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
 
 
Finders-in-the-field: Brunnich's Guillemot, Anstruther   (Finders account)
Stuck on the mainland as they waited to get to the Isle of May, Alan Lauder & Ken Shaw find a Brunnich's Guillemot in Anstruther harbour.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (28 Sep 2016)
 
 
Summer migrants reluctant to leave   (Research)
New research conducted at Fair Isle Bird Observatory has shown that migrating birds like Swallows and House Martins are increasingly reluctant to leave the UK and return to Africa.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (27 Sep 2016)
 
 
Tagged Egyptian Vultures drown crossing the Med   (Conservation News)
Two captive-bred Egyptian Vultures released this year in Bulgaria have drowned crossing between Turkey and Cyprus on their migration south.
More here >
Written by: VCF (22 Sep 2016)
 
 
School of Birding 2016: Basic Birding Skills   (Event)
Following their launch in 2015, Spurn Bird Observatory Trust is once again running their 'School of Birding' workshops this coming October.
Full details here >
Written by: Spurn Bird Observatory (22 Sep 2016)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 14 - 20 Sep   (Weekly Roundup)
Lots of good old-fashioned east coast (and Northern Isles) birding, with the highlight being a Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler at Spurn, however a Common Yellowthroat in Northern Ireland bucked the trend.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (21 Sep 2016)
 
 
Review and Special Offer: Birding World: The Complete Set   (Book review)
Andy Stoddart reviews the new DVD which provides easy access to all 26 'Birding World' volumes and 'Twitching' too, 324 issues in all.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (21 Sep 2016)
 
 
Raptor Camp 2016 kicks off as autumn killing continues   (Press report)
BirdLife Malta's have begun their annual Raptor Camp monitoring illegal hunting of wild birds during peak autumn migration when it coincides with the hunting season. More here >
Written by: BirdLife (21 Sep 2016)
 
 
Buglife concern as first Asian hornets confirmed in England   (Press report)
Defra have confirmed the first Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) in the UK, two have been found in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. More here >
Written by: Buglife (21 Sep 2016)
 
 
South America's first transboundary biosphere reserve   (Press report)
Ecuador and Peru are creating the first UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserve to protect almost 2 million hectares of dry forest across two countries. More here >
Written by: World Land Trust (21 Sep 2016)
 
 
Birds choose spring neighbours based on winter friendships   (Press report)
Great Tits pick their spring breeding sites to be near their winter flockmates, according to new research into the social networks of birds from the University of Oxford. More here >
Written by: Ecology Letters (21 Sep 2016)
 
 
Tropical crow species is highly skilled tool user   (Press report)
An international team of scientists and conservation experts has discovered that the critically-endangered Hawaiian Crow, or Alala, is a highly proficient tool user. More here >
Written by: Nature (21 Sep 2016)
 
 
Record breaking breeding season for Bearded Vulture in the Alps   (Press report)
This year 43 pairs of the re-introduced population of Bearded Vultures have been observed nesting in the Alps, a new record. More here >
Written by: VCF (21 Sep 2016)
 
 
Oxford to become England's first 'Swift City'   (Press report)
The RSPB and its partners were granted 83,700 pounds from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a new Oxford 'Swift City'. More here >
Written by: RSPB (21 Sep 2016)
 
 
Over 2,000,000 square kilometers of UK Ocean to be protected   (Press report)
The UK and several UK Overseas Territory Governments have jointly announced that over two million square kilometres of British waters will be protected for future generations. More here >
Written by: RSPB (21 Sep 2016)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 7 - 13 Sep   (Weekly Roundup)
A mixed bag this week with a Red-footed Booby taken into care in Sussex, a Cliff Swallow on the Scillies, two Pallid Harriers and various long stayers.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (14 Sep 2016)
 
 
BirdLife Malta calls on Prime Minster to suspend autumn hunting season   (Wildlife Crime)
The call comes after a week of killings which has seen two Black Storks shot as well as Bee-eaters, Night Herons, Golden Oriole and Honey Buzzard! More here >
Written by: BirdLife (13 Sep 2016)
 
 
Hooded Grebe threatened by dam construction   (Conservation News)
An emergency motion passed by the IUCN is appealing to the Argentinian Government to save Critically Endangered bird from badly-planned hydroelectric dams. More here >
Written by: BirdLife (13 Sep 2016)
 
