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.
 
 
 
 
Tasmanian Swift Parrot could be extinct in 16 years.   (Press report)
The iconic Tasmanian Swift Parrot is facing population collapse and could become extinct within 16 years, new research has found.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (31 Mar 2015)
 
 
South Georgia rat eradication project: baiting completed   (Press report)
After five years the final phase of baiting has taken place on South Georgia. It is hoped that it will be free of rats for the first time since humans inhabited the island. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (30 Mar 2015)
 
 
Fewer finches visiting British gardens   (Conservation News)
The results of the RSPB's annual Big Garden Birdwatch are in and whilst most species increased the number of finches has dropped.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (30 Mar 2015)
 
 
World record flock of Relict Gulls   (Personal Account)
News from China where a record 10,405 Relict Gulls have been counted at a single site, but it's not necessarily good news.
More here >
Written by: Terry Townshend (30 Mar 2015)
 
 
Mercury pollution danger for Ivory Gulls   (Research)
A paper in Proceedings of the Royal Society B says that mercury levels in Ivory Gulls have risen almost 50 fold over the last 130 years.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (25 Mar 2015)
 
 
Birders deliver 20 years of citizen science   (Conservation News)
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Garden BirdWatch survey is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, thanks to the dedication of its participants.
More here >
Written by: BTO (25 Mar 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 18 - 24 Mar 2015   (Weekly Roundup)
A Desert Wheatear on St.Agnes was a surprise find this week and in Norfolk a very brief Booted Eagle was reported but not see again.
More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (25 Mar 2015)
 
 
Ban driven grouse shooting - one week left   (Personal Account)
An e-petition calling for a ban on driven grouse shooting to protect raptors from illegal persecution enters it's final week.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (25 Mar 2015)
 
 
The mountains burn, and so do important areas for threatened birds   (Conservation News)
Substantial swathes of mountain habitat in western Ireland went up in flames during a large wildfire at the weekend, just as the breeding season begins.
More here >
Written by: Birdwatch Ireland (24 Mar 2015)
 
 
Gannet numbers increase in northwest Scotland   (Conservation News)
A study of Gannets off the northwest coast of Scotland has found the birds' numbers have increased rapidly over the last decade.
More here >
Written by: Scottish Natural Heritage (24 Mar 2015)
 
 
Year round ban for low flying aircraft over Cley and Salthouse Marshes   (Press report)
The RAF have confirmed that a seasonal ban on low flying military aircraft above Cley and Salthouse Marshes is to be extended to a year round ban.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (24 Mar 2015)
 
 
Spectacular lost hummingbird rediscovered after 69 years   (Press report)
The Blue-bearded Helmetcrest, a hummingbird not seen for 69 years and thought to be extinct, has been re-found in Columbia and photographed for the very first time. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (18 Mar 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 11 - 17 Mar 2015   (Weekly Roundup)
Many of last week's rarities were still in situ, in Ireland an American Herring Gull is found and in Norfolk a White-tailed Eagle goes wandering.
More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (18 Mar 2015)
 
 
Book review and special offer:
Britain's Butterflies (3rd ed)
   (Book review)
This is a new third edition of a field guide which first appeared in 2002 and it remains an excellent introduction to Britain's fabulous butterflies.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (18 Mar 2015)
 
 
Book review and special offer:
Cuckoo - Cheating by Nature
   (Book review)
Andy Stoddart reviews this monograph on one of our most-loved birds - the Cuckoo - by one of our foremost field ornithologists.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (18 Mar 2015)
 
 
Irish Hen Harrier Survey 2015   (Conservation News)
Following on from a 2010 survey which showed regional declines BirdWatch Ireland are looking for volunteers to help with their 2015 survey.
More here >
Written by: Birdwatch Ireland (17 Mar 2015)
 
 
Birds of Minnesota: a visual field guide   (Advertising feature)
A new take on bird illustrations using minimalist design and straight lines, but does it work?
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (17 Mar 2015)
 
