Posts Tagged ‘birds’
Move from research to conservation to save migrating birds
SCIENTISTS want efforts to shift from research to conservation in order to save migrating birds. Species under threat include cuckoos, swifts, and turtle doves, as well as swallows and whinchats. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) warned that gaps in research into the problem shouldn’t…
Read MoreBlackcaps pick UK over Mediterranean for winter
SOME Scots might be heading to the Mediterranean for its winter sunshine, but more and more blackcaps are doing the opposite. Historically, blackcaps have bred in the UK and then returned to the Mediterranean during the winter. Now, scientists have discovered that a growing number of the robin-sized birds are not only staying in the…
Read MoreLook out for shelduck feathers at the beach
SCIENTISTS are asking visitors to beaches to look out for shelduck feathers this summer. Shelduck replace their feathers by moutling over the summer. They can’t fly for between two and four weeks, and so need to find safe places to moult. British shelduck either moult on mudflats in the UK or fly across the North…
Read MoreGalloway Country Fair: performing pigs and leaping sheep
THE Galloway Country Fair will include “performing pigs, fence leaping sheep, beautiful birds of prey, and dogs of all kinds”, according to its organisers. Events planned for 20 and 21 August at Drumlanrig Castle include the “Lamb National”, which involves a small flock of Herdwick sheep – complete with teddy bear jockeys, with names such…
Read MoreHave you seen a spotted flycatcher?
THE spotted flycatcher is one of six species of migratory birds returning home to Scotland right now – and scientists need your help if you spot one. Researchers at the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) are fitting spotted flycatchers with tags so that they can track their flights between Scotland and Africa. Monitoring the birds…
Read MoreSearch is on for young nature enthusiasts
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club is working in partnership again with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Scotland to launch an exciting new opportunity for young nature enthusiasts. The first initiative of its kind in Scotland, the SOC/BTO Scotland Scottish Bird Camp (an extension of the Youth Events Programme) will provide a wonderful chance for young…
Read MoreNew tapestry exhibition is all set to open
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club is hosting an exhibition, To The Waters and The Wild. Created by the British Tapestry Group, it will run at their headquarters at Waterston House, in Aberlady, East Lothian, from January 13 – February 28. This exhibition presents tapestry inspired by the natural world and created by the Scottish members of…
Read MoreA fascinating look at Scotland’s eagles
Jim Crumley has been described as ‘the best nature writer working in Britain today,’ and this work on the return to Scotland of the magnificent white-tailed eagle – or sea eagle – certainly proves that point. Crumley’s beautiful, descriptive prose paints a magnificent picture of these most graceful and majestic creatures. Crumley has spent years…
Read MoreDelight as storm petrels confirmed breeding on isle
Storm petrels have been confirmed breeding on NatureScot’s Isle of May National Nature Reserve for the first time. NatureScot, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) and the Isle of May Bird Observatory have suspected there may be a colony on the island since 2019, when storm petrels were first spotted displaying and calling.…
Read MoreA fascinating insight to restoring Scotland’s skies
In the current climate, Restoring The Wild: Sixty Years of Rewilding Our Skies is more important than ever. Roy Dennis has spent his entire career working in Scotland on the conservation of rare birds and the reintroduction of lost species. With chapters titled ‘Endurance’, ‘Optimism’, ‘Global Vision’ and ‘Legacy’, Roy’s passion and love of wildlife…
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