Sponsored
EDITOR'S CHOICE
The very best new stories and exciting things for birders.
Trusted Ad Partner
Top Stories: How “Cow Retirement Communities” Are Helping Save Nepal’s Vultures from Extinction
In the grasslands of western Nepal, a quiet revolution is taking place — and it’s being led by an unlikely ally: the humble cow.
A new programme launched by the RSPB, Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), and Renewable World is taking an innovative approach to saving some of the world’s most endangered birds — vultures — while also supporting local communities. Their solution? Creating “cow retirement communities.”
👓 Full story >>
A new programme launched by the RSPB, Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), and Renewable World is taking an innovative approach to saving some of the world’s most endangered birds — vultures — while also supporting local communities. Their solution? Creating “cow retirement communities.”
👓 Full story >>
Top Stories: Autumn migration - Who’s Flying In, Where to Watch, and What to Expect
As autumn rolls on and the days grow shorter, many of us might be tempted to chase the sun. But while we’re adding extra layers, millions of birds are heading the other way, arriving in the UK to escape harsher northern winters.
Our mild climate, varied coastline and rich feeding grounds make Britain a magnet for migratory species. It’s a thrilling time to be out birding, here’s a look at some of the star arrivals to watch for this autumn.
👓 Full story >>
Our mild climate, varied coastline and rich feeding grounds make Britain a magnet for migratory species. It’s a thrilling time to be out birding, here’s a look at some of the star arrivals to watch for this autumn.
👓 Full story >>
Top Stories: WULF Nova 20–60×80 Dual Focus Spotting Scope Review
WULF is a relatively young but ambitious optics brand that has quickly made a name for itself among outdoor enthusiasts and birdwatchers seeking high-performance gear without breaking the bank.
Recently, James was sent their new Nova spotting scope to test and review. The weather hasn’t been great lately, but we are in the midst of autumn, so here’s how the scope held up to the elements…
👓 Full review >>
Recently, James was sent their new Nova spotting scope to test and review. The weather hasn’t been great lately, but we are in the midst of autumn, so here’s how the scope held up to the elements…
👓 Full review >>
Community Photo Gallery
Send us your bird photography and have your work displayed here in our community gallery.
Trusted Ad Partner
Latest GEAR REVIEWS
Here we bring you our opinion on the very best new equipment from the most respected brands for birders.
ZEISS
SFL 10x50 Binoculars
★★★★★★★★ 8/10
|
swarovski optik
NL Pure 14x52 Binoculars
★★★★★★★★★★ 9.5/10
|
wulf
|
Latest news, Features & Events
The latest news, features and events from around the birding tribes.
rEPORTS: Tracking Rare Birds in the UK - Hoopoes, Eagles, and Other Breeding Successes
A remarkable breeding season has been recorded for some of the UK’s rarest birds, according to the latest report from the Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP).
From the welcome return of the Hoopoe to sobering declines in northern species, 2023 brought both inspiring recoveries and fresh conservation challenges.
👓 Full story >>
From the welcome return of the Hoopoe to sobering declines in northern species, 2023 brought both inspiring recoveries and fresh conservation challenges.
👓 Full story >>
migration: Tracking the Mysterious Journey of the Cuckoo - New Tech Sheds Light on a Troubling Decline
Once a familiar sound of springtime across the UK, the call of the Cuckoo is becoming alarmingly rare. Since 1995, we've lost more than a third of our breeding Cuckoos - and scientists are working urgently to uncover why.
At the heart of this effort is the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), whose researchers have spent over a decade closely tracking these remarkable birds. Since 2011, more than 130 Cuckoos from across the UK and Ireland have been fitted with satellite transmitters, allowing scientists to trace their awe-inspiring 16,000 km migratory journey to the Congo basin and back.
👓 Full story >>
At the heart of this effort is the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), whose researchers have spent over a decade closely tracking these remarkable birds. Since 2011, more than 130 Cuckoos from across the UK and Ireland have been fitted with satellite transmitters, allowing scientists to trace their awe-inspiring 16,000 km migratory journey to the Congo basin and back.
👓 Full story >>
nature Reserves: Record-breaking Oystercatchers found on England's East Coast
Conservationists are celebrating the remarkable discovery of two record-breaking Oystercatchers just weeks apart on England’s East Coast Wetlands. The sightings highlight the critical importance of these habitats for long-lived wading birds.
Volunteers from the Wash Wader Research Group (WWRG) identified the UK’s oldest known Oystercatcher - aged 41 years and 8 months - at RSPB Snettisham in Norfolk, surpassing the previous longevity record by three months.