 
Scilly Pelagic Magic 2016   (Personal Account)
Jim Almond looks back on a memorable twelve days spent on St. Mary's when he took part in eleven Scilly Pelagic sessions from the 11th to 22nd August 2016.
More here >
Written by: Jim Almond (13 Sep 2016)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 31 Aug - 6 Sep   (Weekly Roundup)
Andy rounds up another superb week for rare birds, Britain's first Red-footed Booby is found on a Sussex Beach whilst Scilly lands Britain's 10th Cliff Swallow plus much more.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (07 Sep 2016)
 
 
First for Britain: Red-footed Booby in Sussex   (First for Britain)
A Red-footed Booby is currently being cared for by the RSPCA after it was found exhausted on the beach at Hastings in East Sussex on Sunday 4th September. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (06 Sep 2016)
 
 
Top conservation players partner to identify the most vital places for wildlife   (Conservation News)
11 of the world's leading conservation orgs have announced an ambitious new partnership to identify, map and conserve the most important places for life on earth. More here >
Written by: BirdLife (05 Sep 2016)
 
 
Hen Harrier Bonny fledges at RSPB Geltsdale   (Conservation News)
The male Hen Harrier was the only chick to hatch from a clutch of five eggs at the North Pennines reserve and is one of only seven to fledge in the whole of England this season.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (05 Sep 2016)
 
 
Finders-in-the-field: Western Sandpiper, Aird an Runair   (Finders account)
Brian Rabbitts tells the story of finding a Western Sandpiper at Aird an Runair on the Western Isles, a potential first for the archipelago.
More here >
Written by: Brian Rabbitts, Rare Bird Alert (05 Sep 2016)
 
 
Community Conservation - helping Scilly's Storm Petrels   (Conservation News)
The Isles of Scilly Seabird Recovery Project has installed nest boxes on some of St Agnes' boulder beaches, to help one of England's rarest seabirds.
More here >
Written by: IoS Seabirds Recovery Project (02 Sep 2016)
 
 
Best year for Large Blue since 1930s   (Conservation News)
The once-extinct Large Blue Butterfly, reintroduced to the UK in 1984, flew in its highest numbers for at least 80 years this summer, belying warnings that 2016 could be the worst year on record for British butterflies. More here >
Written by: Wildlife Trust (31 Aug 2016)
 
 
Ouse Fen takes big step towards creating UK's largest purpose built reedbed   (Conservation News)
A recent handover of land has set an RSPB reserve on the way to becoming the UK's largest created reedbed.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (31 Aug 2016)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 24 - 30 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Highlights included Western Purple Swamphen in Lincolnshire, Royal Tern in Kerry, Sykes's Warbler in Orkney, Semipalmated Sandpiper influx in Ireland and much more.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (31 Aug 2016)
 
 
Satellite tagged Turtle Doves will reveal migration secrets   (Conservation News)
Six Turtle Doves are being satellite tracked from their breeding grounds in the UK to their wintering grounds in West Africa, to help better understand why numbers are crashing so rapidly. More here
Written by: RSPB (30 Aug 2016)
 
 
Finders-in-the-field: Royal Tern, Mayo and Kerry, Aug 2016   (Finders account)
Sligo Birder Seamus Feeney finds Ireland's second ever Royal Tern in Mayo and a week later Kerry birder Davey Farrar relocates it at Beale strand some 80mls to the south. More here
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (30 Aug 2016)
 
 
Conservation organisations unite to protect precious dune habitat   (Conservation News)
The Scottish Wildlife Trust, RSPB Scotland, BugLife and Plantlife Scotland have come together to campaign against a proposal to build a golf course at Coul Links in East Sutherland. More here
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (30 Aug 2016)
 
 
Shoot if you want to   (Conservation News)
Despite overwhelming opposition from scientists and the public the Welsh government has decided against a ban on the shooting of Endangered Greenland White-fronted Geese!
More here
Written by: RSPB (30 Aug 2016)
 
 
Countdown to Spurn Migration Festival 2016   (Event)
The countdown is now on and there is less than two weeks to go to the fourth Annual Spurn Migration Festival, for a full programme of events and how to book your tickets.
See here
Written by: Spurn Bird Observatory (30 Aug 2016)
 
