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.
 
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RBA Daily News Summaries - Daily summaries of the news on an easy to use, searchable page
 
 
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)
 
 
Poll: Rarity of 2014 - have your say on the year's best birds.   (Annual Rarity Review)
Following our 12[ish] Birds of Christmas feature, you now know what we think were some of the top rarities in 2014. But we would like to hear what bird or birds, made your year, so please let us know in our Rarity of 2014 Poll. Vote here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (06 Jan 2015)
 
 
12 [ish] Birds of Christmas 2014 #12 - Little Bustard, Dorset, E.Sussex and E.Yorks   (Annual Rarity Review)
We began our stroll through the '12(ish) Birds of Christmas' with a species that was unavailable to the masses and we conclude this popular series of articles with another species which, until the last throws of 2014, looked like it too would also elude birders in 2014! More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (05 Jan 2015)
 
 
12 [ish] Birds of Christmas 2014 #11 - Eastern Crowned Warbler, Cleveland   (Annual Rarity Review)
The penultimate species on our journey through the quality birds seen throughout the 12 months that we've just closed the door upon was a pleasing mainland weekend mega that would barely have been on many birders' radar a decade or so ago. That's all changed now and this British third drew a sizable and appreciative audience to the northeast of England for October's last hurrah. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (04 Jan 2015)
 
 
Finders in the field: Thayer's Gull, Mirfield, Ravensthorpe, West Yorkshire Dec 2014   (Finders account)
A late December search for an Iceland Gull by Jim Welford resulted in what turned out to be the first record of Thayer's Gull for Yorkshire.
Read the full story here
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (03 Jan 2015)
 
 
12 [ish] Birds of Christmas 2014 #10 - Black-billed Cuckoo, North Ronaldsay and Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Cornwall   (Annual Rarity Review)
There was a magical Oct day in 2014 that felt as though we were travelling back some 30 years, in malevolent infant Stewie Griffin's Time Machine, to a period when American classics ruled the day. Then, the feature species were within a few hundred yards of each other, while last year's offerings were separated by several hundred miles. No matter though because the spirit of '85 was rekindled once more! More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (03 Jan 2015)
 
 
12 [ish] Birds of Christmas 2014 #9 Siberian Rubythroat, Shetland Mainland   (Annual Rarity Review)
Shetland's dominance continues apace in our ninth offering with a species that (shockingly) seems to be 'devalued' as every annual visit chalks another mark on the record books. However, whether the species in question is becoming more frequent or not, few would argue at the dramatic, striking beauty of October's cut-throat gem, a bird which enabled some stellar images to be captured and enjoyed. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (02 Jan 2015)
 
 
12 [ish] Birds of Christmas 2014 #8 - Eyebrowed Thrush, North Ronaldsay and Siberian Thrush Mainland, Shetland   (Annual Rarity Review)
The Northern Isles were, for much of the autumn, the focus of everyone's attention as what seemed to be wave after wave of great birds flung themselves on to Orkney and Shetland. Today we'll visit both islands to remember the giddy-gaudy look of an Orcadian gem and marvel at the long-odds rediscovery of a still much sought-after inhabitant of far away forests on Shetland's south Mainland. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (01 Jan 2015)
 
 
12 [ish] Birds of Christmas 2014 #7 - Masked Shrike, East Yorkshire   (Annual Rarity Review)
We return to East Yorkshire for the county's second outstanding species of 2014, in the form of a bird that came as something of a September surprise. To the delight of many, this third for Britain was a Saturday find and obliged the well-behaved crowds for days to come. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (31 Dec 2014)
 
 
12 [ish] Birds of Christmas 2014 #6 - Great Knot, Norfolk   (Annual Rarity Review)
Norfolk's wader watchers have had little to go at in terms of truly eye-catching shorebirds since the wintering Western Sandpiper at Cley in late 2011. All that changed in July 2014 when an oft-predicted addition to the county list was found on the vast expanses of Breydon Water. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (30 Dec 2014)
 
 
12 [ish] Birds of Christmas 2014 #5 - Short-toed Eagle, Dorset   (Annual Rarity Review)
For those who weren't all-at-sea off the Irish coast or who thought that sinking a few hundred pounds in to a plane ride to Shetland wasn't for them, the spring's 'best bird' arrived on the last day of May as early summer beckoned. This roaming, soar-away star toured southern England for three months and we've secured some unseen photos from its final port of call. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (29 Dec 2014)
 
