RSPB Science
@rspbscience.bsky.social
Research, reports, and citizen science from the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science
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RSPB Science
@rspbscience.bsky.social
· Nov 19
Sadly, we have seen a big increase in avian flu cases in the UK - particularly in waterfowl
Whilst the risk to the public remains assessed as very low, Government advice is not to touch any visibly sick or dead birds, and to keep pets away
Read on for ways to help:
📷Ben Andrew
Whilst the risk to the public remains assessed as very low, Government advice is not to touch any visibly sick or dead birds, and to keep pets away
Read on for ways to help:
📷Ben Andrew
Join our Marine Team on an expedition to track the Leach's Petrel 🪶
These birds can travel over 2000km during a single foraging trip, but are only the size of a starling!
Watch the full film here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrXB...
All birds were caught and handled under licence by RSPB staff
These birds can travel over 2000km during a single foraging trip, but are only the size of a starling!
Watch the full film here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrXB...
All birds were caught and handled under licence by RSPB staff
Travel to a remote Scottish island to see how tagging seabirds can help protect them
YouTube video by RSPB
www.youtube.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:14 PM
Join our Marine Team on an expedition to track the Leach's Petrel 🪶
These birds can travel over 2000km during a single foraging trip, but are only the size of a starling!
Watch the full film here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrXB...
All birds were caught and handled under licence by RSPB staff
These birds can travel over 2000km during a single foraging trip, but are only the size of a starling!
Watch the full film here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrXB...
All birds were caught and handled under licence by RSPB staff
Reposted by RSPB Science
Government’s wildlife targets will be missed in England, watchdog says
Seven out of 10 targets have little likelihood of being met by 2030, Office for Environmental Protection says
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
@rspbscience.bsky.social @rspbengland.bsky.social
Seven out of 10 targets have little likelihood of being met by 2030, Office for Environmental Protection says
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
@rspbscience.bsky.social @rspbengland.bsky.social
Government’s wildlife targets will be missed in England, watchdog says
Seven out of 10 targets have little likelihood of being met by 2030, Office for Environmental Protection says
www.theguardian.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Government’s wildlife targets will be missed in England, watchdog says
Seven out of 10 targets have little likelihood of being met by 2030, Office for Environmental Protection says
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
@rspbscience.bsky.social @rspbengland.bsky.social
Seven out of 10 targets have little likelihood of being met by 2030, Office for Environmental Protection says
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
@rspbscience.bsky.social @rspbengland.bsky.social
However, we would like to apologise for combining two separate facts here. It was actually the nest that was 1.5km away from the nearest stream where they would normally deposit sacs. But the sacs were deposited in a nearby water trough instead.
January 9, 2026 at 2:36 PM
However, we would like to apologise for combining two separate facts here. It was actually the nest that was 1.5km away from the nearest stream where they would normally deposit sacs. But the sacs were deposited in a nearby water trough instead.
This information comes from Handbook of the Birds of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa: Tyrant Flycatchers to Thrushes v.5.
January 9, 2026 at 2:36 PM
This information comes from Handbook of the Birds of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa: Tyrant Flycatchers to Thrushes v.5.
Job alert:
Join our International team on a 2yr Conservation Scientist post working on Island Restoration. This role is UK based, but includes a 4-month expedition to Henderson Island.
Deadline: 30th Jan
Find out more here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
Join our International team on a 2yr Conservation Scientist post working on Island Restoration. This role is UK based, but includes a 4-month expedition to Henderson Island.
Deadline: 30th Jan
Find out more here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
January 5, 2026 at 10:14 AM
Job alert:
Join our International team on a 2yr Conservation Scientist post working on Island Restoration. This role is UK based, but includes a 4-month expedition to Henderson Island.
Deadline: 30th Jan
Find out more here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
Join our International team on a 2yr Conservation Scientist post working on Island Restoration. This role is UK based, but includes a 4-month expedition to Henderson Island.