 
First photos of Karimui Owlet-nightjar - rediscovered after half a century   (Conservation News)
Known from a single specimen taken from the Karimui Basin in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea in 1964 the Karimui Owlet-nightjar has been rediscovered. More here >
Written by: Ashley Banwell (30 Aug 2016)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 17 - 23 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Highlights this week included a Brown Booby photographed off the Kerry coast, Royal Tern, Fea's Petrel, large numbers of Curlew Sands, Greenish Warbler influx and much more.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (24 Aug 2016)
 
 
Scientists map migration paths of Arctic breeding birds   (Research)
In an effort to understand the threats and inform conservation of these areas, scientists have identified vital stopover areas for Dunlin.
More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (23 Aug 2016)
 
 
Saving old villages helps save farmland birds   (Research)
Preserving old villages and farm buildings - and being more creative in designing new rural homes - could help halt the decline in European farmland bird populations, according to new research.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (23 Aug 2016)
 
 
City centre gulls could help plan drone flight paths   (Research)
Airflows around even small-scale features can have profound implications for energy use and flight control in birds which could be useful in drone technology. More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (23 Aug 2016)
 
 
Building new homes for Swifts and communities   (Conservation News)
With Swift numbers and nesting sites in decline the RSPB and the UK's biggest house builder have collaborated to create a new Swift nest box in a brick format which can then easily be fitted in any new home. More here >
Written by: RSPB (23 Aug 2016)
 
 
Cranes fledge in view of passing commuters   (Conservation News)
Staff and volunteers at RSPB Lakenheath Fen nature reserve are celebrating after two pairs of Cranes have successfully raised three Crane chicks, for the second year running.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (23 Aug 2016)
 
 
Golden and Blue-winged Warbler genomes 99.97 percent alike   (Research)
Scientists have discovered that Golden-winged and Blue-winged Warblers are 99.97 percent genetically alike which could have impications for their conservation. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (23 Aug 2016)
 
 
More wildlife crime in Scottish Highlands as another tagged Hen Harrier disappears   (Wildlife crime)
RSPB Scotland has today announced that a young male Hen Harrier, has gone missing on a grouse moor in the Monadhliath Mountains, south east of Inverness.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (18 Aug 2016)
 
 
Houbara Bustard nest discovered in Jordan   (Conservation News)
For the first time since its release between 2014-2016 under the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Houbara Reintroduction Project, a Houbara Bustard nest has been spotted by field teams in Jordan.
More here >
Written by: BirdLife (17 Aug 2016)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 10 - 16 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
Ireland steals the show yet again with a glut of top quality birds. The highlight was a Royal Tern in Mayo with backup provided by Solitary and Least Sandpipers together in County Clare.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (17 Aug 2016)
 
 
Hornsea offshore wind farm decision devastating for iconic seabirds   (Conservation News)
The RSPB is deeply concerned that the Secretary of State's decision to approve an offshore wind farm off Hornsea will lead to the unnecessary death of globally important seabirds. More here >
Written by: RSPB (16 Aug 2016)
 
 
Indonesia's bird life plundered to supply Javan bird markets   (Wildlife crime)
Nearly 23,000 birds were recorded in five markets during a three-day survey, with clear indication that the vast majority were illegally taken from the wild.
More here >
Written by: TRAFFIC (16 Aug 2016)
 
 
First bird extinction on Galapagos and it had only just been discovered   (Research)
Scientists have discovered a new species of colourful songbird in the Galápagos Islands, with one catch: it's extinct.
More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (16 Aug 2016)
 
 
Reintroducing the Black-fronted Piping-guan in Brazil   (Conservation News)
Conservationists in Brasil are encouraged by the early results of a project to re-introduce Black-fronted Piping-guan to the Atlantic forest.
More here >
Written by: BirdLife (16 Aug 2016)
 
 
Huge grant for RSBP Rainham to build fox-proof fence   (Conservation News)
RSPB Rainham Marshes in east London has received a substantial grant from waste management company Veolia to help protect ground-nesting Lapwings.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (16 Aug 2016)
 
 
Talking Naturally: New episode - Hen Harrier Day 2016   (Podcast)
Recorded at Hen Harrier Day 2016 events the latest TN series of vox pops and in-the-field conversations, with birders, naturalists, political leaders, plus Chris Packham. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (15 Aug 2016)
 
 
Grassroots movement secures debate over future of driven grouse shooting   (Conservation News)
Dr.Mark Avery's e-petition calling for driven grouse shooting to be banned in England has surpassed the 100,000 signatures required for a parliamentary debate. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (13 Aug 2016)
 