 
12 [ish] Birds of Christmas 2014 #4 - Cretzschmar's Bunting, Fair Isle   (Annual Rarity Review)
One of the year's most surprising and unpredicted "big rares" especially given the extreme date of arrival. What was less of a surprise was the far-off, distant island location which didn't dissuade some from a successful investment in aircraft charters. Includes an entertaining reminiscence of a previous occurrence of this stunning rarity by Bill Oddie. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (28 Dec 2014)
 
 
12 [ish] Birds of Christmas 2014 #3 - Crag Martin, East Yorkshire   (Annual Rarity Review)
There's always a frisson of excitement as spring begins to appear on the horizon and the dark days of winter drift in to sunshine and the arrival of migrants along our coasts. Amongst those new arrivals, there's always that outside hope of finding something special and an East Yorkshire rarity hotspot duly obliged in the second week of April. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (27 Dec 2014)
 
 
12 [ish] Birds of Christmas 2014 #2 - Slaty-backed Gull, Co.Galway   (Annual Rarity Review)
Larophiles looked on in shock and awe as the guller-friendly confines of the Irish west coast scored big time with a genuinely surprising mega, as February rolled in to town. Although a 'single observer' bird, there were photos aplenty to enjoy from a far, images that stirred the debate once more where Britain's only record was concerned too. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (26 Dec 2014)
 
 
12 [ish] Birds of Christmas 2014 #1 - Bermuda Petrel, Co.Kerry   (Annual Rarity Review)
This is our first wander back through the many birding highlights of 2014 and it is fitting that for the opening entrant in the '12 (ish) Birds of Christmas' we alight amongst the swell of the Atlantic Ocean for what was, surely, the 'bird of the year'. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (25 Dec 2014)
 
 
BirdLife International - Creating a Pacific Sanctuary   (Conservation News)
BirdLife International are seeking to set up a sanctuary of 34 islands in five Pacific countries and are close to reaching their funding raising target of $800,000
More here >
Written by: BirdLife (24 Dec 2014)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 17 - 22 Dec 2014   (Weekly Roundup)
Out a day early this week due to Christmas, the weekly birding roundup features the fantastic Ivory Gull on Benbecula feeding on the carcass of an equally rare visitor to Britain, a Cuvier's Beaked Whale! Elsewhere the best new bird of the week was an American Herring Gull at Killybegs in Donegal.
More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (23 Dec 2014)
 
 
COMING SOON - the 12 [ish] Birds of Christmas 2014   (Weekly Roundup)
Even though the last twelve months have proved to be a little bit less exciting than the extraordinary year that was 2013, in 2014 some top-drawer rarities were found, twitched, seen and dipped. Over the Christmas and New Year period, we will be taking a look back at the year's 'best birds' in our 12 [ish] Birds of Christmas. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (21 Dec 2014)
 
 
Merry Christmas from Rare Bird Alert   (Conservation News)
A festive greeting from the Rare Bird Alert team. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (19 Dec 2014)
 
 
On extinction anniversary birders step up to prevent another   (Conservation News)
Fundraisers mark centenary of Passenger Pigeon extinction with gruelling challenges to save the Turtle Dove.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (18 Dec 2014)
 
 
Black Grouse in southern Scotland in long-term decline   (Conservation News)
A new report calls for greater and more sustained co-operative action to help save threatened Black Grouse populations in the south of Scotland.
More here >
Written by: Scottish Natural Heritage (18 Dec 2014)
 
 
Seabirds steer to avoid collision course with offshore wind farms   (Conservation News)
Collisions between birds and turbines are seen as one of the key impacts of offshore wind farms. A new review by the BTO has provided better estimates of the proportions of seabirds that alter their flight paths to avoid colliding with turbines. More here >
Written by: BTO (15 Dec 2014)
 
 
Bittern numbers are booming   (Conservation News)
Bitterns have had a record year in England with the highest number of individuals recorded since the 1800s.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (15 Dec 2014)
 
 
Nature helps protect wetland one year after storm surge   (Conservation News)
Work to repair and improve sea defences at Titchwell Marsh nature reserve has been completed one year after the largest storm surge event in more than 60 years hit the North Norfolk Coast.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (12 Dec 2014)
 
