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
 
 
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)
 
 
Biotope sets up camp in Britain   (News)
Biotope - the Norwegian company known for its innovative bird shelters and hides has opened its first British office. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Jan 2019)
 
 
Another Hen Harrier disappears, presumed killed, on North Yorks grouse moor   (Wildlife crime)
This is the ninth bird tagged last summer to vanish in similar circumstances, the last transmission showed the bird on a driven grouse moor in North Yorkshire. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Jan 2019)
 
 
NWT to benefit from inaugural Norfolk Bird and Wildlife Fair   (Conservation News)
Norfolk Wildlife Trust has been named as the charity beneficiary of the Norfolk Bird and Wildlife Fair, taking place at Pensthorpe 18-19 May. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Jan 2019)
 
 
Mega flock of 5 million Brambling in Slovenia   (Personal Account)
A huge flock of upwards of 5 million Brambling have descended on an area of about 100 square kilometres, but every night they pack into a patch of trees covering just 5 hectares. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Jan 2019)
 
 
Review: To the Ends of the Earth - Ireland's Place in Bird Migration   (Book of the Month)
Jon Dunn reviews the latest title from renowned Irish author and ornithologist Anthony Mcgeehan. More here >
Written by:  (16 Jan 2019)
 
 
Two billion birds migrate over Gulf Coast   (Conservation News)
New study provides detailed insights into spring bird migration along the Gulf of Mexico and how these journeys may be affected by climate change. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Jan 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 9 - 15 Jan   (Weekly Roundup)
Stuart Piner brings you his comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (16 Jan 2019)
 
 
Palm Oil pushing Gurney's Pitta towards extinction   (Conservation News)
Forests in Myanmar, where the world's remaining birds exist, are being cleared to make way for oil palm and betel nut plantations. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Jan 2019)
 
 
South America's industrial scale bird trade revealed in shocking new report   (Wildlife crime)
The findings are published in Bird's-eye view: Lessons from 50 years of bird trade regulation & conservation in Amazon countries. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Jan 2019)
 
 
RBA Annual Rarity Roundup 2018 Part 2   (Annual Rarity Review)
David Campbell looks back on the best birds of from the second half of the year which included a major 'grip-back' for British listers. More here >
Written by:  (14 Jan 2019)
 
 
Prolific wildlife criminal jailed for rare bird eggs smuggling attempt   (Wildlife crime)
A man who tried to smuggle 19 rare and endangered bird eggs into the UK been jailed for 3 years and 1 month. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 Jan 2019)
 
 
Bird-friendly coffee wins ethical award top spot   (Conservation News)
Bird & Wild Coffee, who work in partnership with RSPB and donate 6% of all sales to them, have won another award for their ethical coffee. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 Jan 2019)
 
 
Female penguins are getting stranded along the South American coast   (Conservation News)
Female Magellanic Penguins venture farther north than males do, where they are apparently more likely to run into trouble. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 Jan 2019)
 
 
Marsh Harrier found illegally shot in North Lincolnshire   (Wildlife crime)
Locals and conservationists are raising the alarm after a rare and protected bird of prey was found shot near Barton-Upon-Humer. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 Jan 2019)
 
 
Britain's Tawny Owls need twenty minutes   (Conservation News)
Twenty minutes once during your week is all it will take to find out just how Britain's Tawny Owls are faring. More here >
Written by: RBA (09 Jan 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 2 - 8 Jan   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (09 Jan 2019)
 
 
Feisty hummingbirds prioritise fencing over feeding   (Research)
Using high-speed video cameras, the researchers have for the first time captured hummingbird fencing and feeding strategies in slow motion. More here >
Written by: Tony White, RBA (03 Jan 2019)
 
 
Book Review: On Crescent Wings - A Portrait of the Swift   (Book of the Month)
Yorkshire-based wildlife painter Jonathan Pomroy has conducted a lifelong affair with one of the fastest and highest-flying birds. More here >
Written by:  (03 Jan 2019)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 19 Dec - 1 Jan   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his comprehensive roundup of the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic over the festive fortnight More here >
Written by:  (02 Jan 2019)
 
 
Drone documents destruction of precious sand dunes in Ayrshire   (Conservation News)
Drone footage has given a birds-eye view of an excavator working to flatten several hectares of tall, wildlife-rich dunes to make way for development on the Ardeer peninsula. More here >
Written by: RBA (02 Jan 2019)
 
 
History made as world's rarest bird released into the wild   (Conservation News)
A duck thought to be extinct for 15 years has been brought back from the brink and given a new home on a remote lake in Madagascar. More here >
Written by: RBA (02 Jan 2019)
 
 
Book Review: A Year in British Wildlife   (Book of the Month)
Mark Ward walks us through a calendar year of wildlife-watching opportunities from around the British Isles. More here >
Written by:  (02 Jan 2019)
 
