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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 1d

By working out which areas birds visit on their migration and their needs, we can make sure conservation action is being targeted for maximum impact

To hear about our conservation action along the flyway, find out more here: tinyurl.com/2s3e2tz8

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tinyurl.com

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 1d

By tracking Pied Flycatchers using geolocators, scientists were able to identify key stop-over points on migration routes

They also found females stayed longer in non-breeding areas, overwintering in areas more westerly than males

doi.org/10.1111/ibi....

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 1d

After reducing threats in 13 countries along the flyway, scientists showed that Egyptian Vulture populations had stabilised thanks to conservation efforts

However, action must continue as the population remains half its original

doi.org/10.1016/j.bi...
doi.org/10.1111/acv....

An Egyptian Vulture soars overhead against a cloudy sky.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 1d

By monitoring 1896 Wood Warbler nests across Europe over 10 years, scientists found reproductive success varied by area

BUT the populations with highest reproductive success were not necessarily doing better, suggesting other reasons for their decline

doi.org/10.1111/jav....

A Wood Warbler perches on a branch, its head thrown back as it sings.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 1d

When British breeding Whinchats were tracked using geolocators, they were found to have high migratory spread

This meant individuals were, on average, 652km apart in their African wintering grounds making them less vulnerable to localised change

doi.org/10.1111/ibi....

A lone male Whinchat sits perched atop a gorse bush surrounded by orange light.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 1d

This #WorldMigratoryBird day why not join us on a trip down memory lane…

Read on to hear about some of RSPB science’s work on migratory species in the last few years 🪶

#ResearchRewind

An observer at the Sarimazi Raptor Count in Türkiye counts thousands of migrating storks overhead.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 2d

Ensuring these partnerships work for nature & people is key to achieving our conservation goals

Learn more about RSPBs ongoing work with healthcare providers through our Nature Prescriptions project: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKRJ...

Learning how to prescribe nature | RSPB

RSPB Nature Prescriptions are an innovative way to help people boost their wellbeing by connecting to nature. With the UK facing both a health and nature crisis, we’re working with health…

www.youtube.com

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 2d

Increasing disconnect between people and nature has been highlighted as a risk to conservation goals

Collaborations between conservation and healthcare orgs offer a potential win-win for mental health and nature

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 2d

3. Identify potential risks and barriers in green spaces for patients

Subjects raised concern for the potential emotional and physical risks in ‘wild’ green spaces

By sharing these concerns, teams can work together to increase accessibility and overcome them

Two people stand together in a sunny woodland, one is looking up into the canopy through binoculars.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 2d

2. Define effective conservation end goals clearly and early

Many high conservation value interventions, such as wilder spaces and facilitating research, were unpopular among subjects

Without tangible gains for nature, many conservation orgs may not benefit from partnerships

RSPB staff sit together in a large field, working to identify the plants around them.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 2d

1. Establish shared language

Results showed collaborators had similar perceptions of nature, covering emotions, engagement and nature concepts

This collective understanding can ensure partners organisations are communicating effectively

Healthcare practitioners attend a session led by RSPB staff on nature prescriptions. Participants are stood in a circle outdoors, being led in an activity.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 2d

Connection with nature can benefit our mental health and biodiversity, but how can conservation orgs and healthcare providers work together more effectively?

Read on to find out 🧪

Full study: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

#WorldMentalHealthDay

In a mental-health care setting, can nature conservation and health priorities align?

There is growing evidence that activities in nature could meet both health and nature conservation goals. Consequently, there is growing interest in collaborations between health and nature conserv...

www.tandfonline.com

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 2d

As part of the 2024 waders update, 16 other migratory waterbirds had their red list status uplisted

The decline in so many wader and shorebird species is deeply concerning and shows the urgent need for more effective conservation action across the flyway

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 2d

The loss of this species is a stark reminder of the threats our own Eurasian Curlew faces

With the UK hosting 25% of the breeding population, it is vital that we continue to protect breeding and non-breeding sites from development and lobby for nature-friendly farming

A ringed Eurasian Curlew picks its way through short brown grass towards the camera.

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 2d

Reasons for its decline aren’t fully understood but likely include habitat loss though drainage of wetlands

Additionally, hunting pressure may have further hastened declines

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 2d

The Slender-billed Curlew historically bred in marshes along the forests and steppe of Siberia and was common in the 19th century before declining severely

Despite years of searching their breeding and non-breeding areas, this species hadn’t been sighted since 1995

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 2d

Slender-billed Curlew declared officially extinct by ICUN

This marks the first known global bird extinction from mainland Europe, North Africa and West Asia 🌍

Read on for a summary or check out the research which led to the decision here:
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

Global extinction of Slender‐billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris)

In the current biodiversity crisis, conservation efforts are often focused on extinction prevention. However, it can be difficult to determine if a species is extinct, especially if the species has…

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 2d

Did you know? Most birds can see in UV

Unlike humans, birds have an extra type of light receptor in their eye allowing them to see into the UV spectrum, this can help them spot food and make feathers look more distinctive.

#ScienceFactFriday

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 9d

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 · 10d

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 · 16d

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 · 17d

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 · 17d

🪹 | 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 · 18d

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 · 18d

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 · 18d

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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