 
Red-billed Tropicbird colony discovered on the Canary Islands   (Conservation News)
A colony of up to 20 individual Red-billed Tropicbirds, including eight pairs, has been discovered on Fuerteventura, the first colony to be found on the Canaries. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (12 Aug 2016)
 
 
Evolve or Die: RSPB renews calls for licensing of grouse shooting   (Conservation News)
Following their recent withdrawal from Defra's Hen Harrier Action Plan the RSPB, is warning that reform is the only way grouse shooting can save itself in England. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (12 Aug 2016)
 
 
Faster ageing and an earlier death for migrants   (Research)
The stress of birds' continent-spanning annual migrations, it appears, leads to faster ageing and a potentially earlier death, a new study has shown.
More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (10 Aug 2016)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 3 - 9 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
The Minsmere Purple Swamphen hangs on for a few days but then does a bunk. Elsewhere there was brace of Least Sandpipers in Devon, and the first Fea's type Petrel of the Autumn, plus much more.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (10 Aug 2016)
 
 
Natural England responds to outcry over Buzzard cull decision   (Conservation News)
Following a large public outcry over the decision to issue a license to kill Buzzards to protect pheasants, Natural England has issued a statement explaining their decision. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (09 Aug 2016)
 
 
New sightings of Beck's Petrels but no tagged birds   (Conservation News)
An intrepid BirdLife International team are back from their voyage to discover the nesting grounds of Beck's Petrel, a small seabird facing an uncertain future.
More here >
Written by: BirdLife (09 Aug 2016)
 
 
Name and Save: your chance to name a Hen Harrier   (Conservation News)
The RSPB Hen Harrier LIFE project team and LUSH are giving people the opportunity to name a recently satellite tagged Hen Harrier chick.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (09 Aug 2016)
 
 
Scientists find first evidence of birds sleeping during flight   (Research)
For the first time, researchers have discovered that birds can sleep in flight but do so for only a fraction of the time they do when on land.
More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (09 Aug 2016)
 
 
Contaminated marine mammals may hamper California Condor recovery   (Conservation News)
Biologists have discovered high levels of pesticides from marine mammals in the tissues of California Condors living near the coast, and could complicate recovery efforts. More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (09 Aug 2016)
 
 
Lab-reared maggots may save Darwin's famous finches   (Research)
A new technique to lab-rear a fly which parasitise ground finches on the Galapagos islands may prove to be a crucial tool in the fight to save endemic birds.
More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (09 Aug 2016)
 
 
UK first as Brecks Stone Curlews are GPS tagged   (Conservation News)
For the first time in the UK, scientists working in the Brecks are using high-tech GPS tags to study the movements of one of the country's most threatened birds, the Stone Curlew. More here >
Written by: Breaking New Ground (08 Aug 2016)
 
 
Review and Special Offer: Albatrosses and Fulmarine Petrels   (Book review)
Mark Golley reviews the latest offering from Bob Flood and Ashley Fisher in their series of Multimedia ID Guides, and its fair to say he likes it!
More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (08 Aug 2016)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 27 Jul - 2 Aug   (Weekly Roundup)
A relatively quiet week was turned on its head when a Western Purple Swamphen was found at RSPB Minsmere, and in the last hours of the roundup period a Least Sandpiper in Devon.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (03 Aug 2016)
 
 
Cooperation between honeyguide and humans is a two-way conversation   (Research)
New findings suggest that the famous cooperation between honeyguide birds and human honey hunters in sub-Saharan Africa is a two-way conversation.
More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (02 Aug 2016)
 
 
Scientists determine how birds soar to great heights   (Research)
Scientists are hoping that glider pilots will be able to soar more efficiently by adopting the learning strategies that birds use to navigate their way through thermals. More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (02 Aug 2016)
 
 
Talking Naturally EP29: Britain's Birds
The Making of a Field Guide   (Podcast)
Charlie is in conversation with Rob Hume and Andy Swash on what it took to produce their epic new photo ID guide for the birds of Britain and Ireland.
Listen here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (02 Aug 2016)
 
 
Island wildlife threatened by stowaway Mongooses   (Conservation News)
Six small Indian mongooses that hitched a ride from Fiji inside a shipping container have escaped and now threaten native wildlife on Tonga.
More here >
Written by: BirdLife (01 Aug 2016)
 
