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
 
 
Talking Naturally Special - conservationists react to Hen Harrier disappearance.   (Podcast)
Charlie talks to conservationists from RSPB, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Raptor Groups about the recent disappearance of three Hen Harriers in Bowland.
Listen here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (13 May 2015)
 
 
Hen Harriers go missing in Lancashire   (Conservation News)
The RSPB is also putting up a £10,000 reward for any information which leads to a conviction following the disappearance of three Hen Harriers in Lancashire.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (13 May 2015)
 
 
Finders in the Field: Citril Finch, Burnham Overy Dunes, Norfolk   (Finders account)
On a rare weekend off from leading bird tours in Norfolk, Marcus Nash finds Britain's 2nd Citril Finch at Burnham Overy Staithe, Norfolk.
More here >
Written by: Marcus Nash (11 May 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 29 Apr - 05 May   (Weekly Roundup)
Hudsonian Godwit reappears on the Somerset Levels, a Scops Owl is found dead on St.Kilda whilst a very smart and showy Red-throated Pipit delighted birders in Derbyshire. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (07 May 2015)
 
 
Unlocking the Blocker-Locker   (Personal Account)
Hudsonian Godwit was for many 'old-time' birders one of their prized blockers. Following the recent 'downfall' of the Hudwit Mark Golley takes a trip down memory lane and laments the Unblocking of prized megas. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (06 May 2015)
 
 
Book review & special offer: The Birds of the Iberian Peninsula   (Book review)
Jon Dunn reviews Helm's new title, The Birds of the Iberian Peninsula. At nearly 700 pages long this it is a comprehensive piece of work but does it live up to expectation? More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (06 May 2015)
 
 
Threatened Pacific birds get help from hit computer game   (Conservation News)
The famous Angry Birds team up with BirdLife International in a unique campaign to protect real-life birds in the South Pacific.
More here >
Written by: BirdLife (06 May 2015)
 
 
Talking Naturally is LIVE   (Podcast)
The first episode of our new fortnightly birding, nature and conservation podcast, Talking Naturally, is now live. You can listen online or subscribe via iTunes.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (06 May 2015)
 
 
New research to help farmland birds   (Conservation News)
The British Trust for Ornithology has launched a new appeal today to help tackle the continuing decline of many once familiar farmland birds.
More here >
Written by: BTO (06 May 2015)
 
 
Britain's most famous Cuckoo returns   (Conservation News)
A Cuckoo has defied all the odds and returned to his Suffolk home for the fifth summer since he was fitted with a satellite-tag to follow his amazing journey.
More here >
Written by: BTO (06 May 2015)
 
 
Review: Sibley eGuide to the Birds of North America   (App Review)
Marcus Nash reviews Sibley's eGuide to the Birds of north America, the digital version of the hugely successful book first published in 2000
More here >
Written by: Marcus Nash (29 Apr 2015)
 
 
Coming Soon - Talking Naturally   (Conservation News)
We are delighted to announce in conjunction with WildSounds & Books we are reviving the hugely popular podcast Talking Naturally.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (29 Apr 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 22 - 28 Apr   (Weekly Roundup)
An otherwise quiet week was turned on it's head with news of a Hudsonian Godwit in Somerset whilst Gloucestershire scored its 1st Pied-billed Grebe which then relocated to Lancashire.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (29 Apr 2015)
 
 
Book Review: Undiscovered Owls   (Book review)
Andy Stoddart reviews the latest offering from the Sound Approach Team - Undiscovered Owls, and he is mightily impressed.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (28 Apr 2015)
 
 
Finders in the field: Hudsonian Godwit, Meare Heath, Somerset, 26 Apr 2015   (Finders account)
Tom Raven describes finding Britain's 3rd Hudsonian Godwit at Meare Heath on the Somerset Levels.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (27 Apr 2015)
 
 
Antarctica - Explorers and Kings   (Personal Account)
Birder and photographer Mark Carmody travels to Antarctica on the trip of a lifetime and returns with unforgettable memories and photos to match.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (26 Apr 2015)
 
 
Finders in the field: Great Blue Heron, Isles of Scilly, April 2015   (Finders account)
Ashley Fisher describes finding Britain's second Great Blue Heron on the Isles of Scilly in the same spot he found the first one eight years ago!
More here >
Written by: Ashley Fisher (22 Apr 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 15 - 21 Apr   (Weekly Roundup)
The highlight of the week was the Great Blue Heron on Scilly which commuted between three islands much to the delight of many and the frustration of a few!
More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (22 Apr 2015)
 
 
Pirates, Pianos and Petrels   (Personal Account)
Bob Flood from the Scilly Pelagics team travels from Muscat, Oman to Djibouti, northeast Africa in search of Jouanin's Petrel at their main breeding grounds off Oman and the Socotra archipelago
More here >
Written by: Bob Flood (22 Apr 2015)
 
 
Offshore wind farm risk to seabirds varies between years   (Conservation News)
The BTO have tracked breeding Lesser Black-backed Gulls in Suffolk to show how they use areas of sea where around offshore wind farms.
More here >
Written by: BTO (21 Apr 2015)
 
 
Review: Few and Far Between: On the Trail of Britain's Rarest Animals   (Book review)
Andy Stoddart reviews this new title in which Charlie Elder goes in search of Britain's rarest and most endangered animals.
More here >
Written by: Andy Stoddart (20 Apr 2015)
 