 
Waders Galore in the Western Isles   (Conservation News)
A recent bird survey confirms that machairs of Uist are one of the best places in Western Europe to see breeding farmland waders with over 9,000 pairs of breeding waders recorded.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (12 Dec 2014)
 
 
Oldest Barnacle Goose ever recorded flies 'five times round the world'   (Conservation News)
The oldest Barnacle Goose ever recorded was spotted this week at WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre on the Solway Coast. During its 30 years it will have flown well over 120,000 miles - five times the circumference of the Earth - migrating to and from its Arctic breeding grounds. More here >
Written by: WWT (12 Dec 2014)
 
 
Gamekeeper convicted for illegally killing a Goshawk   (Conservation News)
RSPB Scotland has welcomed the conviction of gamekeeper George Mutch at Aberdeen Sheriff Court. Mutch was convicted of four charges, illegal use of a trap, illegal killing of a Goshawk; illegal taking of a Goshawk and illegal taking of a Buzzard. More here >
Written by: RSPB (11 Dec 2014)
 
 
Sub-Antarctic seabird sanctuary gets UK government support to eradicate rats   (Conservation News)
The UK Government has awarded the South Georgia Heritage Trust funding of nearly £250,000, helping to secure the survival of one of the world's most important seabird sanctuaries on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (11 Dec 2014)
 
 
Finders in the field: Blyth's Pipit, West Yorkshire, Dec 2014   (Finders account)
Dedicated inland patch worker Jonathan Holliday describes finding Yorkshire's first Blyth's Pipit near Wakefield in West Yorkshire.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (11 Dec 2014)
 
 
Red Knot gets Threatened Species status in the US   (Conservation News)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced federal protection for the rufa subspecies of the Red Knot, designating it as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (10 Dec 2014)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 03 - 09 Dec 2014   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn steps in for Mark this week as Yorkshire scores it's first ever Blyth's Pipit. Elsewhere male Eastern Black Redstarts remained in Scilly and North Yorkshire and a male Desert Wheatear in Norfolk complements two females in Cornwall. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (10 Dec 2014)
 
 
Wildlife-lovers to speak with one voice at Westminster rally   (Conservation News)
Nature and wildlife-lovers are heading to the Houses of Parliament today [Tues 9 Dec] to shake politicians out of the Westminster bubble and get them to take nature seriously.
Read the full story here
Written by: RSPB (09 Dec 2014)
 
 
2014 - The Year Of The Continental Crusader   (Conservation News)
After an influx of exotic continental butterfly species into the UK in 2014 Butterfly Conservation believe 2015 could be one of the most exciting for in a generation.
Read the full story here
Written by: Butterfly Conservation (08 Dec 2014)
 
 
Review: Biosphere magazine a new science magazine   (Book review)
Andy Stoddart reviews a new magazine title featuring the latest news, exciting research and stunning imagery from the natural world. Plus a special offer for RBA users save over 50% on a subscription
Read the review here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (03 Dec 2014)
 
 
Book review: Britain's Habitats: A Guide to the Wildlife Habitats of Britain and Ireland   (Book review)
A photographic guide to habitats, this lavishly illustrated book provides a comprehensive overview of the natural history and conservation landscape of Britain and Ireland, in essence a habitat field guide.
Special offer for RBA users just £18.75! Read the review here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (03 Dec 2014)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly birding round-up: 26 Nov - 02 Dec 2014   (Weekly Roundup)
The discovery of two stunning Eastern Black Redstarts on Scilly and in North Yorkshire made all the headlines this week. Elsewhere the Isabelline Wheatear in Cleveland lingered for a few more days whilst Cornwall landed it's first Desert Wheatear for a few years. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (03 Dec 2014)
 
 
Scottish Birdfair gets new home for 2015   (Conservation News)
Scotland's Big Nature Festival, which includes the Scottish Birdfair, will return next year and it is being held at a brand new venue for 2015; the beautiful Levenhall Links alongside the Firth of Forth and famous racecourse at Musselburgh, just east of Edinburgh. More here >
Written by: RSPB (03 Dec 2014)
 
 
Book review: Sex on Earth - A Celebration of Animal Reproduction   (Book review)
Written in a brilliantly engaging style by biologist Jules Howard, this fascinating and highly readable work covers the how and why of sex on Earth, in all its diversity. Special offer for RBA users just £12.99!
Read the review here
Written by: Andy Stoddart (02 Dec 2014)
 