 
Annual Rarity Roundup 2018: Part 1   (Annual Rarity Review)
David Campbell looks back on the first half of the year. Highlights included American Bittern, Trindade Petrel, Audouin's Gull, as well as Snowy Owl and Rose-coloured Starling influxes. More here >
Written by:  (02 Jan 2019)
 
 
Robin hushed: Wind turbines are making songbirds change their tune   (Research)
Wind turbines are often criticised for their impact on wildlife, particularly larger birds, but their impacts on smaller birds are less well documented. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Dec 2018)
 
 
Not Extinct: Stresemann's Bristlefront photographed in Brazil   (Conservation News)
Alexander Zaidan of Fundacao Biodiversitas photographed a female Stresemann's Bristlefront on Dec 12, re-confirming the species' existence. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Dec 2018)
 
 
British List demotion for Norfolk Indigo Bunting   (British List)
After a review, the British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee (BOURC) has placed the following record in Category E. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Dec 2018)
 
 
Finders-in-the-field: Dusky Thrush, Whalsay, Shetland   (Finders account)
Whilst on a walk with his dog, with a little gentle birdwatching and Birdtracking thrown in, Brian Marshall finds a Dusky Thrush. More here >
Written by:  (20 Dec 2018)
 
 
Merry Christmas from the RBA team   (News)
The RBA team would like to wish all our subscribers and supporters and friends a very Merry Christmas.
More here >
Written by: RBA (19 Dec 2018)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 12 - 18 Dec   (12 Birds of Christmas)
Jon Dunn brings you his comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (19 Dec 2018)
 
 
Britain's best Nightingale site a step closer to being saved from development   (Conservation News)
Housing development plans around Lodge Hill scaled back from 2,000 to 500 houses following campaigns by the RSPB, Kent Wildlife Trust and other partner organisations. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Dec 2018)
 
 
More 'heatwave' summers will affect animals   (Research)
A new study shows that overheated birds have smaller offspring, and that those that are born may have lower chances of survival. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Dec 2018)
 
 
23 Andean Condors poisoned in Patagonia   (Wildlife crime)
This year alone, more than 90 condors have died in Argentina due to pesticide poisoning, the global population is just 7,000. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Dec 2018)
 
 
Europe is losing its mountain birds   (Research)
New population data for European mountain birds shows the abundances of mountain-specialist birds has declined by as much as 10% in the 2000s. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Dec 2018)
 
 
New to Britain: halimodendri Lesser Whitethroat   (British List)
The BOURC has announced that Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca halimodendri has been added to the British List. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Dec 2018)
 
 
Finders-in-the-field: American Royal Tern, Anglesey, Dec 2018   (Finders account)
Tony White describes finding an American Royal Tern at Treath Dulas on Anglesey
More here >
Written by: Tony White,  (18 Dec 2018)
 
 
Common Cranes enjoy record breaking 2018   (Conservation News)
The Common Crane has continued to make a comeback after the latest survey revealed a record breaking 54 pairs across the UK in 2018, with the total population now believed to be more than 180 birds. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Dec 2018)
 
 
Grouse moor regulation vital to end illegal killing of Scotland's raptors   (Wildlife crime)
A new report details the clear associations between the decline or absence of these birds in parts of Scotland's uplands, intensive grouse moor management and wildlife crime. More here >
Written by:  (14 Dec 2018)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 5 - 11 Dec   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (12 Dec 2018)
 
 
Hummingbirds thrive in innovative Mexico gardens   (Conservation News)
Launched in 2014, the project now has five gardens around the Mexico City metropolitan area, and has inspired private citizens to create dozens of others. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Dec 2018)
 
 
Antarctic fauna threatened by human-spread pathogens in polar latitudes   (Research)
A new study reveals the fragility of polar ecosystems and warns about the risk of massive deaths and extinctions of local fauna populations due to pathogens. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Dec 2018)
 
 
Butterfly expands range and sets up in Scottish cities   (Conservation News)
A butterfly once restricted to a small part of Scotland is making a comeback by expanding its range in the countryside and moving into cities like Edinburgh and more recently, Aberdeen More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Dec 2018)
 
 
RSPCA renews calls for balloon release ban after gull dies in Derbyshire   (Press report)
A European Herring Gull has died after becoming entangled in a deflated balloon, prompting calls once again from the RSPCA for balloon and sky lantern releases to be banned. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Dec 2018)
 
 
First ever breeding Bitterns on Isle of Wight confirmed   (Conservation News)
The RSPB are confident that the secretive birds successfully bred at the newly restored wetland, making this the first ever Bittern breeding record for the Isle of Wight. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Dec 2018)
 
 
Two owls found shot in Peak District   (Wildlife crime)
A Short-eared and Tawny Owl were found within a 3-week period in the northern 'Dark Peak' - a notorious raptor persecution hotspot. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Dec 2018)
 
 
Massive wild bird seizures reflect soaring pressure on Sumatran birds   (Wildlife crime)
The seizure of over 8,000 birds from three incidents over a 10-day period points to large-scale extraction from the wilds of Sumatra, to feed Indonesia's demand for caged birds. More here >
Written by: RBA (12 Dec 2018)
 
