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 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)
 
 
Hooded Seal found in County Cork   (News)
A sub-adult male Hooded Seal was found at Toormore Bay, in County Cork on New Year's Day and represents only the fourth record for Ireland. More here >
Written by:  (02 Jan 2020)
 
 
Another mass poisoning in Zululand causes alarm for the future of vultures in the region   (Wildlife crime)
Unfortunately, yet another mass poisoning incident occurred in Africa, ending 2019 on a sad note for vulture conservation. More here >
Written by:  (02 Jan 2020)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 24 Dec - 1 January   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his first weekly birding roundup of the new decade. More here >
Written by:  (02 Jan 2020)
 
 
Vietnam seizes two tonnes of ivory and pangolin scales   (Wildlife crime)
More bad news for the species as 1.7 tonnes of pangolin scales are seized in Vietnam. The Pangolin is now considered the world's most trafficked animal. More here >
Written by:  (02 Jan 2020)
 
 
Falcons see prey at speed of Formula 1 car   (Research)
Researchers hope the new knowledge can hopefully contribute to better conditions for birds held in captivity. More here >
Written by:  (02 Jan 2020)
 
 
Solved: mystery of 'ornamented' coot chicks has surprising explanation   (Research)
The ornamental plumage in newly hatched American coot chicks is associated with a higher feeding rate for the youngest surviving chicks. More here >
Written by:  (02 Jan 2020)
 
 
Fresh hope for Spoon-billed Sandpipers after chicks hatch   (Conservation News)
The world's rarest wader has been thrown a lifeline after two Spoon-billed Sandpiper chicks hatched at WWT Slimbridge in Gloucestershire. More here >
Written by:  (02 Jan 2020)
 
 
Merry Christmas from the RBA Team   (News)
A Christmas message to all our subscribers

More here >
Written by:  (24 Dec 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 18 - 23 Dec   (Weekly Roundup)
Christmas has come a day early as Jon Dunn brings you his final weekly birding roundup of 2019. More here >
Written by:  (24 Dec 2019)
 
 
RBA Annual Rarity Roundup 2019: Part 1   (Annual Rarity Review)
David Cambell looks back on the first half of 2019 which included Britain's first twitchable Tengmalm's Owl. More here >
Written by:  (24 Dec 2019)
 
 
Bringing the 'rice bird' back to Hong Kong   (Conservation News)
A new project is bringing rice paddies back to Hong Kong, along with the birds that depend on them, such as the Yellow-breasted Bunting. More here >
Written by:  (24 Dec 2019)
 
 
New Zealand becomes the first country to approve and adopt the British Hookpod   (Conservation News)
Hookpod virtually eliminates deaths of albatross and other seabirds in pelagic long line fishing. More here >
Written by:  (23 Dec 2019)
 
 
RSPB Scotland responds to Scotland's Plans for offshore wind launched recently   (Press report)
Marine Scotland has launched draft plans for new offshore wind projects, but offshore wind poses a risk to Scotland's natural marine environment, especially its internationally important numbers of seabirds. More here >
Written by: RSPB (20 Dec 2019)
 
 
Where are all the Turtle Doves and Partridges?   (Research)
The latest BirdTrends report from the British Trust for Ornithology shows a very mixed bag for our birds, with some showing marked increases and others in steep decline. More here >
Written by: BTO (20 Dec 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 11 - 17 Dec   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings us another comprehensive roundup of the week's birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (18 Dec 2019)
 
 
Rare Breeding Birds Panel seeks new Secretary   (News)
After almost 14 years Mark Holling is standing down as Secretary and applications for the part-time role are now open. More here >
Written by:  (17 Dec 2019)
 
 
Scottish Short-eared Owl tracked to Morocco's 'Oyster Capital'   (Research)
A Short-eared Owl, fitted with a satellite tag while breeding in Scotland, has been tracked to Morocco, revealing significant new information for BTO researchers. More here >
Written by:  (17 Dec 2019)
 
 
Kent's Heath Fritillary butterfly hit new highs in 2019   (Conservation News)
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed that one of the UK's rarest butterflies had an exceptional year in Kent in 2019. More here >
Written by:  (17 Dec 2019)
 
 
UK insects make a bee-line for foreign plants   (Research)
Non-native plants are providing new homes for Britain's insects - some of which are rare on native plants, a new study has found. More here >
Written by:  (17 Dec 2019)
 
 
Norfolk seals die after human disturbance   (Wildlife crime)
The public are being urged to keep their distance from seals at Winterton beach after three seal pups died in three days due to human disturbance and a dog attack. More here >
Written by:  (17 Dec 2019)
 
 
Cley NWT plans to introduce new car-parking charges   (News)
NWT has applied for planning permission to install pay & display machines in the main centre car park, and at Cley Beach road carpark. More here >
Written by:  (16 Dec 2019)
 
 
Review: Moult and Ageing of European Passerines: Second Edition   (Book of the Month)
Published by Helm, this second edition is completely revised, updated and improved with nearly 100 additional pages. More here >
Written by:  (13 Dec 2019)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 4 - 10 Dec   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings us another comprehensive roundup of the week's birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (11 Dec 2019)
 