 
Beating bird wings generate electricity for data collector   (Research)
A prototype "bio-logging" device is being developed which is powered by the wing-beats of the bird it is attached to.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (16 Mar 2015)
 
 
Shetland to Snowcaps, and back again   (Personal Account)
Jon Dunn embarks on an epic weekend trip from Shetland to Costa Rica in search of hummingbirds.
More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (13 Mar 2015)
 
 
Study reveals north/south genetic divide in Welsh Red Kite   (Research)
A study of the modern Red Kite population in Wales has revealed a north/south genetic divide running along the Towy Valley.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (13 Mar 2015)
 
 
Perija Tapaculo: a new species for South America   (Research)
After sitting in a museum drawer for more than seventy years, a new Tapaculo has been described.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (12 Mar 2015)
 
 
Report shows mixed picture for birds of prey in Scotland   (Conservation News)
A new report on Scottish raptors shows that some species are faring better than in the past but species such as the Kestrel are in decline.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (12 Mar 2015)
 
 
SOC & Isle of May Bird Observatory Young Birders' Training Course 2015   (Conservation News)
The Scottish Ornithologists' Club and Isle of May Bird Observatory are looking for six young birdwatchers to take part in their Young Birders' Training Course.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (12 Mar 2015)
 
 
Time is running out for T in the Park as Ospreys start returning to UK   (Conservation News)
RSPB Scotland has today warned time is running out to reduce the impact of T in the Park on wildlife at Strathallan Castle in Perthshire.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (11 Mar 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 04 - 10 Mar 2015   (Weekly Roundup)
The first common migrants starting appearing this week with an arrival of Sand Martins, Wheatears and the first Little Ringed Plovers.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (11 Mar 2015)
 
 
Jerdon's Babbler rediscovered in Myanmar   (Conservation News)
A scientific team working in Myanmar has rediscovered Jerdon's Babbler which had last been seen in Myanmar in July 1941 and was considered by many to be extinct in the country.
More here >
Written by: Oriental Bird Club (10 Mar 2015)
 
 
Migrant songbirds slaughtered on an industrial scale on MoD base   (Conservation News)
The numbers of trapped songbirds illegally killed on a British military base in Cyprus last autumn reached an estimated 900,000 birds, the highest level recorded in 12 years, according to the latest RSPB-funded research of trapping activity on the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area. More here >
Written by: RSPB (06 Mar 2015)
 
 
New research provides farmers with techniques to help Turtle Dove recovery   (Conservation News)
A new research study, conducted on six farms across East Anglia, has recommended a new agri-environment management option that could help in the recovery of UK Turtle Dove populations.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (06 Mar 2015)
 
 
Birding gear reviewed: listing apps - BirdListsUK   (App Review)
This is the third in Marcus Nash's series of reviews looking at smartphone listing applications, which can be used to replicate one of the main uses of the traditional notebook with an interactive and downloadable way of keeping lists. More here >
Written by: Marcus Nash (06 Mar 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 25 Feb - 03 Mar 2015   (Weekly Roundup)
Just when it looked like it would be another quite week with the long-stayers dominating the headlines a juvenile Thayer's Gull is found in Yorkshire. Elsewhere there was still plenty of winter fayre still on offer.
More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (04 Mar 2015)
 
 
Finders in the field: Thayer's Gull, Rufforth, Yorkshire, Mar 2015   (Finders account)
Ex-RBA newsman Tom Lowe, describes finding a juvenile Thayer's Gull at Rufforth Airfield in Yorkshire.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (04 Mar 2015)
 
 
Shot Peregrine found dead outside Derbyshire Wildlife Trust HQ   (Conservation News)
A Peregrine found dead outside the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust offices at East Mill in Belper was found to have been recently shot, and the RSPB are now offering a £1000 reward for information.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (03 Mar 2015)
 
 
Zapata Rail seen for first time in 40 years   (Conservation News)
An ornithological search-team have caught a glimpse of the Critically Endangered Zapata Rail. The sighting is the first documented in more than four decades and offers hope to conservationists working to ensure its survival. More here >
Written by: BirdLife (03 Mar 2015)
 