 
BBRC gets a new committee member   (Conservation News)
The BBRC have announced that Micky Maher has been confirmed as our new member, replacing James Lidster who retired as the longest-serving member last month.
Read the full story here
Written by: BBRC (02 Dec 2014)
 
 
Migrants are missing from bumper breeding season   (Conservation News)
The warm, settled weather that graced Britain & Ireland in the spring and summer of 2014 resulted in a bumper bird breeding season. Information collected by BTO volunteers shows that although not all of our summer migrants returned to take advantage of the conditions. Read the full story here
Written by: BTO (02 Dec 2014)
 
 
Amazing Cuckoo completes 60,000 mile journey   (Conservation News)
Since being fitted with a satellite tag by the BTO four years ago, Chris the cuckoo, named after TV Wildlife Presenter Chris Packham, has travelled over 60,000 miles - the equivalent of flying twice round the world, and he's taken in 22 different countries along the way! Read the full story here
Written by: BTO (28 Nov 2014)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 19 - 25 Nov 2014   (Weekly Roundup)
The top bird this week was the latest ever British record of Isabelline Wheatear, in Cleveland. Elsewhere the supporting cast included White's Thrush, Red-flanked Bluetail, Cornwall's returning Pacific Diver, two American Coots, a lingering Grey-cheeked Thrush on Shetland and a wandering Black Stork in East Anglia.
Read mark's round-up here
Written by: Mark Golley (26 Nov 2014)
 
 
Chris Packham and team win Green Ribbon Award For Malta campaign   (Press report)
Broadcaster and envorinmentalist Chris Packham, along with his production team, have won the award for 'best environmental campaign by a journalist' at 2014 Green Ribbon Awards.
Read the full story here
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (26 Nov 2014)
 
 
Vote National Bird - have you had your say?   (Conservation News)
Britain's first ever official National Bird Vote has so far gained over 50,000 votes and as clear favourites emerged the closing date for entries has been extended until 30 November.
Read the full story here
Written by: Vote National Bird, Rare Bird Alert (26 Nov 2014)
 
 
Warblr: a birdsong recognition app and citizen science project   (Conservation News)
Warblr is a mobile app that recognises birds by their song, using technology to re-engage people with nature and data to aid conservation. There's less than one week left to support their Kickstarter fundraising campaign, which will allow the full launch of the app in the spring. Read the full story here
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (26 Nov 2014)
 
 
Two million raptors migrate over Panama City in one day   (Conservation News)
More than two million migrating raptors passed over Panama City on Sunday, Nov. 2, doubling the previous record of almost 900,000 tallied in a single day last year. This season at least three million raptors flew over Panama City on their 3,000 journey from North to South America. Read the full story here
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (26 Nov 2014)
 
 
Lapwing numbers boosted by RSPB nature reserves   (Conservation News)
Conservationists are thrilled that Lapwings, birds which have been disappearing from the UK, have had a successful 2014 breeding season in grassland habitats managed by the RSPB.
Read the full story here
Written by: RSPB (21 Nov 2014)
 
 
A Record-Breaking Year for the Cirl Bunting Reintroduction Project   (Conservation News)
The RSPB report that that a project to bring the Cirl Bunting back to Cornwall is celebrating its best year to date. Read the full story here
Written by: RSPB (21 Nov 2014)
 
 
Weekly round-up: 12 - 18 Nov 2014   (Weekly Roundup)
The first Little Bustard since 2002 is found in Dorset but disappears early on and isn’t available to the masses. A new American Coot on North Uist brings the monthly tally to two as the Kerry bird remains in residence. Elsewhere an extraordinary November Black Stork is seen in Essex and Suffolk and an equally unseasonal Roller is found in Co.Cork. Read the full story here
Written by: Mark Golley (19 Nov 2014)
 
 
Finders in the field: Little Bustard, Dorset, November 2014   (Finders account)
Contender for one of the finds of the year, dedicated patch worker Mike Morse recounts finding a Little Bustard at West Bexington, Dorset.
Read the full story here
Written by: Mike Morse, Rare Bird Alert (19 Nov 2014)
 
 
Powerline diverters dramatically reduce bird strikes   (Conservation News)
Hundreds of special diverters have saved migrating swans and geese from colliding with overhead power lines in Lancashire following the first study of its kind in the country.
Read the full story here
Written by: WWT (19 Nov 2014)
 
