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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 6d

Did you know? Some bird noses leak salt

Seabirds like Fulmars and storm petrels, drink seawater and use glands at the top of their beak to excrete excess salt, their tube-shaped nostrils then help funnel it away from their eyes.

#ScienceFactFriday

A sitting fulmar turns its head to the side, making the unusual shape of its nostrils clear.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 7d

Inspired by last month's #InternationalVultureAwarenessDay ?
Why not join in the Bearded Vulture International Observation Days (IOD) 🪶

When: 11th Oct
Where: Alps, French Pyrenees, Massif Central, Andalusia, Maestrazgo and Bulgaria

Register here: 4vultures.org/blog/volunte...

Volunteers needed: Join the 20th Bearded Vulture International Observation Days 2025 (IOD) - Vulture Conservation Foundation

Grab your binoculars and head outdoors to help monitor one of Europe’s rarest and most impressive birds of prey! This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Bearded Vulture International Observation D...

4vultures.org

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 13d

Did you know? Plumicorns aren't for hearing

The long, pointy feathers on some owls' heads are neither horns not ears, but specialised feathers called plumicorns. Their function is not yet fully understood but could help with camouflage

#ScienceFactFriday

A Long-eared Owl stares through foliage at the camera. A label points to the long horn-like feathers on its head, labelling them as plumicorns.

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Reposted by RSPB Science

Jude Lane @heyjooode.bsky.social · 14d

Very pleased to be a part of this research contribution into the ongoing impact of HPAI on seabirds; led by @sue-lewis.bsky.social alongside fellow authors from @rspbscience.bsky.social @rspbengland.bsky.social @ukceh.bsky.social & @seabirdcentre.bsky.social

Edinburgh Napier University @edinburghnapier.bsky.social · 14d

🪹 | Seabirds that survived recent bird flu outbreaks have continued to reproduce, although overall breeding performance remains notably low, according to a new study.

The study has looked at breeding success in Northern Gannets at two locations during 2023.

🔗 orlo.uk/44CaS

📸 Dave Pressland

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 15d

However, authors advice users to plan for the high volumes of data which need to be stored and processed after collection

Additionally, new tech needs to integrate with existing approaches and learn from observer expertise

📷 Jake Stephen

An RSPB staff member downloads tag data from a base station in the field.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 15d

These automated approaches to monitoring seabirds can help overcome challenges such as remote populations, poor visibility and limited replicability

📷 Sam Turley

A lone puffin stands on the side of a cliff, a place easy for seabirds to reach but challenging for researchers to access.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 15d

In recent years, projects monitoring wild bird populations have benefited from several new advances in monitoring tech such as:
- UAV and fixed cameras
- Thermal imaging
- Acoustic data loggers
- Biotelemetry

📷 Sam Turley

A scientist in the field holds a small GPS tag in their hand, in the background are other pieces of kit such as gloves and tape.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 15d

New technology may aid seabird monitoring in difficult to access populations but managing high volumes of data output is essential 🪶

Read the new paper here:
doi.org/10.1093/ices...

Opportunities and challenges for new technologies in seabird population monitoring

Abstract. Monitoring of seabird population size and demography has for decades relied on observer-based methods. While such methods have allowed the accumu

academic.oup.com

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 16d

The decline seen across habitats is deeply concerning, with 42% of species declining in the short term

These indicators reflect the broader state of UK wildlife, meaning we need to take bigger and more effective action if we want to halt the loss of species from our landscapes

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 16d

Seabirds are vital indicators of ocean health. Yet the UK seabird indicator shows a 37% long-term decline, driven by mounting pressures

Further declines in the short-term demonstrate the need to protect our seas now in order to secure our seabirds' futures

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 16d

The farmland bird indicator saw the largest declines of 11% over the last 5yrs

With specialists such as Turtle Doves and Grey Partridge experiencing strong long-term declines

However, the woodland bird indicator shows signs of stabilising after a decade of steep decline

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 16d

Over the last 5 years, the all-species index, which compiles >100 species trends, declined by 4% in the UK and 7% in England

Recent sharp declines in farmland birds and seabirds have strongly contributed to this overall pattern

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 16d

Latest government stats show a continued decline in many bird species across the UK 🪶🧪

www.gov.uk/government/s...

These data are made possible by the dedication of expert volunteers, allowing us to track common bird populations for >50 years

Wild bird populations in the UK and England, 1970 to 2024

www.gov.uk

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 21d

New job alert: An amazing opportunity - our International science team are hiring for a 2yr position (initially) for an experienced scientist to work on tropical forest conservation 🌍🧪

Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...