 
Shot Hen Harrier found dead on grouse moor whilst two others 'disappear'   (Wildlife crime)
A member of the public found the dead female bird on a grouse moor on the Dumfries-shire/South Lanarkshire boundary. More here >
Written by:  (10 Dec 2019)
 
 
House mice seen attacking adult albatrosses for the first time   (Conservation News)
This is the first time this behaviour has been documented on Gough island with previous footage showing the mice attacking and devouring the chicks. More here >
Written by:  (10 Dec 2019)
 
 
WWT hero stops invasive plant from reaching nature reserve   (Conservation News)
A Senior Technology Officer at Slimbridge has all but eradicated Himalayan Balsam from the canal during his lunchtime running sessions. More here >
Written by:  (10 Dec 2019)
 
 
Start of winter brings first 'swanfall' at WWT Slimbridge   (News)
The start of December, and a dip in temperatures, has seen the first 'swanfall' at WWT Slimbridge.
More here >
Written by:  (10 Dec 2019)
 
 
A falcon in free fall - Saving the Saker in Kyrgyzstan   (Conservation News)
Sakers are highly-prized amongst falconers and the trade in wild-caught birds is threatening the species.
More here >
Written by:  (10 Dec 2019)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 27 Nov - 3 Dec   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings us another comprehensive roundup of the week's birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (04 Dec 2019)
 
 
Tufted Puffins stay cool thanks to their large bill   (Research)
Tufted Puffins regulate their body temperature thanks to their large bills, an evolutionary trait that might explain their capacity to fly for long periods in search for food. More here >
Written by:  (02 Dec 2019)
 
 
Hen Harrier Ada 'disappears' on grouse moor in North Pennines AONB   (Wildlife crime)
Northumbria Police and the RSPB have issued an appeal for information following the sudden disappearance of yet another satellite-tagged Hen Harrier, a female bird known as Ada. More here >
Written by:  (02 Dec 2019)
 
 
Red Kite poisoned in Nidderdale   (Wildlife Crime)
North Yorkshire Police and the RSPB are appealing for information after a protected Red Kite was found poisoned in North Yorkshire. More here >
Written by:  (02 Dec 2019)
 
 
Did human hunting activities alone drive Great Auks' extinction?   (Research)
Findings of new research suggest that intense hunting by humans could have caused the rapid extinction of the Great Auk. More here >
Written by:  (28 Nov 2019)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 20 - 26 Nov   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings us another comprehensive roundup of the week's birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (27 Nov 2019)
 
 
Sumatran Rhino is extinct in Malaysia as lone survivor dies   (News)
The female rhino, named Iman, who had cancer has died, just six months after the death of the last surviving male. More here >
Written by:  (26 Nov 2019)
 
 
New boat launched to help protect Curlews   (Conservation News)
A brand new cot - a vessel for transporting livestock and machinery on and off the islands of Lower Lough Erne - has been launched by conservation charity RSPB NI. More here >
Written by:  (26 Nov 2019)
 
 
Galapagos Island finches still spooked a decade after predators have gone   (Research)
On some Galapagos Islands where human-introduced predators were eradicated, finches are still acting as though they are in danger. More here >
Written by:  (26 Nov 2019)
 
 
New atlas shows changes for British and Irish moths   (Conservation News)
The newly published Atlas of Britain and Ireland's Larger Moths have revealed that our moths are on the move. More here >
Written by:  (26 Nov 2019)
 
 
Moult and Ageing in European Passerines    (News)
Pre-Publication Offer: Thanks to our friends at WildSounds we can bring you this excellent pre-publication offer on this stunning new book. More here >
Written by:  (26 Nov 2019)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 13 - 19 Nov   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings us another comprehensive roundup of the week's birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (20 Nov 2019)
 
 
Human hair may be causing pigeons to lose their toes    (Research)
Researchers believe that pigeons lose their toes in greater numbers when there are more hairdressers in the area. More here >
Written by:  (19 Nov 2019)
 
 
Ancient Egyptians gathered birds from the wild for sacrifice and mummification   (Research)
New DNA study rejects the idea that Egyptians domesticated sacred ibis for ritual use. More here >
Written by:  (19 Nov 2019)
 
 
First evidence of the impact of climate change on Arctic Terns   (Research)
Data collected from electronic tags retrieved from 47 journeys made by the Farne Island Arctic Terns, has revealed for the first time how climate change might affect their behaviour. More here >
Written by:  (19 Nov 2019)
 
 
Jackdaw mobs flip from chaos to order as they grow   (Research)
Chaotic mobs of jackdaws suddenly get organised once enough birds join in, new research shows. More here >
Written by:  (19 Nov 2019)
 
 
New leader for The Wildlife Trusts   (News)
One of the UKss leading environmental campaigners, Craig Bennett, has been appointed as the new CEO of The Wildlife Trusts. More here >
Written by:  (19 Nov 2019)
 
 
John Brodie Good: funeral details   (News)
This coming Wednesday we will say goodbye to our dear friend John Brodie Good. Details of his funeral can be found here for those wishing to attend, to pay their respects and to celebrate his life. More here >
Written by:  (15 Nov 2019)
 
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