 
Birdlife International: Hundreds of important sites for nature threatened with destruction   (Conservation News)
More than 350 of the planet's most important sites for nature are threatened with being lost forever according to a new report by BirdLife International.
Read the full story here
Written by: BirdLife (19 Nov 2014)
 
 
The time to save the Hen Harrier is now, says RSPB   (Conservation News)
The RSPB is urging Defra to publish the workable elements of the Hen Harrier Action Plan, which the Society believes could bring about the recovery of one of England's most beleaguered birds of prey.
Read the full story here
Written by: RSPB (13 Nov 2014)
 
 
Weekly round-up: 05 - 11 Nov 2014   (Conservation News)
The week's rarest bird was Ireland's 4th American Coot, found in Co.Kerry whilst back in the UK a Grey-cheeked Thrush took the honours. A Trio of Desert Wheatears all proved very popular and as is often very typical for the species, were very showy too! However for many (those on the east coast at least) the highlight of the week was a large Little Auk passage. Read the review here
Written by: Mark Golley (13 Nov 2014)
 
 
Book review: 10 Million Aliens   (Book review)
In this book Simon Barnes has brought us all together, seeking not what separates us but what unites us. He takes us white-water rafting through the entire animal kingdom in a book brings in deep layers of arcane knowledge, the works of Darwin and James Joyce, Barnes's own don't-try-this-at-home adventures in the wild, David Attenborough and Sherlock Holmes. Read the review here
Written by: Andy Stoddart (13 Nov 2014)
 
 
Book review: The Teal   (Book review)
Once hunted extensively for the pot, its numbers have recovered and it is now one of our commonest species of waterfowl. A flagship species for wetland conservation, the Teal is also an excellent model species for ecological research, and this forms the spine of this new Poyser monograph.
Read the review here
Written by: Andy Stoddart (13 Nov 2014)
 
 
Global deals to help save migratory birds   (Conservation News)
Two historic global agreements that will help save migratory bird species across the world have been reached.
Read the full story here
Written by: RSPB (13 Nov 2014)
 
 
Latest Bewick's since 1969 return to Slimbridge WWT   (Conservation News)
The first family of Bewick's Swans finally arrived at WWT Slimbridge this week. The event is traditionally seen as signalling the start of winter and this year is around two weeks later than usual.
Read the full story here
Written by: WWT (12 Nov 2014)
 
 
Weekly round-up: 29 Oct - 04 Nov 2014   (Weekly Roundup)
Star billing this week undoubtedly goes to Britain's 3rd Eastern Crowned Warbler in Cleveland. Orkney scored a first with a dapper drake Bufflehead whilst in East Yorkshire a brief Blackpoll Warbler had mainland company in the shape of Red-eyed Vireo in Cumbria. Read the roundup here
Written by: Mark Golley (05 Nov 2014)
 
 
Finders in the field: Blackpoll Warbler, Easington, East Yorkshire Nov 2014   (Finders account)
Mick Turton describes finding Yorkshire's second ever Blackpoll Warbler whilst setting down to his usual Sunday morning cup of tea and slice of toast at his home in Easington, East Yorkshire.
Read the full story here
Written by: Mick Turton, Rare Bird Alert (05 Nov 2014)
 
 
Book review: The Barnacle Goose   (Book review)
This book represents a culmination of more than 25 years of Barnacle Goose research. It represents the story of one of Europe's most celebrated long-term behavioural studies, detailing the lives of these social and sociable birds.
Read Andy's review here
Written by: Andy Stoddart (05 Nov 2014)
 
 
Finders in the field: Eastern-crowned Warbler, Brotton, Cleveland Oct 2014   (Finders account)
What was meant to be a morning dog walk, with the outside chance of finding a migrant or two, turned into a day to remember for Ian Kendall when he ended up finding Britain's 3rd ever Eastern Crowned Warbler!
Read the full story here
Written by: Ian Kendall, Rare Bird Alert (03 Nov 2014)
 
 
Finders in the field: Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Cornwall Oct 2014   (Finders account)
Andrew Tongue describes what happened after a chance meeting with a woman in Porthgwarra, Cornwall who had seen an "unusual bird" in the Sallows at near the car park in Porthgwarra.
Read the full story here
Written by: Andrew Tongue, Rare Bird Alert (03 Nov 2014)
 
