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
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 24 - 30 Apr   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from the last week from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (01 May 2019)
 
 
Catastrophic breeding failure at Emperor Penguin colony   (Conservation News)
Emperor Penguins at the Halley Bay colony in the Weddell Sea have failed to raise chicks for the last three years, scientists have discovered. More here >
Written by:  (30 Apr 2019)
 
 
Migration route of Steppe Whimbrel discovered   (Conservation News)
A newly published report is beginning to fill in the gaps in our knowledge of a species which was believed to be extinct 25 years ago. More here >
Written by:  (30 Apr 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 17 - 23 Apr   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from the last week from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2019)
 
 
Wild Justice wins legal challenge to Natural England's General Licenses   (Conservation News)
After nearly four decades of unlawful casual killing of tens of millions of birds the current system has been shown to be unlawful by the tiny and fledgling wildlife organisation. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2019)
 
 
Major study reveals huge decline in moth abundance   (Conservation News)
Moth numbers have declined 46% over the last 25 years in Scotland while their distribution has increased, a report has revealed. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2019)
 
 
Google searches reveal popular bird species   (Research)
Cross-referencing a decade of Google searches and citizen science observations, researchers have determined which of 621 North American bird species are currently the most popular. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2019)
 
 
Zoologists describe two new bird species in Indonesia   (Research)
The new species are Wangi-wangi White-eye and Wakatobi White-eye. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2019)
 
 
Kakapow! Rare world's fattest parrot has record breeding season   (Conservation News)
The world's fattest parrot, the critically endangered Kakapo, has enjoyed a record breaking breeding season. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2019)
 
 
White-winged Flufftail's call recorded for the first time   (Conservation News)
In December last year, the call of one of the world's rarest birds was identified and recorded for the first time by BirdLife South Africa. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2019)
 
 
'Project Yellow-browed' - tracking migrant birds across the UK   (Conservation News)
Spurn Bird Observatory are the forefront of an exciting new project to use a network of radio receivers around the UK to track migrant birds such as Yellow-browed Warbler. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2019)
 
 
Protected status secured for Cambodia's Stung Sen wetlands   (Conservation News)
Thanks to the work of BirdLife International Cambodia Programme, the rich and biologically diverse Stung Sen wetland has been designated as a Wetland of International Importance. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2019)
 
 
Operation Easter 2019 - stopping egg thieves and collectors   (Wildlife crime)
Egg thieves will go to any lengths to raid the nests of rare species but Operation EASTER is determined to stop them in their tracks. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2019)
 
 
Do songbirds pay a price for winter wandering?   (Research)
New study uses citizen science data to show that winter movements lead to a decline in birds' population density. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2019)
 
 
Map lets birders track bird migration in real time   (Research)
With Euro Bird Portals' LIVE viewer, you can look at weekly animated maps showing where birds have been sighted in real time. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2019)
 
 
Some woodpeckers imitate a neighbour's plumage   (Research)
In the first global test of the idea, scientists have found evidence that some woodpeckers can evolve to look like another species of woodpecker in the same neighbourhood. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2019)
 
 
Volunteer Survey shows effects of temperatures on Eurasian Jay population   (Research)
Research led by the University of Southampton has used data collected by volunteer bird watchers to study how the importance of wildlife habitat management depends on changing temperatures for British birds. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 10 - 16 Apr   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from the last week from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2019)
 
 
Anti-poaching camps give honey-buzzard sweet taste of success   (Conservation News)
In Italy, anti-poaching camps sparked an extremely successful movement which has saved thousands of honey-buzzards. More here >
Written by:  (10 Apr 2019)
 
 
Big Garden Birdwatch results show mixed picture for UK's garden birds   (News)
15 of the top 20 species returning fewer sightings in gardens across the country than in 2018. More here >
Written by:  (10 Apr 2019)
 
 
Seen a Hen Harrier?   (Conservation News)
The RSPB is calling on people who spend time in the remote hills and moorlands of England to look out for hen harriers, England's most threatened bird of prey. More here >
Written by:  (10 Apr 2019)
 
 
Multiple raptors poisoned in Greece over the last two months   (Wildlife crime)
Five rare birds of prey were found poisoned in Greece including three Cinereous Vultures, one Griffon Vulture and a Golden Eagle. More here >
Written by:  (10 Apr 2019)
 