Deadline: 30th Jan
Find out more here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
Well its certainly been a busy year for RSPB Conservation Science
In 2025 we…
- Worked in 54 countries & UKOTs
- Carried out 94 research projects
- Studied 107 species
- Tracked 366 seabirds
- Surveyed 4420 people
Bring on 2026!
📷 Andy Schofield, Paul Insua-Cao, Ben Andrew
In 2025 we…
- Worked in 54 countries & UKOTs
- Carried out 94 research projects
- Studied 107 species
- Tracked 366 seabirds
- Surveyed 4420 people
Bring on 2026!
📷 Andy Schofield, Paul Insua-Cao, Ben Andrew
January 2, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Well its certainly been a busy year for RSPB Conservation Science
In 2025 we…
- Worked in 54 countries & UKOTs
- Carried out 94 research projects
- Studied 107 species
- Tracked 366 seabirds
- Surveyed 4420 people
Bring on 2026!
📷 Andy Schofield, Paul Insua-Cao, Ben Andrew
In 2025 we…
- Worked in 54 countries & UKOTs
- Carried out 94 research projects
- Studied 107 species
- Tracked 366 seabirds
- Surveyed 4420 people
Bring on 2026!
📷 Andy Schofield, Paul Insua-Cao, Ben Andrew
Did you know? Scientists have un-discovered two species of Redpoll
Following investigations into their genetics and variation in plumage, the Lesser Redpoll, Common Redpoll and Arctic Redpoll are now lumped together as a single species; the Redpoll.
#ScienceFactFriday
Following investigations into their genetics and variation in plumage, the Lesser Redpoll, Common Redpoll and Arctic Redpoll are now lumped together as a single species; the Redpoll.
#ScienceFactFriday
December 19, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Did you know? Scientists have un-discovered two species of Redpoll
Following investigations into their genetics and variation in plumage, the Lesser Redpoll, Common Redpoll and Arctic Redpoll are now lumped together as a single species; the Redpoll.
#ScienceFactFriday
Following investigations into their genetics and variation in plumage, the Lesser Redpoll, Common Redpoll and Arctic Redpoll are now lumped together as a single species; the Redpoll.
#ScienceFactFriday
Celebrating 20 years of Action for Birds in England!
This partnership between Natural England and @rspb.bsky.social has worked on restoring some of England's most threatened birds.
Read about some of its historic wins here: www.rspb.org.uk/england/engl...
📷Henry Cook
@rspbengland.bsky.social
This partnership between Natural England and @rspb.bsky.social has worked on restoring some of England's most threatened birds.
Read about some of its historic wins here: www.rspb.org.uk/england/engl...
📷Henry Cook
@rspbengland.bsky.social
December 17, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Celebrating 20 years of Action for Birds in England!
This partnership between Natural England and @rspb.bsky.social has worked on restoring some of England's most threatened birds.
Read about some of its historic wins here: www.rspb.org.uk/england/engl...
📷Henry Cook
@rspbengland.bsky.social
This partnership between Natural England and @rspb.bsky.social has worked on restoring some of England's most threatened birds.
Read about some of its historic wins here: www.rspb.org.uk/england/engl...
📷Henry Cook
@rspbengland.bsky.social
Reconciling top-down and bottom-up treescape objectives
Wednesday - 1215 - Tinto
@tfinch.bsky.social
@britishecologicalsociety.org
📷Tom Finch
Wednesday - 1215 - Tinto
@tfinch.bsky.social
@britishecologicalsociety.org
📷Tom Finch
December 17, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Reconciling top-down and bottom-up treescape objectives
Wednesday - 1215 - Tinto
@tfinch.bsky.social
@britishecologicalsociety.org
📷Tom Finch
Wednesday - 1215 - Tinto
@tfinch.bsky.social
@britishecologicalsociety.org
📷Tom Finch
Attending #BES2025?