 
421 million birds gone in 30 years!   (Conservation News)
Bird populations across Europe have experienced sharp declines over the past 30 years, with the majority of losses from the most common species, say the University of Exeter, the RSPB and the Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme (PECBMS) in a new study. Read the full story here
Written by: RSPB (03 Nov 2014)
 
 
RSPB issues challenge to the shooting community as illegal bird of prey killing continues   (Conservation News)
Illegal persecution continues to deprive the UK countryside of our native birds of prey and we are challenging leaders in the shooting community to acknowledge this and take real action to stop the killing.
Read the full story here
Written by: RSPB (03 Nov 2014)
 
 
Birding Gear: The Innovation Jacket by Country Innovation: designed for birders   (Advertising feature)
The Innovation Jacket by Country Innovation is a jacket designed for birders in every way, fully water and wind proof it has a multitude of design features especially for birders. And RBA users can get £40 off with an exclusive offer. Full details about the special offer here
Written by: Country Innovation, Rare Bird Alert (29 Oct 2014)
 
 
Bird Atlas team scoop RSPB's most prestigious award   (Conservation News)
At the annual RSPB Members' Day in Birmingham on Saturday 25th October 2014, the RSPB Medal was awarded to the BTO team behind the Bird Atlas 2007-11 in a special presentation that acknowledged its role as a valuable resource to everyone involved in conserving, researching or understanding Britain and Ireland's birds. Read the full story here
Written by: BTO (29 Oct 2014)
 
 
Weekly round-up: 22 - 28 October 2014   (Weekly Roundup)
There's no doubt about it, this week was all about the fall-out of ex-Hurricane Gonzalo, After everything calmed down, out of the sky fell a supreme array of rather old fashioned, almost unfashionable rarities! Both Black and Yellow-billed Cuckoo were found, alive, at opposite ends of Britain, there were Catharus thrushes a plenty and a Chimney Swift thrown in for good measure too! Read the roundup here
Written by: Mark Golley (29 Oct 2014)
 
 
Book review: Nature in Towns and Cities: New Naturalist Series   (Book review)
Andy Stoddart reviews the latest in the New Naturalist Series which documents the parks and green spaces unique to Britain's cities, and the wildlife that has flourished in these habitats.
Read Andy's review here
Written by: Andy Stoddart (29 Oct 2014)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Black-billed Cuckoo, North Ronaldsay, Oct 2014   (Finders account)
Following his regular census route Mark Warren, from North Ron Bird Observatory, was checking out a redpoll in Holland House Garden when a bird evading a Merlin dropped into the garden and caught his attention. Minutes later he was watching Orkney's first Black-billed Cuckoo and only the 15th to occur in the British Isles.
Read Mark's finders account here
Written by: Mark Warren, Rare Bird Alert (29 Oct 2014)
 
 
Rarest swan suffers alarming crash in numbers, new figures reveal   (Conservation News)
The UK's smallest and rarest swan has suffered an alarming crash in numbers, according to new figures released today by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT).
Read the full story here
Written by: WWT (27 Oct 2014)
 
 
Conviction for English egg collector who 'exported' crimes to Bulgaria   (Press report)
An English egg collector has been handed a six month prison sentence, suspended for three years, and a 5000 Lev (£2024) fine after pleading guilty to the illegal possession of 16 birds' eggs and three taxidermy specimens by a court in Burgas, Bulgaria, today. This follows a lengthy investigation by the Burgas Police, assisted by The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB), and the RSPB.
Read the full story here
Written by: RSPB (25 Oct 2014)
 
 
Claxton: Field Notes from a Small Planet   (Book review)
Andy Stoddart reviews this book by Mark Cocker, a series of essays centred on Claxton in Norfolk. Plus there is an exclusive special offer from WildSounds.com.
Read the full review here
Written by: Andy Stoddart (22 Oct 2014)
 
 
Weekly round-up: 15 - 21 October 2014   (Weekly Roundup)
A Siberian Thrush trapped in Shetland was found to have been ringed nearly three weeks earlier in Norway. Elsewhere a Bridled Tern flew past Cornwall and Shrikes made headlines from the east coast. Read the roundup here
Written by: Mark Golley (22 Oct 2014)
 
 
First cross-border project launched to save rare bird of prey   (Conservation News)
An exciting new European Union-supported project aims to achieve a secure and sustainable future for one of our most threatened birds of prey: the Hen Harrier.
Read the full story here
Written by: RSPB (22 Oct 2014)
 