📷Nick Williams/RSPB

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Reposted by RSPB Science

Richard D. Gregory @richgreg3.bsky.social · 29d

⬇️ @wclnews.bsky.social @britishecologicalsociety.org
UK target to protect 30% of land & sea for nature by 2030. But just ~6% of land across the UK is properly protected with just 5 years to go...."

Here's how to fix this:

www.wcl.org.uk/assets/uploa...

@rspb.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · Sep 9

We're hiring!🧪🪶

Join our Conservation Science Technical team and help design and develop field equipment for research activities such as tracking and monitoring

Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...

Technical Officer - Conservation Science | RSPB

We're seeking a highly motivated person with excellent practical and design skills to join the Conservation Science Technical team. Collaborating closely with other scientists and colleagues across RS...

app.vacancy-filler.co.uk

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · Sep 8

Inspired by #InternationalVultureAwarenessDay?

Why not join the SAVE online open day 🪶🌏
Sept 10th at 7:30 AM (UK time)

Hear about progress on vulture conservation and recovery from partners across South and South-East Asia

Register here: rspb.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · Sep 6

With the establishment of VSZs in Nepal and India, BirdLife and SAVE partners across Asia are supporting the future of vultures

Read more about the ongoing importance of regulating veterinary drugs like diclofenac here:
save-vultures.org/2025/09/new-...

Save Vultures – Working for the recovery of Vultures

Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction (SAVE) is a consortium of organisations from six range countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Cambodia and Myanmar) with established expertise in…

save-vultures.org

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · Sep 6

GPS tagging has shown White-rumped Vultures now have an annual survival rate of 97% in Nepal where diclofenac removal has been most successful

Vulture Safe Zones (VSZs) track recovering vulture populations and monitor diclofenac and other veterinary drug usage

📷 Chris Gomersall

The wings of a White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) spread wide and dark against a bright blue sky. The bird appears far away, soaring effortlessly. Pinjore, Haryana, India.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · Sep 6

In South Asia, a major cause of vulture deaths was from the ingestion of diclofenac from cattle carcasses

This anti-inflammatory drug is safe for humans and cows but lethal to vultures

Banning its sale for veterinary use has been a key step towards vulture recovery

📷 Richard Cuthbert

Himalayan vultures crowd over a dead buffalo, quickly stripping the carcass clean.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · Sep 6

Happy #InternationalVultureAwarenessDay

Vultures are natures all-important clean-up crew, but in South Asia have hugely declined

Find out how Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction (SAVE) partners are working to fix this 🌏 🪶

RSPB Species Spotlight: tinyurl.com/6mxxucf7

Three vultures stand in a row on the ground as if waiting for something. The two to the left have black bodies with prominent white collars (White-rumped Vulture – Gyps bengalensis) and the one the right is coloured light brown (Indian Vulture - Gyps indicus). The vultures are labelled to highlight some adaptations for their lifestyle: Huge wingspans for low effort flight, scouting large areas for carrion. Excellent eyesight for spotting carrion. Bald heads so food doesn’t get stuck when they’re eating. Long, hooked beaks for tearing at meat. Strong stomachs for eating rotting meat.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · Sep 5

Restoring nature in a just and effective way! 🌿🙌

Join the webinar to gain key insights from newly developed guidance that explores critical opportunities and practical steps for inclusive participation in restoration initiatives.🌳

Register here👉 jbs-cam.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

📷Viktar Malyshchyc

Invitation to join a webinar on the launch of 'JUST AND EFFECTIVE ENGAGEMENT IN LANDSCAPE RESTORATION (EUROPE): Guidance and Case Studies'

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Reposted by RSPB Science

BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · Aug 27

1/ New study! Camera footage showing nest predation on natural nests was collated and analysed from across the UK to increase understanding of nest predation events. Discover the findings ⬇️ and read the study ➡️ http://www.bto.org/n... #Ornithology

Three Oystercatcher eggs, a buffish colour with dark blotches, are in a nest on the ground. Wording alongside reads: New nest predation study.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · Sep 1

Grab your tickets for Avian Odyssey 20th Sept 2025 hosted by @nhm-london.bsky.social 🪶🌍

Want to hear about ornithological research and conservation from global experts?
With opening address by @rspb.bsky.social CEO Beccy Speight

Tickets for in-person and online: www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/...

https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/study/events/british-ornithologists-club-annual-meeting.html"

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Reposted by RSPB Science

RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · Aug 29

Who else could claim today’s #FlyDay spotlight but the magnificent White-tailed Eagle? 🦅

Their breathtaking story of loss and recovery takes flight in RETURN, an RSPB film, released today.

Watch now on YouTube: brnw.ch/21wVi9V 👈

A White-tailed Eagle soars low over the water, vast dark wings spread and yellow talons poised, its pale head turned slightly as it glides with power and precision. Once lost from the UK, this giant of the skies is the focus of the new RSPB film RETURN.

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