 
New report finds a third of Welsh birds are declining   (Conservation News)
State of Birds in Wales 2018 also highlights crucial role citizen science plays in saving our species from extinction. More here >
Written by: RBA (05 Dec 2018)
 
 
Norfolk gets it's first Birdfair   (News)
A team of nature and conservation experts are coming together to host a brand new bird and wildlife fair showcasing why Norfolk is renowned as 'the birdwatching capital of Britain. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (05 Dec 2018)
 
 
Birding Heaven and Hell: the ultimate trek for the Seram Thrush   (Personal Account)
John Gregory and Ashley Banwell trekked a gruelling 80kms in 5 days in search of one of the most elusive birds in the world. More here >
Written by: Ashley Banwell (05 Dec 2018)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 28 Nov - 4 Dec   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (05 Dec 2018)
 
 
Buzzard and Hobby killed on the Isle of Wight: Police appeal for information nine months later   (Wildlife crime)
Hampshire police have launched an appeal for information after a Buzzard and Hobby were killed on the Isle of Wight. More here >
Written by: RBA (05 Dec 2018)
 
 
Sparrows thriving in Scotland   (Conservation News)
The latest report from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) shows that the House Sparrow is doing very well in Scotland. More here >
Written by: BTO (05 Dec 2018)
 
 
Waders in decline in Strathallan, Scotland   (Conservation News)
Over the period of 1990-2015 Oystercatchers showed the greatest proportional decline with the breeding population falling by 95%. More here >
Written by: BTO (05 Dec 2018)
 
 
Great apes and ravens plan without thinking   (Research)
The new study "What can associative learning do for planning?" rejects the idea that ravens and great apes have human-like planning capacities. More here >
Written by: RBA (03 Dec 2018)
 
 
Hunting of Greenland White-fronted Geese in England and Wales finally banned   (Conservation News)
The WWT welcomes decisions by the UK and Welsh governments to end the hunting of Greenland White-fronted Geese. More here >
Written by: WWT (03 Dec 2018)
 
 
Book review: How to Be an Urban Birder    (Book review)
Andy Stoddart reviews the latest title from David Lindo. in which he tells you everything you need to know about birds and birding in and around towns and cities in the UK. More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (30 Nov 2018)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up 21 - 27 Nov   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his comprehensive roundup of the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (28 Nov 2018)
 
 
Captive-breeding will not save wild Asian Houbara without regulation of hunting   (Conservation News)
A new study finds that trying to stabilise populations solely through captive breeding will require the release of such large numbers it will compromise wild populations. More here >
Written by: RBA (27 Nov 2018)
 
 
Northern Bald Ibis no longer Critically Endangered   (Conservation News)
Northern Bald Ibis has moved from Critically Endangered - the highest threat category - to Endangered on the latest IUCN Red List.
More here >
Written by: BirdLife (27 Nov 2018)
 
 
When good looks alone are not enough to win a mate   (Research)
Females birds-of-paradise evaluate not only how attractive the male is, but also how well he sings and dances.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (27 Nov 2018)
 
 
White-browed Shortwing is not 1 but 4 species   (Research)
Scientists analysis of DNA, plumages, structure, songs and geographical distributions to come to their conclusions.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (27 Nov 2018)
 
 
A win for Barnacle Geese   (Conservation News)
A proposal to downgrade protection of Barnacle Geese which would make it widely legal to kill them has been rejected.
More here >
Written by: WWT (27 Nov 2018)
 
 
2,300 vultures poisoned in Balkan Peninsula in last 20 years   (Wildlife crime)
The authors of a new study put a conservative estimate of over 2,300 vultures poisoned vultures in the Balkan Peninsula since 1998. More here >
Written by: VCF (27 Nov 2018)
 
 
Britain's best birdnews team just got better   (News)
We are delighted to announce that we have recruited Surrey based birder David Campbell as the newest member of the RBA birdnews team. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (23 Nov 2018)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up 14 - 20 Nov   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn brings you his comprehensive take on the week's best birds from Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic, with the re-appearance of the Mourning Dove, wagtails, swifts and much more. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (21 Nov 2018)
 
 
Stress in early life has a lasting impact on male birds' song   (Research)
Male songbirds that had better early life conditions as nestlings sing more often and produce more complex songs as adults. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (16 Nov 2018)
 
 
Conservation areas help birdlife adapt   (Research)
These areas help northern bird species maintain their abundances on the southern boundary of their current area of distribution. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (16 Nov 2018)
 
 
Oil drilling plans off Portuguese coast stopped after NGOs' legal action   (Conservation News)
Drilling for oil and gas in the region would also pose risks for the migratory seabirds that use the area as a flyway, such as the threatened Balearic Shearwater. More here >
Written by: BirdLife (16 Nov 2018)
 
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