Make sure to catch talks from @rspbscience.bsky.social
Deriving Essential Biodiversity Variables from passive acoustic monitoring
Wednesday-12:15-Pentland
Metric Soup – exploring biodiversity metrics for use in business’ nature-related disclosures
Thursday-11:30-Lowther
Make sure to catch talks from @rspbscience.bsky.social
Deriving Essential Biodiversity Variables from passive acoustic monitoring
Wednesday-12:15-Pentland
Metric Soup – exploring biodiversity metrics for use in business’ nature-related disclosures
Thursday-11:30-Lowther
December 16, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Attending #BES2025?
Make sure to catch talks from @rspbscience.bsky.social
Deriving Essential Biodiversity Variables from passive acoustic monitoring
Wednesday-12:15-Pentland
Metric Soup – exploring biodiversity metrics for use in business’ nature-related disclosures
Thursday-11:30-Lowther
Make sure to catch talks from @rspbscience.bsky.social
Deriving Essential Biodiversity Variables from passive acoustic monitoring
Wednesday-12:15-Pentland
Metric Soup – exploring biodiversity metrics for use in business’ nature-related disclosures
Thursday-11:30-Lowther
Reposted by RSPB Science
The Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme has published 2025 update on indices and trends! Unfortunately, it still shows an overall decline in common birds breeding in Europe, with the most pronounced decline among farmland species. Read more about the new update: pecbms.info/what-is-new-...
December 15, 2025 at 6:02 PM
The Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme has published 2025 update on indices and trends! Unfortunately, it still shows an overall decline in common birds breeding in Europe, with the most pronounced decline among farmland species. Read more about the new update: pecbms.info/what-is-new-...
Did you know? Bitterns’ eyes are made to look down
Bittern eyes are placed lower down on their head than many other birds so they can easily look for prey beneath them in the water
#ScienceFactFriday
Bittern eyes are placed lower down on their head than many other birds so they can easily look for prey beneath them in the water
#ScienceFactFriday
December 12, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Did you know? Bitterns’ eyes are made to look down
Bittern eyes are placed lower down on their head than many other birds so they can easily look for prey beneath them in the water
#ScienceFactFriday
Bittern eyes are placed lower down on their head than many other birds so they can easily look for prey beneath them in the water
#ScienceFactFriday
We're hiring!
Seasonal Research Assistant and Senior Research Assistant positions for 2026 🪶
Deadline: 11th Jan 26
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
Seasonal Research Assistant and Senior Research Assistant positions for 2026 🪶
Deadline: 11th Jan 26
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
December 11, 2025 at 3:04 PM
We're hiring!
Seasonal Research Assistant and Senior Research Assistant positions for 2026 🪶
Deadline: 11th Jan 26
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
Seasonal Research Assistant and Senior Research Assistant positions for 2026 🪶
Deadline: 11th Jan 26
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
High resolution tracking projects such as these can help us understand how seabirds use the sea
And importantly, predict how development- or climate-driven changes to ocean processes may alter seabird habitat use
And importantly, predict how development- or climate-driven changes to ocean processes may alter seabird habitat use
December 10, 2025 at 9:26 AM
High resolution tracking projects such as these can help us understand how seabirds use the sea
And importantly, predict how development- or climate-driven changes to ocean processes may alter seabird habitat use
And importantly, predict how development- or climate-driven changes to ocean processes may alter seabird habitat use
Use of tidal mixing fronts varied between birds based on individual space use and the habitats and ocean features they encountered
Birds whose foraging ranges overlapped most with tidal fronts were more likely to switch to foraging near these features
Birds whose foraging ranges overlapped most with tidal fronts were more likely to switch to foraging near these features
December 10, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Use of tidal mixing fronts varied between birds based on individual space use and the habitats and ocean features they encountered
