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
 
 
Hummingbirds show up when tropical trees fall down   (Research)
When a tree fell in the Panamanian rainforest researchers had already been studying the exact spot for over 30 years. More here >
Written by:  (01 May 2020)
 
 
Satellite-tagged red kite 'disappears' on grouse moor in North Pennines AONB   (Wildlife crime)
The young bird was fitted with a satellite tag at Rowlands Gill, near Gateshead in June 2019. More here >
Written by:  (30 Apr 2020)
 
 
The Wildlife Trusts face huge challenges during coronavirus   (Conservation News)
Valuable time is being lost to a proliferation of illegal activities such as shooting wildlife and fly tipping. More here >
Written by:  (30 Apr 2020)
 
 
Charity plea for butterfly sightings   (Conservation News)
Wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, launches plea to the public to help measure impacts of climate change. More here >
Written by:  (30 Apr 2020)
 
 
Ptarmigan use extreme method to save energy   (Research)
Ptarmigan reduce how much they spend on keeping their own immune defense system up and running during winter months. More here >
Written by:  (30 Apr 2020)
 
 
Want to help birds? Dig a pond   (Research)
Ponds are hotspots of insect life in the increasingly barren landscapes of intensive farmland. More here >
Written by:  (30 Apr 2020)
 
 
Stone-curlew rescued in Hyde, Greater Manchester   (Personal Account)
Samantha Hogan and her dad rescued the bird after hearing a strange call whilst out on a walk. More here >
Written by:  (28 Apr 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 21 - 27 Apr 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the weeks' best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (28 Apr 2020)
 
 
Juvenile Egyptian Vulture found in South Africa   (News)
Rare sighting of a juvenile in South Africa - the species is thought to be extinct in the country. More here >
Written by:  (27 Apr 2020)
 
 
Red Kites shot and killed in Powys   (Wildlife crime)
The three illegally killed birds were found in an area which is managed for pheasant shooting. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2020)
 
 
Cuckoo completes 22,000 mile odyssey in record time   (News)
Aided by favourable southerly winds, Carlton II completed the last leg of his mammoth journey in record time. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2020)
 
 
City Nature Challenge 24-27 April   (Conservation News)
This year the international citizen science project is open to those living outside cities and in rural areas. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2020)
 
 
Helping the nation thank the NHS - a FREE wildlife holiday to Shetland   (News)
Shetland Nature is giving away 3 wildlife holidays to NHS workers. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2020)
 
 
Biggest ever vulture mortality event in the world unfolds in Guinea-Bissau   (Wildlife crime)
Estimates of over 2000 Hooded Vultures poisoned to death for their body parts. More here >
Written by:  (23 Apr 2020)
 
 
Geolocators give new insights into nesting behaviour of godwits   (Research)
New info gathered using geolocators on godwits shows that traditional observation methods can lead to inaccurate data. More here >
Written by:  (22 Apr 2020)
 
 
Birds lower their bill temperature to prevent heat loss   (Research)
Great Tits are observed lowering bill temperature when faced with temporary food shortage. More here >
Written by:  (22 Apr 2020)
 
 
UK Crane population reaches its highest level for over 400 years   (Conservation News)
Latest common crane survey reveals a record-breaking 56 pairs of cranes in 2019. More here >
Written by:  (22 Apr 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 31 Mar - 6 Apr 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his regular weekly roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (22 Apr 2020)
 
 
BTO's Garden Birdwatch made free to non-members   (Research)
The BTO is offering membership of its Garden BirdWatch scheme for free during the COVID-19 lockdown. More here >
Written by:  (22 Apr 2020)
 
 
Spurn Bird Obs Launches Lockdown Auction   (Advertising feature)
Lots range in value from a few pounds to several thousand pounds - ends Apr 24th. More here >
Written by:  (22 Apr 2020)
 
 
Volunteers' data vital in wetland conservation   (Conservation News)
Data collected by volunteers as part of the Wetland Bird Survey play a crucial role in the designation of protected wetland sites in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. More here >
Written by:  (22 Apr 2020)
 
 
Social distancing: We should take our cues from birds   (Research)
Social distancing was initially used to describe the common observation that birds often exhibit a uniform distribution with incredibly even distances between individuals. More here >
Written by:  (22 Apr 2020)
 
 
Innovative birds are less vulnerable to extinction   (Research)
Ability to adopt new feeding techniques and food sources linked to a reduced risk of extinction. More here >
Written by:  (22 Apr 2020)
 
 
National Garden Bird Survey reaches 25 years   (Conservation News)
In 1995 the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) launched a weekly garden bird survey, Garden BirdWatch (GBW), and today it is still going strong. More here >
Written by:  (21 Apr 2020)
 
 
Flamingos form firm friendships   (Research)
Flamingos form friendships that last for years, new research shows. More here >
Written by:  (21 Apr 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 7 - 12 Apr 2020   (Weekly Roundup)
Highlights include Britain's 9th Song Sparrow and Ireland's 6th Western Sandpiper, Jon Dunn reports.More here >
Written by:  (14 Apr 2020)
 
 
In Quarantine with Ghost Cats   (Personal Account)
Tony Davison's search for Snow Leopard ends in a dramtaic Covid-19 quarantine in a remote Mongolian camp. More here >
Written by:  (14 Apr 2020)
 
 
Online Birders' Pub Quiz Launches   (News)
The bainchild of Ashley Saunders the online quiz is streamed live and all you need is a Twitter account to take part. More here >
Written by:  (14 Apr 2020)
 
 
Finders-in-the-Field: Western Sandpiper, Tacumshin Lake   (Finders account)
Killian Mullarney finds Ireland's sixth Western Sandpiper but the id was not an easy one, here he walks us through the identification process. More here >
Written by:  (14 Apr 2020)
 
 
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)
 
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