 
Persistent illegal bird trade continues at notorious Bangkok Market   (Wildlife crime)
More than 1000 birds were found for sale at the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market over two days, including many internationally threatened species.
More here >
Written by: TRAFFIC (01 Aug 2016)
 
 
Songbirds' epic migrations connected to a small cluster of genes   (Research)
Scientists have shown that there is a genetic basis to the migratory routes flown by songbirds, and have narrowed in on a cluster of genes that may govern the behaviour. More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (01 Aug 2016)
 
 
Bearded Vulture found dead in northern Germany   (Press report)
A young male, named Larzac, that left the Grands Causses several weeks ago to make a complete tour of the Netherlands, has now been found dead in northern Germany. More here >
Written by: VCF (01 Aug 2016)
 
 
New Field Guide: Britain's Birds
review and special offer   (Book review)
Andy reviews this new photo id guide and after initial trepidation he was clearly very impressed calling it 'best photo guide now on the market.'
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (01 Aug 2016)
 
 
Puffin and shearwater numbers surge on Lundy after rat eradication   (Conservation News)
Numbers of Puffins and Manx Shearwater have rocketed on an island off the coast of Devon, a decade after it was declared rat-free.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (29 Jul 2016)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 20 - 26 Jul   (Weekly Roundup)
After the relative doldrums of the last couple of weeks, the pace really stepped up a gear this week, indeed this was an outstanding period for July and, as is typical for the season, the main interest lay in waders and seabirds. More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (27 Jul 2016)
 
 
Event: The Birds of Spurn book launch   (Event)
To celebrate the publication of the new The Birds of Spurn a book launch is being held at Westmere Farm, Kilnsea on Sunday 14th August 2016. All are welcome. More here >
Written by: Spurn Bird Observatory (26 Jul 2016)
 
 
Aldi plastic bag sales raises £775,000 for RSPB   (Conservation News)
Supermarket Aldi is celebrating the first anniversary of its educational partnership with the RSPB which has seen them donate £775,000 from the sale of its carrier bags. More here >
Written by: RSPB (26 Jul 2016)
 
 
Finders-in-the-field: Western Sandpiper, Tacumshin   (Finders account)
Tacumshin in Co.Wexford in south west Ireland strikes gold again as Paul Kelly finds Ireland's fifth ever Western Sandpiper.
More here >
Written by: Paul Kelly (26 Jul 2016)
 
 
Gulls killed by illegal bird traps on grouse moor in Cairngorms National Park   (Wildlife Crime)
RSPB Scotland has appealed for information following the discovery of illegally-set spring traps in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (22 Jul 2016)
 
 
Conservation organisations back new calls for licencing of gamebird hunting   (Conservation News)
The Scottish Raptor Study Group has launched a petition calling on the Scottish government to introduce a state regulated licensing scheme for all gamebird hunting in Scotland. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (22 Jul 2016)
 
 
Record-breaking breeding for Black Vultures but controversy looms   (Conservation News)
Mallorca's Black Vultures have enjoyed their best breeding season but with previously closed land being opened to access conservationists are worried about disturbance. More here >
Written by: VCF (21 Jul 2016)
 
 
Little Auks more resillient to big changes in the Arctic   (Research)
New research has shown that the foraging behaviour of Little Auks in the arctic might make them more resilient to climate change than other species.
More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (21 Jul 2016)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 13 - 19 Jul   (Weekly Roundup)
As the weather heated up, the birding was on more of a slow simmer. The best new discovery was a Terek Sandpiper at North Bull Island while a Black Stork in Sussex was another new find this week
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (20 Jul 2016)
 
 
Special Offer and review: Lost Among the Birds   (Book review)
Andy reviews Lost Among the Birds, the story of Neil Hayward, a North American birder who's Big Year was unplanned and accidental but turned out a perfect distraction to his complicated life.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (19 Jul 2016)
 
 
Alaska's Shorebirds exposed to mercury   (Research)
Shorebirds breeding in Alaska are being exposed to mercury at levels that could put their populations at risk, according to new research from The Condor: Ornithological Applications.
More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (19 Jul 2016)
 
 
Hummingbird vision wired to avoid high-speed collisions   (Research)
Hummingbirds are among nature's most agile flyers. They can travel faster than 50 kilometres per hour and stop on a dime to navigate through dense vegetation. More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (19 Jul 2016)
 