Birds whose foraging ranges overlapped most with tidal fronts were more likely to switch to foraging near these features
Birds whose foraging ranges overlapped most with tidal fronts were more likely to switch to foraging near these features
To understand the context of individual birds’ responses to fronts, authors used tracking data to cluster birds by foraging area and test how environmental context shapes their response to fronts
Bird movements were then categorised as either resting, travelling or foraging
Bird movements were then categorised as either resting, travelling or foraging
December 10, 2025 at 9:26 AM
To understand the context of individual birds’ responses to fronts, authors used tracking data to cluster birds by foraging area and test how environmental context shapes their response to fronts
Bird movements were then categorised as either resting, travelling or foraging
Bird movements were then categorised as either resting, travelling or foraging
Tidal mixing fronts are often highly productive areas, where nutrient enrichment and prey aggregations create important foraging hotspots for marine predators
Scientists used GPS loggers to track 144 Kittiwakes from neighbouring North Sea colonies close to the Flamborough Front
Scientists used GPS loggers to track 144 Kittiwakes from neighbouring North Sea colonies close to the Flamborough Front
December 10, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Tidal mixing fronts are often highly productive areas, where nutrient enrichment and prey aggregations create important foraging hotspots for marine predators
Scientists used GPS loggers to track 144 Kittiwakes from neighbouring North Sea colonies close to the Flamborough Front
Scientists used GPS loggers to track 144 Kittiwakes from neighbouring North Sea colonies close to the Flamborough Front
Can GPS tracking reveal how #seabirds make use of tidal mixing fronts when foraging? 🧪
New research shows a bird’s use of ocean fronts may relate to its regular foraging areas
Read on for more
Or read the full paper: doi.org/10.1007/s002...
@ellingbry.bsky.social
New research shows a bird’s use of ocean fronts may relate to its regular foraging areas
Read on for more
Or read the full paper: doi.org/10.1007/s002...
@ellingbry.bsky.social
Fine-scale behavioural responses to mixing fronts are linked to variation in geographic space use in a medium ranging seabird - Marine Biology
Marine predators forage in dynamic, heterogeneous environments, where resources are unevenly distributed. Consequently, predators often concentrate foraging activity in areas where oceanographic proce...
doi.org
December 10, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Can GPS tracking reveal how #seabirds make use of tidal mixing fronts when foraging? 🧪
New research shows a bird’s use of ocean fronts may relate to its regular foraging areas
Read on for more
Or read the full paper: doi.org/10.1007/s002...
@ellingbry.bsky.social
New research shows a bird’s use of ocean fronts may relate to its regular foraging areas
Read on for more
Or read the full paper: doi.org/10.1007/s002...
@ellingbry.bsky.social
Reposted by RSPB Science
📣 New paper out now in @conbiology.bsky.social!
#Headstarting - hatching eggs and/or rearing chicks in captivity & releasing them back to the wild - has been increasingly used for #wader #conservation. But it can be challenging and expensive.
So why do it and when❓
📷WWT/Bob Ellis #godwit
(1/4)
#Headstarting - hatching eggs and/or rearing chicks in captivity & releasing them back to the wild - has been increasingly used for #wader #conservation. But it can be challenging and expensive.
So why do it and when❓
📷WWT/Bob Ellis #godwit
(1/4)
December 8, 2025 at 6:31 PM
📣 New paper out now in @conbiology.bsky.social!
#Headstarting - hatching eggs and/or rearing chicks in captivity & releasing them back to the wild - has been increasingly used for #wader #conservation. But it can be challenging and expensive.
So why do it and when❓
📷WWT/Bob Ellis #godwit
(1/4)
#Headstarting - hatching eggs and/or rearing chicks in captivity & releasing them back to the wild - has been increasingly used for #wader #conservation. But it can be challenging and expensive.
So why do it and when❓
📷WWT/Bob Ellis #godwit
(1/4)
Last month our Conservation Science dept. conference returned!
-131 attendees
-32 talks
-18 posters
-9 workshops
-1 winning quiz team
We heard about biosecurity, breeding waders, biodiversity monitoring, seabird tracking and more. Look out for some exciting papers in 2026...