 
UK butterflies bounced back in 2018 following a string of poor years   (Conservation News)
More than two-thirds of UK butterfly species were seen in higher numbers than in 2017, with two of the UK's rarest recording their best years since records began. More here >
Written by:  (10 Apr 2019)
 
 
Migrant birds' nocturnal flight calls lure others to their deaths   (Research)
Birds disoriented by artificial light from illuminated buildings at night send out flight calls that may lure other nearby birds to their death. More here >
Written by:  (10 Apr 2019)
 
 
Chicago tops list of most dangerous cities for migrating birds   (Conservation News)
A combination of light pollution and geography, birds are at the greatest risk of becoming attracted to and disoriented by lights and crashing into buildings. More here >
Written by:  (03 Apr 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 27 Mar - 2 Apr   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from the last week from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (03 Apr 2019)
 
 
New cryptic bird species discovered in Borneo   (Conservation News)
Through persistent detective work and advances in genetic sequencing technology, researchers have discovered a new species of bird on Borneo - the Cream-eyed Bulbul. More here >
Written by:  (03 Apr 2019)
 
 
New population of Blue-eyed Ground-doves discovered   (Conservation News)
Four new doves have been discovered, increasing the population of the Critically Endangered bird by 26 percent. More here >
Written by:  (03 Apr 2019)
 
 
Isle of Wight sea eagle reintroduction gets green light   (Conservation News)
Natural England has issued a licence to allow the release of White-tailed Eagles on the Isle of Wight. More here >
Written by:  (03 Apr 2019)
 
 
Ireland's wintering waterbird numbers down by 40 percent in less than 20 years   (Conservation News)
A new study has revealved some shocking declines - a 15 percent over the past five years and 40 percent since the mid-1990's. More here >
Written by:  (28 Mar 2019)
 
 
East Anglia's Stone Curlews vulnerable even after decades of recovery   (Conservation News)
Numbers in the East have fallen in recent years after reaching a peak of around 290 breeding pairs in 2012. More here >
Written by:  (28 Mar 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 20 - 26 Mar   (Weekly Roundup)
Stuart Piner brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from the last week from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (27 Mar 2019)
 
 
Blackpoll Warblers makes record migration   (Research)
For the first time, University of Guelph biologists have tracked an annual migration of up to 20,000 kilometres made by the 12-gram Blackpoll Warbler. More here >
Written by:  (27 Mar 2019)
 
 
Overland migration of Arctic Terns revealed   (Research)
Data from a landmark study of the world's longest migrating seabird reveals how overland migration is an integral part of their amazing journey. More here >
Written by:  (27 Mar 2019)
 
 
The Wildlife Trusts call for more investment in badger vaccination   (Conservation News)
The government released figures on the numbers of badgers vaccinated last year, in 2018, their heir figures show that 641 were vaccinated. More here >
Written by:  (27 Mar 2019)
 
 
Peak District bird of prey project wins National Lottery support   (Conservation News)
A nature conservation project aimed at reversing the fortunes of birds of prey in the Peak District National Park has received National Lottery support. More here >
Written by:  (27 Mar 2019)
 
 
People who feed birds impact conservation   (Research)
Researchers analysed how people who feed birds notice and respond to natural events at their feeders by collaborating with Project FeederWatch. More here >
Written by:  (27 Mar 2019)
 
 
RSPB Minsmere's international status at risk from Sizewell C   (Conservation News)
The renewal of Minsmere's European Diploma for Protected Areas has been approved in draft on the condition that “the construction of the new reactor will not be at the detriment of the Minsmere Reserve. More here >
Written by:  (27 Mar 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 13 - 19 Mar   (Weekly Roundup)
Stuart Piner brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from the last week from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (20 Mar 2019)
 
 
Birdfair 2019 project announced   (Conservation News)
The British Birdwatching Fair has revealed this year's project: protecting Western Siem Pang, a haven for five Critically Endangered bird species More here >
Written by:  (20 Mar 2019)
 
 
Wind turbines cause habitat loss for migratory soaring birds   (Research)
A radius of about 650-700m around each wind turbine corresponds to flight space lost for soaring birds. More here >
Written by:  (20 Mar 2019)
 
 
Last chance for Sussex butterfly   (Conservation News)
Hundreds of Sussex schoolchildren and college students have joined forces to save a rare butterfly from local extinction. More here >
Written by:  (20 Mar 2019)
 