 
Hen Harrier chick satellite tagged on National Trust estate in Scotland   (Conservation News)
A female Hen Harrier chick has been satellite tagged at Mar Lodge Estate, following the first successful breeding attempt on the estate in several decades.
More here >
Written by: National Trust Scotland (19 Jul 2016)
 
 
Turtle Dove population hits a new low   (Research)
The latest Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) report has revealed that Turtle Dove numbers have hit a new low, declining by 93% since 1994.
More here >
Written by: BTO (19 Jul 2016)
 
 
Tagging unlocks the secret lives of St Ives' gulls   (Research)
A newly-published paper in Ringing & Migration explains how state-of-the art GPS tags have unlocked the secrets of four Herring Gulls nesting on the rooftops of St Ives, Cornwall. More here >
Written by: BTO (19 Jul 2016)
 
 
Wait for Orkney's first White-tailed Eagle chicks goes on   (Conservation News)
Those eagerly awaiting Orkney's first sea eagle chicks in over a century will have to wait a little longer, it seems as both adult birds have abandoned the nest. More here >
Written by: RSPB (13 Jul 2016)
 
 
Weekly birding roundup 6 - 12 Jul   (Weekly Roundup)
Some nice summer highlights this week including Somerset's second Collared Pratincole, the first being way back in 1858 so safe to assume that all Somerset listers needed this one!
More here >
Written by:  (13 Jul 2016)
 
 
30 Spoon-billed Sandpipers hatched by conservationists   (Conservation News)
30 chicks have been hatched by conservationists in Russia over the weekend as part of on-going efforts to save the Critically Endangered wader.
More here >
Written by: WWT (12 Jul 2016)
 
 
Butterfly reintroduction project reaches new milestone   (Conservation News)
A new colony of one of Europe’s rarest butterflies has been discovered on an RSPB reserve in Cumbria, marking a new milestone for a reintroduction project.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (12 Jul 2016)
 
 
Record-breaking Gannet arrives home   (Research)
A Northern Gannet from Alderney arrived home from a week-long, 2,700km, foraging trip which is the longest ever recorded for an adult of its kind.
More here >
Written by: Wildlife Trust (12 Jul 2016)
 
 
Book review & special offer: Siberia's Sprite   (Book review)
Jon Dunn reviews Siberia's Sprite, which sets out to explore the history and to understand our lasting relationship with Pallas's Warbler and its place in our fascinations and desires.
More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (11 Jul 2016)
 
 
30,000 Ortolan Buntings killed every year, can they be saved?   (Wildlife Crime)
Despite being a protected species, each year, 30.000 are illegally trapped and killed during the autumn migration in August and September in the southwest of France. More here >
Written by: BirdLife (11 Jul 2016)
 
 
RSPB use geolocators to seek cause of moorland bird decline   (Conservation News)
The RSPB has fitted Whinchats at RSPB Geltsdale with special tracking devices in an attempt to discover why these migrant birds are in serious decline.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (11 Jul 2016)
 
 
Male warblers singing to themselves   (Research)
New research by scientists at the Universtiy of East Anglia illustrates how lone, singing male Willow Warblers, could be an inevitable symptom of species declines.
More here >
Written by: Graham Appleton (08 Jul 2016)
 
 
Chinese Pond Heron and Slaty-backed Gull join the British List   (British List)
The BOURC has announced some changes to the British List, accepting both Chinese Pond Heron and Slaty-backed Gull to Category A, whilst placing Mugimaki Flycatcher in Category E. More here >
Written by: BBRC (06 Jul 2016)
 
 
Malta get it's first marine Special Protection Areas   (Conservation News)
Malta now has its first eight marine SPAs within the Natura 2000 network which gives seabirds in Malta full protection on land and at sea.
More here >
Written by: BirdLife (06 Jul 2016)
 
 
Northern Wrens found to be more resilient to winter weather   (Research)
New research reveals that one of our most widespread songbirds, the Wren, varies in its resilience to winter weather, depending on where in Britain it lives.
More here >
Written by: BTO (06 Jul 2016)
 
 
Campgrounds Alter Jay Behavior   (Research)
According to new research the availability of food in campgrounds significantly alters Steller's Jays' behaviour and may even change how they interact with other bird species.
More here >
Written by: Phys.Org (06 Jul 2016)
 
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