-131 attendees
-32 talks
-18 posters
-9 workshops
-1 winning quiz team
We heard about biosecurity, breeding waders, biodiversity monitoring, seabird tracking and more. Look out for some exciting papers in 2026...
December 8, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Last month our Conservation Science dept. conference returned!
-131 attendees
-32 talks
-18 posters
-9 workshops
-1 winning quiz team
We heard about biosecurity, breeding waders, biodiversity monitoring, seabird tracking and more. Look out for some exciting papers in 2026...
-131 attendees
-32 talks
-18 posters
-9 workshops
-1 winning quiz team
We heard about biosecurity, breeding waders, biodiversity monitoring, seabird tracking and more. Look out for some exciting papers in 2026...
Did you know? Birds keep their knees hidden
The back bend in bird legs is actually the ankle not the knee. Birds’ knees are hidden higher up, closer to the body
#ScienceFactFriday
The back bend in bird legs is actually the ankle not the knee. Birds’ knees are hidden higher up, closer to the body
#ScienceFactFriday
December 5, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Did you know? Birds keep their knees hidden
The back bend in bird legs is actually the ankle not the knee. Birds’ knees are hidden higher up, closer to the body
#ScienceFactFriday
The back bend in bird legs is actually the ankle not the knee. Birds’ knees are hidden higher up, closer to the body
#ScienceFactFriday
This research highlights the need to balance conservation action with community livelihoods
By involving local communities in management decisions and co-developing interventions, conservation programmes can reduce the potential for conflict in the landscape
📷 Sorrel Jones
By involving local communities in management decisions and co-developing interventions, conservation programmes can reduce the potential for conflict in the landscape
📷 Sorrel Jones
December 2, 2025 at 10:01 AM
This research highlights the need to balance conservation action with community livelihoods
By involving local communities in management decisions and co-developing interventions, conservation programmes can reduce the potential for conflict in the landscape
📷 Sorrel Jones
By involving local communities in management decisions and co-developing interventions, conservation programmes can reduce the potential for conflict in the landscape
📷 Sorrel Jones
Using these key drivers, authors then mapped water, livestock and Saiga distributions
They identified >60 areas where conflict was likely to occur
These maps could be used to target conflict reduction action and even potentially avoid it
They identified >60 areas where conflict was likely to occur
These maps could be used to target conflict reduction action and even potentially avoid it
December 2, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Using these key drivers, authors then mapped water, livestock and Saiga distributions
They identified >60 areas where conflict was likely to occur
These maps could be used to target conflict reduction action and even potentially avoid it
They identified >60 areas where conflict was likely to occur
These maps could be used to target conflict reduction action and even potentially avoid it
Results revealed a few key drivers of conflict:
- Crop damage
- Competition for water and grazing
- Concern over livestock catching diseases from Saiga
They also found conflict was highest during the calving period in spring and in winter, when demand for hay and water is high
- Crop damage
- Competition for water and grazing
- Concern over livestock catching diseases from Saiga
They also found conflict was highest during the calving period in spring and in winter, when demand for hay and water is high
December 2, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Results revealed a few key drivers of conflict:
- Crop damage
- Competition for water and grazing
- Concern over livestock catching diseases from Saiga
They also found conflict was highest during the calving period in spring and in winter, when demand for hay and water is high
- Crop damage
- Competition for water and grazing
- Concern over livestock catching diseases from Saiga
They also found conflict was highest during the calving period in spring and in winter, when demand for hay and water is high
Western Kazakhstan hosts over half of the world’s Saiga, intensifying conflict between local communities and the species
To identify and map the causes of this conflict, researchers conducted >100 interviews with local herders
To identify and map the causes of this conflict, researchers conducted >100 interviews with local herders
December 2, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Western Kazakhstan hosts over half of the world’s Saiga, intensifying conflict between local communities and the species
To identify and map the causes of this conflict, researchers conducted >100 interviews with local herders
To identify and map the causes of this conflict, researchers conducted >100 interviews with local herders