 
Bowhead Whale off Scilly - a first for Britain and Europe   (Press report)
News from the Isles of Scilly where on the 20th of February a 'mystery whale' photographed close inshore to St.Martin's has been identified by experts as the first ever Bowhead Whale to be seen in Britain.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (27 Feb 2015)
 
 
RSPB offering £1000 reward after Buzzard seriously injured Buzzard on Yorkshire estate   (Conservation News)
Humberside Police and the RSPB are appealing for information following the discovery of a Buzzard that had sustained injuries consistent with illegal trapping. The RSPB are offering a £1000 reward to anyone who has information that could lead to a conviction relating to the incident. More here >
Written by: RSPB (27 Feb 2015)
 
 
Breckland Stone Curlew numbers treble thanks to long-term partnership   (Conservation News)
Farmers, landowners, gamekeepers and conservationists will celebrate 30 years of joint conservation work for Stone Curlews in the Brecks, which has turned around the fortunes of this rare and iconic farmland species.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (27 Feb 2015)
 
 
Fresh aims to protect Uists' waders   (Conservation News)
Proposals by Scottish Natural Heritage to mount a fresh drive to help some of Europe's most important numbers of wader birds were today backed by community leaders in the Outer Hebrides.
More here >
Written by: Scottish Natural Heritage (26 Feb 2015)
 
 
Bay of Panama saved from destruction   (Conservation News)
Panama Audubon Society is celebrating after winning a hard-fought effort to reverse the Panama government's 2012 decision to withdraw protected status for the Bay of Panama Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. More here >
Written by: BirdLife (26 Feb 2015)
 
 
White-tailed Eagle found dead in Fermanagh   (Conservation News)
Another of Ireland's re-introduced White-tailed Eagles has been found dead, this time in Co.Fermanagh.
More here >
Written by: Golden Eagle Trust (26 Feb 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 18 - 24 Feb 2015   (Weekly Roundup)
Another week without too many new birds but the rarity list is beginning to resemble the roll call from Noah's Ark! To join the pairs of Black Scoter, American Coots and Laughing Gulls we now have two Harlequins and two Pacific Divers and a brace of Black-bellied Dippers. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (25 Feb 2015)
 
 
Bird hides - birding and innovation   (Personal Account)
Following our poll on noise in hides we asked Tormod Amundsen to tell us a bit more about Biotope and their innovative hide designs. Find out how this Norwegian company is changing the way we look at hides.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (25 Feb 2015)
 
 
Reader Poll: Are nature reserve hides too noisy? The Results   (Poll)
The results are in of our latest poll where we asked you about the noise made in nature reserve hides by users and their equipment.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (25 Feb 2015)
 
 
Flamborough - Celebrations and Expectations   (Conservation News)
Martin Garner looks ahead to the Flamborough Bird Observatory AGM in March and gives details of Flamborough Presents an evening with Martin looking and what birds to expect in 2015 and talks about his Challenge Series of books. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (25 Feb 2015)
 
 
Book review: Crossbill Guides - Iceland   (Book review)
Andy Stoddart reviews the latest offering from the Crossbill Guides covering Iceland. Previous guides, such as those to the Spanish Pyrenees, Hungary's Hortobagy and France's Loire Valley, have focused on famous bird-rich areas but here, for the first time, we have a guide to a whole country. More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (25 Feb 2015)
 
 
Game farm owner found guilty of pole trap offence   (Conservation News)
The owner of Westfield Farm, Cropton, North Yorkshire, has been found guilty of permitting the use of a pole trap on the farm on 11 June 2014, and has been fined £4,000 at Scarborough Magistrates' Court today.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (25 Feb 2015)
 
 
Wildlife conservation re-establishing in Iraq   (Conservation News)
Despite the all-too gloomy news of the terrible troubles in Iraq, there are still highlights, little jewels, that show the resilience and determination of the Iraqi people to treasure and protect their natural heritage.
More here >
Written by: BirdLife (25 Feb 2015)
 