 
New report reveals scale of declines of UK migratory birds wintering in Africa   (Conservation News)
The latest State of the UK's report is showing dramatic and alarming declines in migratory bird species such as Turtle Dove, Whinchat, Nightingale, Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher and many more.
Read the full story here
Written by: RSPB (16 Oct 2014)
 
 
Weekly round-up: 08 - 14 October 2014   (Weekly Roundup)
Another fantastic week for rare and scarce migrants. Highlights include Eastern Bonelli's Warbler on Shetland, Audouin's Gull in Kent, Great Snipe in Wales, Brunnich's Guillemot off Yorkshire and a huge rarity in Scotland in the form of a Cetti's Warbler! Read the roundup here
Written by: Jon Dunn (15 Oct 2014)
 
 
BirdLife partners create a new European Network against Environmental Crimes   (Conservation News)
SEO (Birdlife in Spain) and RSPB have launched a new project that significantly advance environmental protection: a "European Network against Environmental Crimes". This new Network aims to improve the implementation and application of the 2008 EU Directive on the protection of the environment through criminal law. Read the full story here
Written by: BirdLife (15 Oct 2014)
 
 
Trail Camera Wildlife Recording - Code Of Practice   (Conservation News)
The use and popularity of motion activated trail cameras to record wildlife has exploded in the past 5 years. As prices reduce and quality of recorded images increases the audience for these powerful wildlife monitoring tools is likely to continue to grow at an incredible rate so a new code of practice has been drawn up.
More details here
Written by: Wildlife Gadgetman, Rare Bird Alert (15 Oct 2014)
 
 
Book review: The Birds of New Guinea (2nd ed)   (Book review)
Ashley Banwell from WorldBirders.com reviews the 2nd edition of The Birds of New Guinea. Plus there is an exclusive special offer from WildSounds.com.
Read the full review here
Written by: Ashley Banwell, Rare Bird Alert (15 Oct 2014)
 
 
Siberian Rubythroat - capturing the ultimate shot of the ultimate sibe!   (Personal Account)
Rebecca Nason describes her recent photographic encounter with a stunning Siberian Rubythroat on Shetland and getting what will definitely go down as one of most iconic British rarity photos of al time. Also includes some rarely seen (and stunning) images of the Rufous-tailed Robin on Fair Isle in 2004.
Read the full story here
Written by: Rebecca Nason, Rare Bird Alert (15 Oct 2014)
 
 
Asian vulture deaths reduced as Europe see's first case of flunixin poisoning.   (Conservation News)
The number of vultures dying from diclofenac contamination in India has reduced by more than a third between 2005 and 2009, according to a study recently published whilst Europe has seen its first case of flunixin poisoning. Read the full story here
Written by: RSPB (15 Oct 2014)
 
 
Record-breaking flock of Spoonbills in Dorset   (Conservation News)
A rare sighting of the largest flock of Spoonbills ever seen in Britain has been recorded on the Brownsea Island Lagoon in Dorset.
Read the full story here
Written by: The Wildlife Trusts, Rare Bird Alert (15 Oct 2014)
 
 
RSPB Scotland extremely concerned by consent for offshore windfarms   (Conservation News)
RSPB Scotland has expressed major concerns about the granting of consent for four offshore windfarms in the Firth of Forth by Scottish Ministers stating could be amongst the most deadly anywhere in the world for seabirds. Read the full story here
Written by: RSPB (15 Oct 2014)
 
 
Batumi Diaries Part 4 - hope for the future   (Personal Account)
In the final instalment of his Batumi Diary, Oliver Reville looks back on the last few weeks and looks to the future for the migration marvel at Batumi.
Read the full story here
Written by: Oliver Reville, Rare Bird Alert (08 Oct 2014)
 
 
Weekly round-up: 01 - 07 October 2014   (Weekly Roundup)
A very busy week with quality rarities being from Shetland to Scilly and Norfolk to Cape Clear. A Scarlet Tanager on Western Isles was the star turn but a male Siberian Rubythroat and White's Thrush double act meant Shetland remained in the headlines! Read the round-up here
Written by: Mark Golley (08 Oct 2014)
 
 
Welsh seabirds get extra protection   (Advertising feature)
RSPB Cymru are celebrating the Welsh Government's decision in taking an important step towards protecting special sites for our seabirds in Welsh coastal waters.
Read the full story here
Written by: African Bird Club (08 Oct 2014)
 