 
Hen Harriers are ten times more likely to die or disappear within grouse moors   (Wildlife crime)
Protected areas with the most grouse moor (the North York moors and Peak District) had the highest likelihood of harriers being illegally killed. More here >
Written by:  (19 Mar 2019)
 
 
Illegal songbird trapping in Cyprus at ten year low on UK military base   (Wildlife crime)
Killed songbirds are sold via the black market to restaurants in the Republic of Cyprus for diners to eat. More here >
Written by:  (18 Mar 2019)
 
 
Unique new app to showcase Scottish birding   (News)
The Scottish Ornithologists' Club has announced the forthcoming launch of their first ever app 'Where to Watch Birds in Scotland'. More here >
Written by:  (18 Mar 2019)
 
 
Conservationists lose legal challenge against Hen Harrier brood management   (Conservation News)
The RSPB and Mark Avery have lost their legal challenge against Natural England's decision to issue licences to trial the so-called brood management scheme for Hen Harriers. More here >
Written by:  (15 Mar 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 6 - 12 Mar   (Weekly Roundup)
Stuart Piner brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from the last week from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (13 Mar 2019)
 
 
Tony Juniper confirmed as Natural England chair   (Conservation News)
Environment Secretary Michael Gove has today confirmed Tony Juniper CBE as the new Chair of Natural England. More here >
Written by:  (12 Mar 2019)
 
 
Crucial milestone for critically endangered bird   (Conservation News)
A team of conservationists has successfully relocated threatened Seychelles Paradise Flycatchers to a different island to help prevent their extinction. More here >
Written by:  (12 Mar 2019)
 
 
Cumbrian colour-ringed Sandwich Tern photographed in South Africa   (News)
The individual was ringed RSPB Hodbarrow nature reserve in Millom last year and was photographed 45km East of Cape Town recently. More here >
Written by:  (12 Mar 2019)
 
 
Conservation organisations call for action to reduce offshore wind impacts on wildlife   (Conservation News)
The call comes as a partnership is announced between the UK Government and the offshore wind sector. More here >
Written by:  (12 Mar 2019)
 
 
Crowdfunder raises over 20k in 17hrs to help family affected by bird obs fire   (News)
Fair Isle resident Eve Eunson set up the crowdfunder to help support the Parnaby family who lost their life's possessions in the fire. More here >
Written by:  (12 Mar 2019)
 
 
Review: Birds of South-east Scotland 2007-13   (Book review)
Lothian birder Gus Routledge reviews this new title covering South-east Scotland, a significant region for breeding, passage and wintering birds. More here >
Written by:  (12 Mar 2019)
 
 
Fair Isle Bird Obs plans quick rebuild following devastating fire   (News)
The directors of the Obs have vowed that the world famous bird observatory will be rebuilt quickly following the devastating fire which completely destroyed the building on Sunday 10th March. More here >
Written by:  (12 Mar 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 27 Feb - 5 Mar   (Weekly Roundup)
Stuart Piner brings you a comprehensive roundup of the best birds from the last week from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (06 Mar 2019)
 
 
Legal protection for Scotland's beavers welcomed   (Conservation News)
The Scottish Government has announced that legislation giving beavers legal protection will come into force later this year. More here >
Written by:  (06 Mar 2019)
 
 
43,380 acres declared under community protection in Peru   (Conservation News)
The region is home to threatened birds such as the Red-faced Parrot and Masked Mountain-Tanager.
More here >
Written by:  (06 Mar 2019)
 
 
No deal Brexit outcome poses the worst threats to the environment   (Conservation News)
A new report produced by the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), has warned that leaving the EU without a deal could create real risks to the environment. More here >
Written by:  (06 Mar 2019)
 
 
Hen Harrier 'disappears' near proposed reintroduction site in Wiltshire   (Wildlife crime)
A young male Hen Harrier from Northumberland has disappeared in suspicious circumstances in Wiltshire, south west England. More here >
Written by:  (01 Mar 2019)
 
 
National Nature Reserves offer £36 million of benefits to society   (Conservation News)
New research published highlights that National Nature Reserves (NNRs) managed by Natural England offer huge value for money.
More here >
Written by:  (01 Mar 2019)
 