 
Reader poll: Are nature reserve hides too noisy?   (Poll)
In our reader poll this week we are asking you about nature reserve hides and if you find that people in them make too much noise.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (18 Feb 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 11 - 17 Feb 2015   (Weekly Roundup)
A quiet week on the new rarity front with Harlequin, Black Scoters, American Coots and Pacific Diver all remaining put. The Laughing Gull in Cheshire also continued to put on a show and off Filey a splendid drake Surf Scoter proved very popular. Plus this week you can compete against Mark in a feature we are calling the Long-stayers Lottery! More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (18 Feb 2015)
 
 
Masked gunmen filmed attacking Goshawk nest in Cairngorm National Park   (Conservation News)
A video camera deployed in 2014 by RSPB Scotland to monitor a Goshawk nest in Aberdeenshire captured footage revealing a group of men repeatedly visiting the area in what appears to be an attempt to kill the birds and destroy the nest. More here >
Written by: RSPB (17 Feb 2015)
 
 
Asia's migrant songbirds in trouble   (Conservation News)
Migratory songbirds in East Asia are in trouble, according to new research. The study calls for national action and international cooperation to deal with threats, as well as more monitoring and research to help understand and protect this unique migration system. More here >
Written by: BirdLife (16 Feb 2015)
 
 
Britain's finest Nightingale site gets reprieve from development   (Conservation News)
The Government has listened to the pleas of over 12,400 people concerned about the future of Britain's finest Nightingale site and has called in for public inquiry an application to build 5,000 homes on Lodge Hill, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, in Kent. More here >
Written by: RSPB (16 Feb 2015)
 
 
RSPB and Barratt to 'give nature a home' with new housing   (Conservation News)
Barratt Developments has joined forces with the RSPB to set a new benchmark for nature-friendly housing developments - the first national agreement of its kind in the UK.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (16 Feb 2015)
 
 
Ringers' DigiGuide - a new online resource for bird ringers and birders   (Press report)
A new website, created and run by the Swedish bird observatory at Ottenby, aims to provide a user-friendly, practical and accurate guide to ageing and sexing of birds in spring and autumn.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (13 Feb 2015)
 
 
Little Bustard shot in Norfolk, Police and RSPB appeal for information   (Conservation News)
Norfolk Police and the RSPB have appealed for anyone with any information about the shooting of a Little Bustard in Norfolk last month, to come forward.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (13 Feb 2015)
 
 
Golden Eagle numbers to be revealed by fourth national survey   (Conservation News)
One of Scotland's most iconic birds will be the subject of a fourth national survey to see how its population is faring. The six-month survey of Golden Eagles is co-funded by Scottish Natural Heritage and RSPB Scotland.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (13 Feb 2015)
 
 
Birding gear reviewed: listing apps - Bird Journal   (App Review)
In the 2nd in his series of reviews of listing apps Marcus Nash gives Bird Journal a comprehensive review. Available for both iPhone and Android and designed to be used alongside a desktop application.
More here >
Written by: Marcus Nash (11 Feb 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 04 - 10 Feb 2015   (Weekly Roundup)
Another week and the winter's long-stayers were still in situ including the Harlequin, Black Scoters and American Coots. The Laughing Gull in Cheshire proved a photographers delight whilst a super showy Little Bunting in South Wales was one of three found this week. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (11 Feb 2015)
 
 
Record breaking Birdfair to help save the seas   (Press report)
Following a record breaking Birdfair 2014, a £280,000 cheque was handed to BirdLife International to help advance the designation of new marine protected area and to enrich worldwide marine wildlife.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (09 Feb 2015)
 
 
Hen Harrier hotline - report your 2015 sightings   (Conservation News)
As spring gets underway, the RSPB is asking people who spend time in the English uplands to keep their eyes peeled for Hen Harriers, England’s most threatened birds of prey.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (05 Feb 2015)
 
 
Urban Gulls prefer human food   (Research)
Black-headed Gulls in urban environments are better at responding to human foods than their rural counterparts, shows new research in Bird Study; the Journal of the British Trust for Ornithology.
More here >
Written by: BTO (05 Feb 2015)
 