 
Use of General licences to be restricted with evidence of wildlife crime   (Conservation News)
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) will prevent the use of general licences to trap or shoot wild birds on land where there is evidence of wildlife crime against birds.
Read the full story here
Written by: Scottish Natural Heritage (08 Oct 2014)
 
 
Surprise recovery for Scottish Corncrakes   (Conservation News)
Scottish Corncrakes have enjoyed their most successful season in at least 45 years, with the national population of reaching its highest level since counts began.
Read the full story here
Written by: RSPB (08 Oct 2014)
 
 
Record breaking 45,800 Pink-footed Geese arrive at Lancashire reserve   (Conservation News)
A record number of 45,800 migratory Pink-footed Geese has arrived at Lancashire’s WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre according to counts earlier today. This beats the previous record number of 36,000 in 2010.
Read the full story here
Written by: WWT (08 Oct 2014)
 
 
Weekly round-up: 24 - 30 September 2014   (Weekly Roundup)
The Northern Isles stole the show this week as east met west. North Ronaldsay scored a stunning Eyebrowed Thrush and on Shetland an uber showy White's Thrush got the heart beats racing with a supporting cast of Myrtle Warbler and Swainson's Thrush. Ireland wasn't to be outdone though scoring an Ovenbird and Red-eyed Vireo! Read the round-up here
Written by: Mark Golley (01 Oct 2014)
 
 
App Review: Aves Vox Pro for iOS   (App Review)
Marcus Nash reviews Aves Vox Pro, a comprehensive bird calls app which features over 30,000 recordings from the highly acclaimed Xeno-Canto website. At just £2.99 it appears to offer a lot of bang for your buck.
Read the review here
Written by: Marcus Nash (01 Oct 2014)
 
 
Batumi diary part 3 - Chorokhi: Life and Death on the Delta   (Personal Account)
Oliver Reville continues his Batumi Diary, this week he talks about the Chorokhi delta on the Black Sea coast where hunting and pollution is threatening the future of the delta's bird life.
Read the full story here
Written by: Oliver Reville, Rare Bird Alert (01 Oct 2014)
 
 
Spurn to get a new visitor centre   (Conservation News)
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and energy firm E.ON announce plans for a new visitor centre near Spurn National Nature Reserve in East Yorkshire.
Read the full story here
Written by: The Wildlife Trusts, Rare Bird Alert (26 Sep 2014)
 
 
Book review: The World of Birds   (Book review)
A groundbreaking guide to every aspect of bird life and a complete survey of the world's orders and families of birds. Written by eminent natural history expert Jonathan Elphick and with special photography from award-winning wildlife photographer David Tipling, it is the ultimate companion for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Read the review here
Written by: Andy Stoddart (26 Sep 2014)
 
 
Weekly round-up: 17 - 23 September 2014   (Weekly Roundup)
Britain's 3rd ever Masked Shrike made landfall at Spurn and topped the bill for rarities this week. A Fea's Petrel tracked along the north east coast over 9 hours and seen in five counties will be, for those who saw it at least, another big talking point. Elsewhere there were rarities a plenty and enough scarcities to keep one particular weekly roundup author indoors in front of a computer screen for far too long!
Read the round-up here
Written by: Mark Golley (24 Sep 2014)
 
 
Hen Harriers disappear without trace   (Conservation News)
Two young satellite-tagged Hen Harriers have vanished in Lancashire in unexplained circumstances. They had both fledged this year from nests on the United Utilities Bowland Estate in Lancashire where they had been protected around the clock by RSPB staff and volunteers
Read the full story here
Written by: RSPB (24 Sep 2014)
 
 
Close Encounters of Bird Kind - Scottish Photography Hides   (Personal Account)
With the huge boom in bird photography in recent years photography hides have also become more popular. Alan McFadyen from Scottish Photography Hides has established a number of hides targeting a diverse range of species and is getting some stunning results.
Read the full story here
Written by: Alan McFadyen, Rare Bird Alert (24 Sep 2014)
 
 
First 'Grand-Chick' for Conservationist   (Conservation News)
The first ever Spoon-billed Sandpiper chick to be hatched in the wild by a hand-reared bird. With the global population estimated to be less than 100 pairs it is another glimmer of hope for this enigmatic species.
Read the full story here
Written by: WWT (24 Sep 2014)
 
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