 
Unseasonably warm weather could lead to a crisis for nature   (Conservation News)
The RSPB is warning that the unseasonably warm weather could lead to a crisis for nature – particularly if it turns cold again, as it did last year.
More here >
Written by:  (27 Feb 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 20 - 26 Feb   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn is back from a short hiatus with his comprehensive roundup of the best birds from the last week from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (27 Feb 2019)
 
 
Strengthened protections for Isles of Scilly seabirds   (Conservation News)
Natural England announces plans to extend Isles of Scilly Special Protection Area by almost 13,000 hectares.
More here >
Written by:  (26 Feb 2019)
 
 
Seafood certification scheme needs to step up action on bycatch   (Conservation News)
New report shows that Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sustainable seafood certification scheme needs to do more to tackle bycatch of threatened species in certified fisheries. More here >
Written by:  (26 Feb 2019)
 
 
Spring migration is now earlier in European and North American birds   (Research)
Migratory birds in Europe and Canada have substantially advanced the timing of their spring migration due to climate change, according to a new study
More here >
Written by:  (26 Feb 2019)
 
 
Wild carnivores stage a comeback in Britain   (Conservation News)
Once-endangered carnivorous mammals such as otters, polecats and pine martens have staged a remarkable comeback in Britain in recent decades, a new review shows
More here >
Written by:  (26 Feb 2019)
 
 
Pilot of American Redstart 'twitch plane' guilty of endangering life   (News)
Robert Murgatroyd, who only holds a private licence, accepted £500 each to fly a group of birders from Barton aerodrome.
More here >
Written by:  (20 Feb 2019)
 
 
Review: Birds & Mammals of the Falkland Islands   (Book review)
Stephen Moss reviews the Second Edition of this classic guide to The Falkland Islands.
More here >
Written by:  (20 Feb 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 13 - 19 Feb   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn is back from a short hiatus with his comprehensive roundup of the best birds from the last week from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (20 Feb 2019)
 
 
The Tengmalm's Owl in Shetland   (Finders account)
Hugh Harrop describes the story behind Shetland's 5th Tengmalm's Owl in a garden at Bixter.
More here >
Written by:  (19 Feb 2019)
 
 
Ravens found poisoned on farmland on the Wales/Shropshire border   (Wildlife crime)
Ten dead ravens, a dead crow and parts of a dead lamb were found close together on farmland near Beguildy.
More here >
Written by:  (19 Feb 2019)
 
 
New EU Project will monitor butterfly population trends   (Conservation News)
The project will assess the health of the environment and inform EU biodiversity and agricultural policies.
More here >
Written by:  (18 Feb 2019)
 
 
Funds raised in record time to save Endangered hummingbird   (Conservation News)
The fundraising target of £30,000 to Save the Blue-throated Hillstar has been reached in less than two weeks.
More here >
Written by:  (18 Feb 2019)
 
 
RSPB launches 'Text to Donate' fundraising scheme to restore moorland   (Conservation News)
The Text to Donate scheme is a way for people to show their love for this precious and vulnerable landscape.
More here >
Written by:  (18 Feb 2019)
 
 
Public viewing platform opens at BTO HQ   (Conservation News)
The British Trust for Ornithology officially opened a public viewing platform on its Nunnery Lakes nature reserve this week.
More here >
Written by:  (18 Feb 2019)
 
 
Momentous mission: first successful invasive species removal in Marquesas   (Conservation News)
Conservationists achieve the first successful eradication of invasive rodents on Teuaua Island, in French Polynesia
More here >
Written by:  (18 Feb 2019)
 
 
Common Swifts need a helping hand   (Conservation News)
With their UK population declining by more than 50% between 1995 and 2016, Common Swifts need our attention.
More here >
Written by:  (13 Feb 2019)
 
 
Conservationists launch Wild Justice   (Conservation News)
Chris Packham, Ruth Tingay and Mark Avery have set up a not-for profit organisation which will take legal cases on behalf of wildlife.
More here >
Written by:  (13 Feb 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 6 - 12 Feb   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn is back from a short hiatus with his comprehensive roundup of the best birds from the last week from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (13 Feb 2019)
 
 
Pacific tourism resort threatens shorebird haven   (Conservation News)
Endangered shorebirds such as the Far Eastern Curlew use the pristine coastal wetland at Peleliu Lkes.
More here >
Written by:  (08 Feb 2019)
 
 
Scotland's Ramsar sites given less protection than in rest of the UK   (Conservation News)
Ramsar sites which are 'only' SSSIs have far less protection than they do in the rest of the UK.
More here >
Written by:  (08 Feb 2019)
 