 
Approaching birds with drones: first experiments and ethical guidelines   (Research)
Unmanned drones have become increasingly affordable which is leading to their widespread use for wildlife observations and ecological research. French researchers have tested the impact of unmanned drones on three species of waterbirds, Mallards, Flamingos and Greenshanks. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (05 Feb 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 28 Jan - 03 Feb 2015   (Weekly Roundup)
A reasonably quite week to end January and start February. In Aberdeenshire the Harlequin remained on show on the river Don whilst Lincolnshire landed a rare winter record of Pacific Golden Plover and Cheshire birders enjoyed a first winter Laughing Gull. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (04 Feb 2015)
 
 
RBA readers poll - Have the Hawk and Owl Trust got it right? The Results   (Poll)
We have the results of our week long poll on the position taken by the Hawk and Owl Trust on a Hen Harrier brood management trial. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (04 Feb 2015)
 
 
Birdfair 2015: Protecting migratory birds in the Eastern Mediterranean   (Conservation News)
Money raised from Birdfair 2015 will go to protecting migratory birds in the Eastern Mediterranean it has been announced. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (04 Feb 2015)
 
 
Outrage in Ireland as satellite-tagged Hen Harrier is shot in Kerry   (Conservation News)
A satellite-tagged Hen Harrier was shot dead this week in Co Kerry. The young female bird was known to thousands of people who had followed her since her first flight from a nest in east Kerry two years ago.
More here >
Written by: Birdwatch Ireland (02 Feb 2015)
 
 
RBA supporting BBRC team in Champions of the Flyway 2015   (Personal Account)
Last year's Champions of the Flyway birdrace, organised by Birdlife and other organisations, was hugely successful and so is back in 2015. RBA are supporting a team from the BBRC and we hope you can get behind them too to raise money to stop the slaughter of birds on Cyprus. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (02 Feb 2015)
 
 
South Georgia Pipit returning as final phase of rat eradication begins   (Conservation News)
As an 18-strong international team recently departed for South Georgia to begin the final phase of the world's largest rodent eradication project, they were buoyed by the discovery of a nest of five South Georgia Pipit chicks in an area previously overrun with rats. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (29 Jan 2015)
 
 
More vultures poisoned in Turkey   (Advertising feature)
News from Igdir province in Eastern Turkey where Black and Griffon Vultures have been poisoned resulting the deaths of five vultures.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (29 Jan 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 21 - 27 Jan 2015   (Weekly Roundup)
In Aberdeenshire the Harlequin remained on the River Don whilst remains of another kind made headlines in Norfolk. Elsewhere it was typical winter fayre with plenty of geese, ducks and gulls.
More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (28 Jan 2015)
 
 
Bumper Sitka Spruce crop keeps Siskins away from gardens this winter.   (Conservation News)
This winter has seen incredibly low numbers of Siskins, a small finch that traditionally turns to our gardens for food during the winter, according to the BTO Garden BirdWatch and is probably due to a bumper crop of Sitka Spruce seeds. More here >
Written by: BTO (28 Jan 2015)
 
 
Poll: Have the Hawk and Owl Trust got it right?   (Poll)
Recently the Hawk and Owl Trust's chairman confirmed that the the organisation has agreed in princliple to take part in a trial of brood management for Hen Harriers. We want to know what you think of the decision.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (28 Jan 2015)
 
 
Brilliant Bardsey - a review of 2014   (Personal Account)
Bardsey Bird Observatory warden Steve Stansfield looks back a year of highs for the small Welsh island off the Gwynedd coast.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (28 Jan 2015)
 
 
Readers poll: To feed or not to feed - the results   (Poll)
The votes have been counted in the first of our new reader polls. We asked you about feeding migrant birds for photography and better viewing but how did you vote?
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (28 Jan 2015)
 