👓 Full story >>
Volunteers from the Wash Wader Research Group (WWRG) identified the UK’s oldest known Oystercatcher - aged 41 years and 8 months - at RSPB Snettisham in Norfolk, surpassing the previous longevity record by three months.
👓 Full story >>
New Gear: ZEISS expands its SFL family of binoculars with the launch of 8x50, 10x50 and 12x50 models
ZEISS has introduced a new addition to its celebrated SFL (SmartFocus Lightweight) binocular range: the SFL 50. Designed with discerning nature lovers and serious birdwatchers in mind, this new series promises exceptional optical performance in a remarkably compact and lightweight form. The range includes 8x50, 10x50, and - for the first time - 12x50 models.
Through a refined optical design using slimmer lens elements and optimised spacing, ZEISS has produced a pair of binoculars that are both light and durable, thanks to a rugged magnesium housing.
👓 Full story >>
Through a refined optical design using slimmer lens elements and optimised spacing, ZEISS has produced a pair of binoculars that are both light and durable, thanks to a rugged magnesium housing.
👓 Full story >>
extinct: Scientists confirm the heartbreaking news of the extinction of a bird species from mainland Europe and the Mediterranean
Scientists have published an objective analysis that indicates the extinction of the Slender-billed Curlew, a migratory shorebird that bred in western Siberia and wintered in the Mediterranean.
This marks the first known extinction of a bird species from mainland Europe, North Africa and West Asia. Extensive efforts have been made for decades to find evidence of the Slender-billed Curlew across its breeding and non-breeding ranges, but all have proven unsuccessful.
Full story >>
This marks the first known extinction of a bird species from mainland Europe, North Africa and West Asia. Extensive efforts have been made for decades to find evidence of the Slender-billed Curlew across its breeding and non-breeding ranges, but all have proven unsuccessful.
Full story >>
Garden Birdwatch: Spruce up your old nest box or choose a good-quality new one after a wet and wild winter!
Our gardens and green spaces serve as ideal habitats for numerous familiar and beloved birds and while some individuals may find suitable nesting sites in planted areas or around buildings, there is still a significant shortage of desirable nesting locations, particularly in urban and suburban environments.
The loss of appropriate habitat, alterations in land use, the adoption of “tidier” gardens with fake grass, plants and other factors have adversely affected many of the UK’s breeding bird populations.
Full story >>
The loss of appropriate habitat, alterations in land use, the adoption of “tidier” gardens with fake grass, plants and other factors have adversely affected many of the UK’s breeding bird populations.
Full story >>
Nature Reserves: RSPB Wallasea Island to be expanded, bringing a major habitat restoration boost for water birds
One hundred hectares of new habitat will be created at RSPB Wallasea Island Reserve in Rochford, Essex, to support rare and threatened wildlife.
RSPB Wallasea is situated at the confluence of the Rivers Crouch and Roach. During high tides in winter, it can accommodate over half of the estuary’s waterbirds. Eleven species are found in nationally significant numbers, while four species are hosted in internationally important numbers, including wading birds such as Grey Plover.
👓 Full story >>
RSPB Wallasea is situated at the confluence of the Rivers Crouch and Roach. During high tides in winter, it can accommodate over half of the estuary’s waterbirds. Eleven species are found in nationally significant numbers, while four species are hosted in internationally important numbers, including wading birds such as Grey Plover.
👓 Full story >>
HABITATS: Five seabird species added to the UK Red List of highest conservation concern
Scientists reviewing the conservation status of the UK’s breeding seabird populations have revealed that five species have been added to the Red list of greatest conservation concern.
The UK remains an internationally important place for breeding seabirds. Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands support the majority of the global populations of breeding Manx Shearwater (96%), Northern Gannet (70%) and Great Skua (64-67%).
Full story >>
The UK remains an internationally important place for breeding seabirds. Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands support the majority of the global populations of breeding Manx Shearwater (96%), Northern Gannet (70%) and Great Skua (64-67%).
Full story >>
migration: TRACKING OF ARCTIC SKUA SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON EPIC MIGRATION
New research has shown how an endangered seabird, the Arctic Skua, is converging on specific stopping off points in the Atlantic Ocean while undertaking epic annual, migration journeys.
Migrating birds can face a wide range of challenges. Whether they are crossing seemingly endless deserts, flying over towering mountains or traversing vast open seas, these hardy globetrotters often need to navigate more than simply the landscape beneath them.
Full story >>
Migrating birds can face a wide range of challenges. Whether they are crossing seemingly endless deserts, flying over towering mountains or traversing vast open seas, these hardy globetrotters often need to navigate more than simply the landscape beneath them.
Full story >>