 
20,000 Guillemots wash up on Dutch coastline   (Conservation News)
Dutch scientists said Wednesday they are baffled after 20,000 dead or dying Guillemots washed up on North Sea beaches in a phenomenon not seen for decades. More here >
Written by:  (08 Feb 2019)
 
 
Newly discovered hummingbird under threat of extinction   (Conservation News)
World Land Trust (WLT) has launched an urgent appeal to raise £30,000 and save a newly discovered hummingbird's habitat from being destroyed by mining. More here >
Written by:  (07 Feb 2019)
 
 
Gove makes game-changing appointment at top of Natural England   (Conservation News)
Michael Gove has announced that Tony Juniper is the Government's preferred candidate to become the new Chair of Natural England. More here >
Written by:  (07 Feb 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 30 Jan - 5 Feb   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn is back from a short hiatus with his comprehensive roundup of the best birds from the last week from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (06 Feb 2019)
 
 
Spoonie's winter wetland declared protected area   (Conservation News)
Nanthar Island, Myanmar - a crucial wintering site for the Spoon-billed Sandpiper has now been designated a protected area Thanks to the advocacy of local people and BirdLife in Myanmar. More here >
Written by:  (05 Feb 2019)
 
 
Up to 100 vulture deaths prevented by rapid response to poisoning   (Conservation News)
in Nairobi 20 dead and 5 critically ill vultures were discovered but a rapid response protocol almost certainly saved the lives of many more. More here >
Written by:  (05 Feb 2019)
 
 
Road Proximity May Boost Songbird Nest Success in Tropics   (Research)
In the world's temperate regions, proximity to roads usually reduces the reproductive success of birds. More here >
Written by:  (05 Feb 2019)
 
 
Eavesdropping' technology used to protect one of New Zealand's rarest birds   (Conservation News)
Zoological Society London (ZSL) scientists pioneer new method of monitoring Hihi reintroductions by listening in on bird conversations. More here >
Written by:  (05 Feb 2019)
 
 
New to Britain: Falcated Duck   (First for Britain)
The BOURC has announced that Falcated Duck has been added to the Britist List, the first record being an adult at Welney, Norfolk in December 1986. More here >
Written by:  (05 Feb 2019)
 
 
How to send a finch extinct   (Conservation News)
An endangered Queensland bird is at risk of extinction because environmental legislation is failing to protect its habitat, according to a University of Queensland-led study. More here >
Written by:  (31 Jan 2019)
 
 
Flamingo haven saved from mega-bridge construction   (Conservation News)
Following a successful court case lead by Doga (BirdLife in Turkey), the proposal to build a mega-bridge spanning the Izmir Bay has been permanently dropped. More here >
Written by:  (31 Jan 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 23 - 29 Jan   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn is back from a short hiatus with his comprehensive roundup of the best birds from the last week from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (30 Jan 2019)
 
 
How much rainforest do birds need?   (Research)
Researchers have assessed which proportion of forest would be necessary in order to provide sufficient habitat for rainforest bird species. More here >
Written by:  (25 Jan 2019)
 
 
Feathers: Better than Velcro?    (Research)
Engineers detail bird feather properties that could lead to better adhesives and aerospace materials. More here >
Written by:  (24 Jan 2019)
 
 
Bird beaks did not adapt to food types as previously thought   (Research)
A study, led by the University of Bristol, has shed some new light on how the beaks of birds have adapted over time. More here >
Written by: RBA (24 Jan 2019)
 
 
Birds show heightened aggression after lead exposure   (Research)
A new study has show that Mockingbirds exposed to sub-lethal levels of lead in urban areas display significantly heightened aggression. More here >
Written by: RBA (24 Jan 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 16 - 22 Jan   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn is back from a short hiatus with his comprehensive roundup of the best birds from the last week from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (23 Jan 2019)
 
 
Rampant indiscriminate killing of Lebanon's birds continues   (Wildlife crime)
The shocking image of a dead Cinereous Vulture photographed in Lebanon and shared on social media suggests the indiscriminate killing of birds continues to be rampant across the country. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Jan 2019)
 
 
Cooking oil contaminated gulls released back into the wild   (News)
Scotland's animal welfare charity the Scottish SPCA has recently released nine gulls which had been contaminated by cooking oil in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Jan 2019)
 
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