 
Birding gear reviewed: listing apps - Bird Tick List   (App Review)
Marcus Nash reviews the first of a number of listing apps. First up is Bird Tick List for Apple iOS. Its looks sweet and simple but will it pack enough punch for serious listers?
More here >
Written by: Marcus Nash (27 Jan 2015)
 
 
Funding boost to transform Loch of Strathbeg RSPB reserve   (Conservation News)
RSPB Scotland's Loch of Strathbeg nature reserve has been awarded £53,250 of funding to transform the visitor facilities and volunteer accommodation at the site near Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (27 Jan 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 14- 20 Jan 2015   (Weekly Roundup)
The big news of the week came from the far north west of Ireland, where the country's second ever Slaty-backed Gull is found at the gulling hotpost of Killybegs. Elsewhere it was all about the long stayers, Harlequin, Ivory Gull, Black Scoters, Pacific Diver and American Coots. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (26 Jan 2015)
 
 
Smew adapting to climate change in EU protected areas   (Conservation News)
According to a new study Smew are doing twice as well within areas protected by EU wildlife laws as they spread northeast across Europe in response to climate change.
More here >
Written by: WWT (25 Jan 2015)
 
 
North East Norfolk gets new bird club   (Conservation News)
A new bird club has been established to cover the North East corner of Norfolk. The club's inaugural meeting will take place on 29th Jan and will include a talk by Moss Taylor.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (22 Jan 2015)
 
 
Reader poll: To feed or not to feed   (Poll)
Do you agree with the practice of feeding migrant birds mealworms, seed, bread, fish etc. to aid better viewing and/or photography? Take part in our reader poll.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (21 Jan 2015)
 
 
Satellite tracking helps to map Lammergeier home ranges   (Research)
The home ranges of Lammergeiers in Spain have been tracked to an unprecedented degree of precision thanks to satellite tracking techniques.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (21 Jan 2015)
 
 
Finders in the field: Slaty-backed Gull, Killybegs Co.Donegal, Jan 2015   (Finders account)
Majella Callaghan describes co-finding Ireland's 2nd Slaty-backed Gull in the fishing village, famous amongst 'gullers', Killybegs in Co.Donegal. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (21 Jan 2015)
 
 
High cost to Spoonbills migrating over the Sahara   (Research)
A recent study has shown that the mortality rate in Eurasian Spoonbills wintering in Mauritania is significantly higher than those wintering in France and Iberia, and is caused in part by the birds having to migrate large distances over physical barriers such as the Sahara Desert. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (21 Jan 2015)
 
 
Breeding Bird Survey 2015 - it's almost here   (Conservation News)
The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) season is already creeping up on us! What will it be like on BBS squares this year? BBS National Organiser, Sarah Harris, takes a look ahead.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (21 Jan 2015)
 
 
Looking back at 2014 at Britain's Bird Observatories   (Conservation News)
The Bird Observatories Council (BOC) has published its first newsletter taking a look back at the highlights in 2014 across all the bird observatories. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (19 Jan 2015)
 
 
Blakeney seals its place in the record books   (Conservation News)
Blakeney Point on the North Norfolk coastline has shot to number one as the largest breeding site for Grey Seals in England. 2426 Grey Seal pups have been born there this season compared to the 25 pups 14 years ago, when the first pups were born on the spit. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (19 Jan 2015)
 
 
Hoopoes protect embryos by 'painting' their eggs with bacteria   (Research)
Researchers have discovered that Hoopoes cover their eggs with a self-produced secretion, loaded with mutualistic bacteria, which increases rates of successful hatching.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (19 Jan 2015)
 
 
Complaints against the RSPB rejected   (Conservation News)
Two formal complaints against the work of the RSPB have been rejected by the Charity Commission. The Countryside Alliance and 'You Forgot the Birds' - an organisation linked to shooting interests and fronted by Sir Ian Botham - made the complaints through the Charity Commission about the RSPB's charitable work.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (19 Jan 2015)
 
