed Chair of World Land Trust   (News)
At their end of year meeting on 10 December 2019 the Trustees of World Land Trust (WLT) appointed Dr Mark Avery as the new Chair of Trustees. More here >
Written by:  (27 Jan 2020)
 
 
Energy-saving modernisation of villages may reduce farmland bird numbers   (Research)
New research links declines of farmland bird numbers in Europe to renovations of farm and home that make them more energy efficient. More here >
Written by:  (27 Jan 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 15 - 21 January   (Weekly Roundup)
Stuart Piner brings you a comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by:  (22 Jan 2020)
 
 
The RBA Young Ornithologists Fellowships - APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN   (News)
We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the inaugural RBA Young Ornithologists Fellowships. More here >
Written by:  (22 Jan 2020)
 
 
Gamebird releases - Wild Justice renews challenge   (Conservation News)
The non-profit organisation run by Chris Packham, Mark Avery and Ruth Tingay - are holding DEFRA to account over their inaction on gamebird releases in the British countryside. More here >
Written by:  (22 Jan 2020)
 
 
Conservation scientists are grieving after the bushfires - but we must not give up   (News)
The scale of the destruction has challenged what is fundamentally an optimistic worldview held by most conservationists. More here >
Written by:  (22 Jan 2020)
 
 
Male songbirds can't survive on good looks alone   (Research)
Male songbirds not only have to attract the female's eye, but also make sure their sperm can last the distance, according to new research. More here >
Written by:  (22 Jan 2020)
 
 
Worst marine heatwave on record killed one million seabirds   (Research)
Between the summer of 2015 and the spring of 2016, a marine heatwave swept the northern Pacific Ocean that was hotter and lasted longer than any since records began in 1870. More here >
Written by:  (22 Jan 2020)
 
 
World's rarest duck breeds in the wild   (Conservation News)
A pioneering conservation project, to save the world.s rarest duck, has hit a key milestone well ahead of expectations. More here >
Written by:  (22 Jan 2020)
 
 
New maps reveal hotspots of seabird activity during breeding season   (Research)
The RSPB has used hotspot mapping techniques to learn more about the life of Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills and Shags as they forage at sea during the breeding season. More here >
Written by:  (22 Jan 2020)
 
 
The 2019 breeding season; a year to remember for Blackcaps and Blue Tits   (Press report)
Information collected by British Trust for Ornithology volunteers provides an insight into how some of our resident and migratory birds fared during the 2019 breeding season. More here >
Written by: BTO (21 Jan 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 8 - 14 January   (Weekly Roundup)
Stuart Piner brings you a comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by:  (15 Jan 2020)
 
 
Two new taxa added to the British list   (British List)
The British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee (BOURC) has added Taiga Merlin and North American Horned Lark to the British List. More here >
Written by:  (15 Jan 2020)
 
 
Bushfires update: a message from BirdLife Australia   (Conservation News)
BirdLife Australia, provides an update of the situation so far, and the urgent actions needed to help Australia's birds and habitats to survive. More here >
Written by:  (15 Jan 2020)
 
 
Critically Endangered antwren receives its first protected area   (Conservation News)
Some good news for the the tiny, Critically Endangered antbird which lives in isolated populations on marshland just 50km from Sao Paulo. More here >
Written by:  (15 Jan 2020)
 
 
10 new bird taxa discovered in islands of Wallacea   (Research)
Researchers from NUS Biological Sciences, found the birds in three small island groups off Sulawesi, Indonesia. More here >
Written by:  (15 Jan 2020)
 
 
HS2 - new report reveals exorbitant cost to nature   (Conservation News)
A new report published by The Wildlife Trusts reveals the vast scale of the destruction and impact that HS2 will cause to nature. More here >
Written by:  (15 Jan 2020)
 
 
RBA Annual Rarity Roundup 2019: Part 2   (Annual Rarity Review)
David Campbell concludes his look back at the rarity highlights of 2019 and what would prove to be a mega autumn with the highlight for many being the Brown Booby in Cornwall. More here >
Written by:  (15 Jan 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 2 - 7 January   (Weekly Roundup)
Stuart Piner steps in for Jon Dunn this week with a comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by:  (08 Jan 2020)
 
 
Conservation action has reduced bird extinction rates by 40%   (Conservation News)
A new study shows that global conservation action has reduced the effective extinction rate of birds by an astonishing 40%. More here >
Written by:  (08 Jan 2020)
 
 
£156k award to protect Scotland's Curlews   (Conservation News)
SNH has confirmed that a project to help one of Scotland's most threatened breeding bird species will be a recipient of the Scottish Government's Biodiversity Challenge Fund More here >
Written by:  (08 Jan 2020)
 
 
A world first: Madagascar Pond-herons fitted with GPS trackers   (Conservation News)
Six Madagascar Pond-herons have been satellite-tagged as part of a study to try to save the endangered species. More here >
Written by:  (07 Jan 2020)
 
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