 
Poisoned White-tailed Eagle found dead in nest in Connemara   (Conservation News)
A six year old female White-tailed Eagle has been found dead on her nest in Connemara, subsequent post-mortem revealed the bird was poisoned.
More here >
Written by: Golden Eagle Trust (20 Apr 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 08 - 14 Apr   (Weekly Roundup)
Spring well and truly arrived this week. Highlights included a Great Blue Heron on Scilly, a Scops Owl in Ireland, a massive influx of Hoopoes, multiple Black-winged Stilts and more.
More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (15 Apr 2015)
 
 
Beijing: The Capital Of White Wagtails?   (Personal Account)
Terry Townshend from Birding Beijing takes a look at White Wagtail complex in and around Beijing.
More here >
Written by: Terry Townshend (15 Apr 2015)
 
 
Connecting the dots with a Golden-winged Warbler   (Conservation News)
For the first time, the same Golden-winged Warbler has been caught at both a migration hotspot and in its wintering grounds.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (15 Apr 2015)
 
 
Volunteers needed to find remaining Yellow-breasted Buntings in Mongolia   (Conservation News)
Populations of Yellow-breasted Bunting have been rapidly declining across their range and help is needed to find breeding localities in Mongolia.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (15 Apr 2015)
 
 
Scottish wildlife organisations seeking ban on Mountain Hare culls   (Conservation News)
A group of 10 high profile wildlife and conservation organisations are calling on the Scottish Government to impose a three year ban on all Mountain Hare culling on grouse moors. More here >
Written by: RSPB (15 Apr 2015)
 
 
Future oil production threatens Senegal's seabirds   (Conservation News)
A recent discovery of oil off the Senegalese coast could have serious consequences for the world's largest breeding colony of Royal Tern.
More here >
Written by: BirdLife (14 Apr 2015)
 
 
Malta votes to continue with spring hunting   (Conservation News)
Maltese citizens lost the opportunity to put an end to the controversial spring hunting of birds in their country during a national referendum. A decision that will have consequences for bird conservation across Europe.
More here >
Written by: BirdLife (14 Apr 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 01 - 07 Apr   (Weekly Roundup)
Spring arrived proper this week as a flood of common migrants appeared with some rarer counterparts including a single-observer Crag Martin on the Isles of Wight and a Black-winged Stilt in Dorset.
More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (08 Apr 2015)
 
 
Finders in the field: Surf Scoter, a Wirral first   (Finders account)
Allan Conlin describes his quest to find the Wirral's first Surf Scoter amongst the Common Scoter flocks off East Hoyle sandbank.
More here >
Written by: Allan Conlin, Rare Bird Alert (08 Apr 2015)
 
 
Massive cuts set to devastate Northern Irish wildlife   (Conservation News)
RSPB NI is warning that 100% cuts to the Natural Heritage Grants Programme will have a devastating effect on nature and the environment.
More here >
Written by: RSPB (08 Apr 2015)
 
 
Pallid Harrier influx in NE Iberia   (Personal Account)
At the end of March and into early April an influx of over 40 Pallid Harriers was recorded in north east Spain. Alex Olle and Ricard Gutierrez discuss the increase in records in recent years.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (07 Apr 2015)
 
 
Photographing Schedule 1 birds   (Press report)
As the breeding season gets under-way Birders Against Wildlife Crime have produced a very informative article on photographing Schedule 1 birds.
More here >
Written by: Birders Against Wildlife Crime (07 Apr 2015)
 
 
Critically Endangered High Brown Fritillary hits 10-year high   (Conservation News)
One of the UK's rarest butterflies has recorded its best year for a decade thanks to 2014's warm spring weather and work to restore its habitat.
More here >
Written by: Butterfly Conservation (02 Apr 2015)
 
 
Blackpoll Warbler 1,700 mile Atlantic migration confirmed   (Research)
For the first time biologists report 'irrefutable evidence' that Blackpoll Warblers complete a nonstop flights of up to 1,700 miles in just two to three days.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (01 Apr 2015)
 
 
Mark Golley's weekly round-up: 25 - 31 Mar 2015   (Weekly Roundup)
A showy Alpine Swift performs well near Gatwick Airport, whilst elsewhere the drake Harlequin in Aberdeen continues its transformation into summer smartness. More here >
Written by: Mark Golley (01 Apr 2015)
 
 
Bryan's Shearwater confirmed breeding in Japan's Ogasawara Islands   (Conservation News)
Previously thought to have gone extinct after it was last seen on Midway Atoll in 1991, it has been confirmed that Bryan's Shearwater are nesting in Japan's Ogasawara Islands.
More here >
Written by: Rare Bird Alert (31 Mar 2015)
 
 
Continental Crusader Conquers British Winter   (Conservation News)
Following a number of sightings in 2014 it has been confirmed that Scarce Tortoiseshell has successfully overwintered in Britain for the first time.
More here >
Written by: Butterfly Conservation (31 Mar 2015)
 
 
Cyprus is the big winner of international bird race   (Conservation News)
The second Champions of the Flyway Bird Race took place in southern Israel on March 25th and over $75,000 has been raised for Birdlife Cyprus.
More here >
Written by: BirdLife (31 Mar 2015)
 
 
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.
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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.
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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.
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Written by: BTO (05 Feb 2015)
 
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