 
Rarity of 2014 - the results   (Poll)
For the last week we have been asking you what your birds of 2014 were. The poll has now closed, your votes have been cast and counted and your winners are named. What came out on top?
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (16 Jan 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 07 - 13 Jan 2015   (Weekly Roundup)
The first Black Scoter for Ireland was discovered this week in Co.Kerry whilst back in Britain a one-day Greater Yellowlegs became the second record for Hampshire. The most popular bird of the week was undoubtedly the smart drake Harlequin in Aberdeen and staying in Scotland what appears to be the wandering Ivory Gull turns up in Ullapool. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (14 Jan 2015)
 
 
Finders in the field: Greater Yellowlegs, Titchfield, Hampshire   (Finders account)
Mark Rolfe takes a walk most Sunday mornings along the Titchfield Canal path in Hampshire and whilst searching for what he thought was a calling Greenshank he came across a somewhat better find in the shape of Hampshire's second Greater Yellowlegs! More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (14 Jan 2015)
 
 
Declining sea ice means uncertain future for Ivory Gulls   (Research)
A recent study has concluded that the timing, formation and recession and extent of Arctic sea ice plays a large role in Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnean) distribution and migratory timing.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (14 Jan 2015)
 
 
Finders in the field: Black Scoter, Rossbeigh. Co.Kerry   (Finders account)
Michael O'Clery discover Ireland's first Black Scoter off the north Kerry coastline near Rossbeigh, very close to where a Stejneger's Scoter was found in March 2011.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (14 Jan 2015)
 
 
Oriole Birding holiday competition - the results   (Competition)
During December we gave you the opportunity to win a holiday for two courtesy of Oriole Birding tours worth £800. Here we reveal the mystery bird and announce the winner of the fantastic prize.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (14 Jan 2015)
 
 
Goshawk killer get first UK prison sentence for raptor persecution   (Press report)
On Monday 15th Jan George Mutch was sentenced at Aberdeen Sheriff Court to four months in prison. He becomes the first person in the UK to receive a custodial sentence for raptor persecution.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (14 Jan 2015)
 
 
Maltese to get historic opportunity to end spring hunting   (Press report)
On Saturday 11 April 2015 the people of Malta will have an historic opportunity to put an end to the highly controversial, and many would say shameful practice, of spring hunting on the Island.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (14 Jan 2015)
 
 
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2015   (Conservation News)
The RSPB's annual Big Garden Birdwatch is back on 24/25 January 2015, giving people across Britain the chance to be part of the world's biggest wildlife survey. Around half a million people across the UK took part in 2014. More here >
Written by: RSPB (14 Jan 2015)
 
 
2014 - the year of the Hen Harrier   (Personal Account)
Over the 12 days of Christmas we have been taking a look back at some the rarest birds to turn up in Britain in 2014 and we are currently running a Rarity of 2014 Poll. However, as exciting as these rarities have been, 2014 will be remembered by many for the Hen Harrier and 10th August. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (07 Jan 2015)
 
 
Birding gear review: RSPB eGuide to British Birds app   (App Review)
Based on The RSPB Handbook of British Birds the eGuide to British Birds app for Android and iOS is one of the few British bird guide apps available for both platforms. Marcus Nash has put it through its paces and written a comprehensive review. More here >
Written by: Marcus Nash (07 Jan 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 23 Dec 2014 - 06 Jan 2015   (Weekly Roundup)
Following the Christmas and New Year break it's a roundup double header as we begin 2015. Star of the show was the Little Bustard in Yorkshire helped to ease the hangovers of those amassed on site at dawn! Elsewhere a Thayer's Gull and Blyth's Pipit were also on offer in Yorkshire. Elsewhere a very obliging Harlequin put on quite a show in Aberdeen. All in all a bumper couple of weeks. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (07 Jan 2015)
 
 
(Re)Finders in the field: Little Bustard, Fraisthorpe, Yorkshire   (Finders account)
After a call from his friend who thought he had seen a Little Bustard near Wilsthorpe in East Yorkshire, Tony's plans for New Year's Eve changed in an instant. What followed was a tale of selection boxes for breakfast, a lack of tobacco and a perfect way to start 2015 for many birders. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (06 Jan 2015)
 
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