A new study on Red-backed Shrikes reveals that migratory flights are organised into highly structured segments under an internal circannual genetic programme, rather than being solely driven by environment. The findings challenge traditional views of bird migration and raise concerns over how climate‑induced disruptions of external cues may interfere with these deeply programmed flight patterns.

Rapidly increasing Snow Goose populations in North America are devastating Arctic tundra through over-grazing, but scientists say current management efforts – including more hunting – may not be enough to prevent long-term ecological damage.

Pygmy Cormorant has expanded steadily westwards over the last two decades and recently likely began breeding in France for the first time. With growing numbers now recorded across central Europe, the species is edging closer to Britain – is the first bird for Britain just around the corner?

The annual Farne Islands seabird survey shows a 23% decline in Puffin pairs but a strong increase in Arctic Terns, according to the National Trust.

A new Species in Peril report from Natural Resources Wales identifies more than 3,000 species in Wales now found in just five or fewer locations. The study highlights butterflies, beetles, lichens and more – and suggests simple, low-cost habitat management could help secure their future.

Four years on from her column that challenged sexism and female safety within birding, Lucy McRobert asks if things have progressed.

Killdeer, Black-browed Albatross, Eastern Black Redstart and 'queen eider' made for an excellent late autumn period of discoveries. Miles Cluff rounds up the action.

This week's winning image showcases a delightful capture of a majestic Hen Harrier.

Rewilding Europe has designated the Dauphiné Alps its 11th landscape – and France’s largest – aiming to restore wild horses, Eurasian Lynx, Grey Wolf, vultures and other species as part of a long-term ecosystem revival.

The Wildlife Trusts hope to purchase the 3,800-ha Rothbury Estate in order to restore nature.

Twenty Red-browed Amazons have been reintroduced into a remnant forest reserve in Alagoas, Brazil, marking the return of a species previously extirpated in the region.

A previously unknown species of hawk-cuckoo has been described from Borneo. The newly recognised taxa was previously considered a population of Dark Hawk-Cuckoo, which is found in Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia. Bornean birds principally differ from that species (and the closely related Large Hawk-Cuckoo) by their unique three-syllabled main song.

A new study led by the University of Tübingen shows that Carrion Crows, though not habitual tool users in nature, can learn to use stick tools with precision and flexibility in laboratory experiments. Over time, they develop fine motor control, accurate alignment, and error correction. Researchers suggest that only modest evolutionary shifts might be needed for these crows to become regular tool users, shedding light on avian intelligence far beyond established tool-using species.

A new Species in Peril report from Natural Resources Wales identifies more than 3,000 species in Wales now found in just five or fewer locations. The study highlights butterflies, beetles, lichens and more – and suggests simple, low-cost habitat management could help secure their future.

A female Narwhal washed ashore on a Co Donegal beach, marking the first confirmed record of this Arctic whale species in Irish waters. Scientists are investigating whether climate change could explain the unprecedented stranding.

An amusing image of a Common Buzzard scoops up this week's award.

A new study on Red-backed Shrikes reveals that migratory flights are organised into highly structured segments under an internal circannual genetic programme, rather than being solely driven by environment. The findings challenge traditional views of bird migration and raise concerns over how climate‑induced disruptions of external cues may interfere with these deeply programmed flight patterns.

Four years on from her column that challenged sexism and female safety within birding, Lucy McRobert asks if things have progressed.

The Wildlife Trusts hope to purchase the 3,800-ha Rothbury Estate in order to restore nature.

Twenty Red-browed Amazons have been reintroduced into a remnant forest reserve in Alagoas, Brazil, marking the return of a species previously extirpated in the region.

Britain's first American Barn Swallow was a standout of a chilly November week, as a drake Bufflehead was found in Ireland.