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
 
 
Funding secures exciting addition to RSPB Marshside   (Conservation News)
Thanks to funding from Biffa Award, the RSPB is taking even more birds under its wing on the Ribble Estuary after recently purchasing Crossens Inner Marsh. More here >
Written by:  (04 Jun 2019)
 
 
Solar deal powers up RSPB nature reserves   (Conservation News)
The RSPB is planning to install over 700 solar panels across seven nature reserves and is expecting the panels will provide up to 80% of the sites' annual energy. More here >
Written by:  (04 Jun 2019)
 
 
Raven found poisoned on Ruabon moor   (Wildlife Crime)
The dead bird was found on the same estate near Wrexham, where two satellite-tagged hen harriers recently vanished.
More here >
Written by:  (04 Jun 2019)
 
 
Finders-in-the-field: Great Knot, Unst   (Finders account)
Allan Conlin describes the finding of Britain's sixth ever, and Shetland's second, Great Knot flying in off the sea on Unst.
More here >
Written by:  (03 Jun 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 22 - 28 May   (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: Jon Dunn (29 May 2019)
 
 
Study predicts shift to smaller animals over next century   (Research)
Researchers at the University of Southampton have forecast a worldwide move towards smaller birds and mammals over the next 100 years. More here >
Written by:  (28 May 2019)
 
 
Escaped parrots are now naturalised in 23 US states   (Research)
Research data on bird sightings finds that 56 different parrot species have been spotted in 43 states, and 25 of those species are now breeding in the wild in 23 different states. More here >
Written by:  (28 May 2019)
 
 
Another Hen Harrier disappears in Cairngorms National Park   (Wildlife crime)
RSPB Scotland are appealing for information following the sudden disappearance of a young Hen Harrier in an area notorious for bird of prey persecution. More here >
Written by:  (28 May 2019)
 
 
Plans for dangerous wind farm halted by Birdlife partner   (Conservation News)
BirdLife South Africa have halted plans for the farm at Eastern Cape's Groot Winterhoekber - an important area for threatened raptors. More here >
Written by:  (28 May 2019)
 
 
UK moths battling unfair reputation   (Conservation News)
Around three quarters of the UK population have some negative opinion of moths, with many people believing the majority eat clothes and are pests, a study has revealed. More here >
Written by:  (28 May 2019)
 
 
RSPCA appeal after family of dead ducks found in bag outside Asda   (Wildlife crime)
The female mallard and nine ducklings were found in a black bin liner outside Asda in Colne, Lancashire, on Saturday 27 April. More here >
Written by:  (28 May 2019)
 
 
Costa del Dee: Spoonbill and rare herons set to nest at RSPB reserve   (Conservation News)
Five different waterbird species, some more commonly seen in the Mediterranean, have arrived at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands nature reserve this spring and are showing positive signs of breeding. More here >
Written by:  (28 May 2019)
 
 
Feeding garden birds significantly alters the composition of bird communities   (Research)
As a nation we spend an estimated £200-300 million on bird feeding products each year which could potentially sustain up to 196 million birds. More here >
Written by:  (28 May 2019)
 
 
Finders-in-the-field: Western Orphean Warbler, Bardsey   (Finders account)
Sam Prettyman describes the ringing highlight of a lifetime when he found Wales' second Western Orphean Warbler in the nets on Bardsey. More here >
Written by:  (28 May 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 15 - 21 May   (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: Jon Dunn (22 May 2019)
 
 
150th Osprey chick hatches at Rutland Water Nature Reserve   (Conservation News)
On 13th May the Rutland Osprey Project celebrated a major milestone and welcomed its 150th chick into the world. More here >
Written by: Wildlife Trust (21 May 2019)
 
 
A year in the life of a Turtle Dove   (Conservation News)
Dr Susana Requena from the RSPB's Centre for Conservation Science explains how new technology is uncovering the secrets of Turtle Dove migration. More here >
Written by: RSPB (18 May 2019)
 
 
RSPB announces new Chief Executive   (Press report)
The RSPB has this week announced that its new Chief Executive will be Beccy Speight, currently Chief Executive at the Woodland Trust. More here >
Written by: RSPB (17 May 2019)
 
 
The Collared Flycatcher in Easington, East Yorkshire, 11th May 2019   (Finders account)
Steve Webb and Paul French discuss the finding and identification of the Collared Flycatcher at Easington. More here >
Written by: Steve Webb and Paul French (16 May 2019)
 
 
The American Bittern on Lewis, Western Isles, 10th May 2019   (Finders account)
Vicky Anderson describes how she found the American Bittern on the Western Isles. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (15 May 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 8 - 14 May   (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: Jon Dunn (15 May 2019)
 
 
Help our puffins: join the Puffarazzi   (Conservation News)
The RSPB's innovative citizen science photography project returns. More here >
Written by: RSPB (14 May 2019)
 
 
Spurn Migration Festival 2019 Tickets on sale   (News)
Tickets for the 2019 Spurn Migration Festival are on sale from Monday 13th May. More here >
Written by: Spurn Bird Observatory (14 May 2019)
 
 
First Blue-eyed Ground-dove chick recorded   (Conservation News)
In great news for the Critically Endangered Blue-eyed Ground-dove, a chick has been seen close to fledging. More here >
Written by: BirdLife (13 May 2019)
 
 
Public Appeal Helps Protect Chesil Beach Little Terns   (Conservation News)
In February the RSPB launched a Just Giving Appeal, to raise the urgently needed funds to protect this year's chicks. More here >
Written by:  (10 May 2019)
 
 
Bewick's Swans being hunted accidentally   (Conservation News)
A survey of hunters in Arkhangelsk Oblast and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug revealed that just 14% of participants were able to identify Bewick's correctly. More here >
Written by:  (10 May 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 1 - 7 May   (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:  (08 May 2019)
 
 
Hen Harrier 'Skylar' disappears near Scottish grouse moor   (Conservation News)
RSPB Scotland is appealing for information from the public after a young Hen Harrier, fitted with a satellite transmitter, disappeared suddenly on a moor near Elvanfoot. More here >
Written by:  (08 May 2019)
 
 
Iconic Welsh bird disappearing   (Conservation News)
The latest Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) report shows that the Welsh breeding Curlew population has fallen by 68% between 1995 and 2017. More here >
Written by:  (08 May 2019)
 
 
UV Lights on Power Lines May Help Save Cranes   (Research)
Adding UV lights to which many birds are sensitive can cut crane collisions with power lines by 98%. More here >
Written by:  (08 May 2019)
 
 
Scottish Starlings struggle   (Conservation News)
Scottish Starling numbers have fallen by almost a third, following an alarming trend that is mirrored across the UK. More here >
Written by:  (08 May 2019)
 
 
Greenfinches disappearing in Northern Ireland   (Conservation News)
The main driver of the fall in the population is thought to be the disease Trichomonosis, first emerging in finch populations following spill-over from Woodpigeons. More here >
Written by:  (08 May 2019)
 
 
UK's birds hit by weather double whammy in 2018   (Conservation News)
The latest results published in the 2018 Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) report, suggest that the Beast from the East and Saharan winds may have had a big impact on both resident and migrant birds. More here >
Written by:  (02 May 2019)
 
 
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)
 
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