Nature News from RSPB Scotland

This week the RSPB releases its latest Birdcrime Report detailing the shocking ongoing illegal killing of birds of prey. In a special episode of RSPB Scotland’s Nature News podcast host Stephen Magee talks to RSPB Scotland Head of Investigations Ian Thomson. They discuss the latest findings as well as the new legislation introduced in Scotland that sets out to tackle this criminality. You can find...

In the last of our miniseries on birdsong Stephen is squeezing in a few moorland highlights before heading back to Wood of Cree for a rainy visit.  Guided again by Crystal Maw he's listening to a mournful thrush and hearing about the bizarre life cycle of a Cuckoo. Let us know what you want to hear about in the podcast podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk  And don't forget to leave us a review w...

Stephen takes a trip to RSPB Scotland's Wood of Cree nature reserve. With the help of local expert Crystal Maw he hears some of the specialist birds that call this ancient woodland home. There's Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and the stunning song of the Wood Warbler. Crustal also explains how RSPB Scotland looks after this special place. Don't forget to leave us a review and subscribe....

In the latest episode of our mini series How to Listen to Birds Stephen is visiting RSPB Scotland’s Baron’s Haugh reserve. Senior Conservation Officer Toby Wilson is his guide as he encounters the bewildering array of noises a Great Tit can make. There’s also a chance to focus on one of the sweetest songs in the wood, the Robin. Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs are singing loudly. Toby also offers...

In Episode 3 of our miniseries How to Listen to Birds Stephen is visiting RSPB Scotland’s Abernethy nature reserve. Assistant Warden Ewan Craig is his guide as they take a walk through the stunning pine forest. There’s noisy Goldcrests making a sound that belies their tiny size. Ewan has an odd way to remember the song of the Chaffinch. And the pair luck out with a pine forest specialist, Crested...

Stephen takes a trip to RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven nature reserve.  Site manager Vicky Turnbull and Assistant Warden Darran Dixon are on hand to help him identify what is singing in the woodland. There's a little bird with a loud voice,  a melodic warbler and a thrush with a complex song. Stephen also hears about some odd nesting decisions by Blue Tits at the reserve and discovers which...

How to Listen to Birds is a new podcast mini series from RSPB Scotland. Join host Stephen Magee out and about for tips on how to identify birds by their song. He'll also hear from RSPB staff about how the sounds birds make help us understand their lives better. And Stephen will try to understand what it is about birdsong that moves and enthrals us. In Episode 1 we are at RSPB Scotland's...

It's that time of year again! Big Garden Birdwatch is here. Stephen and Dan Snowdon from RSPB Scotland's Lochwinnoch nature reserve explain how to take part. There are also tips on how to work out what you're seeing out there. Stephen also travels to Dundee to meet staff and volunteers involved in inspirational work building connections with nature for people living in the city. Mor...

It's an important time for Scotland's birds of prey as the Scottish Government introduces legislation to license grouse moors in a bid to end raptor persecution. Raptor persecution - the illegal killing of birds of prey - continues in Scotland and around the UK. In this podcast Stephen meets those working to end this criminality. He hears from RSPB Scotland's Head of Investigations...

As the days shorten wintering ducks, geese and swans are making their way back to Scotland. Stephen is at RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven nature reserve to see some of the birds that make this time of year so special. He's joined by Site Manager Vicky Turnbull and Assistant Warden Darran Dixon to chat about Pintail, Smew and Wigeon. Stephen also travels to the Slammanan Plateau in search of t...

In this special edition of the podcast Stephen is in Orkney to hear about work to protect its special, native wildlife. Orkney  has its own native Vole species and also hosts globally important populations of seabirds, waders and other species. But that wildlife is under threat from an invasive predator, the Stoat.  RSPB Scotland is part of a groundbreaking project that has set out to eradicate St...

This episode is a deep dive into the crisis facing seabirds around Scotland's coasts. Stephen is joined at the seaside by Head of Species Paul Walton and Head of Marine Policy Helen McLachlan. They explain why Scotland is so important globally for seabirds and the threats they face. Stephen also travels to RSPB Scotland nature reserves in Orkney, Fowlsheugh and Troup Head to hear what the imp...

Earlier this year experts from bird charities across Europe gathered in Scotland to share how they are working to save nature across the continent. Stephen is joined by Isobel Mercer to talk about how working together across national boundaries is more important than ever. We hear from people working all over Europe about the challenges they face. And there's time for some nature news includi...

Stephen and Kate are visiting RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven reserve to find out how to really connect to nature. Freya and Daniel from the visitor experience team at the reserve explain the difference between just spending time in nature and connecting with it. Stephen tags along with a group of blind and visually impaired people who are learning about birdsong. There's nature news and a lo...

Stephen and Kate are looking back at the amazing wildlife featured in the Wild Isles series. They are also looking forward to the plans being made to protect and renew it. James How from RSPB Scotland's Loch Gruinart nature reserve on Islay gives us the inside story of how the Wild Isles team filmed White Tailed Eagles hunting Barnacle Geese. Stephen chats to one of the people who has taking...

Scotland's rainforest is an amazing place but it's under threat. Stephen and Kate take a trip to see the habitat for themselves at RSPB Scotland's Inversnaid nature reserve. Stephen has been to the Morvern peninsula on Scotland's west coast to hear about an exciting new RSPB Scotland project working with communities to protect, restore and expand the forest there. Kate is feeli...

Stephen and Kate are joined by Conservation Officer Scott Shanks  for a wander in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park. They're on the lookout for early signs of Spring and bumblebees in particular. Stephen has also been testing out his birdsong knowledge. And Kate is feeling the weight of winter lift from her shoulders. LINKS Beavers Learn more about the reintroduction of beavers on our YouTube c...

Stephen and Kate are joined by Katie O’Neill and David Hunt for a Big Garden Birdwatch. Join them in Kate’s “garden room” for some tips on how to take part in this important bit of citizen science. There’s also all the latest nature news and a very odd folk tale about goldcrests.   LINKS   Species Campaign https://action.rspb.org.uk/page/117828/action/1 Mull Eagle Blog https://www.rspb.org.uk/abou...

Stephen and Kate are joined for a snowy wander by Scotland Director Anne McCall and Head of Species and Habitats Paul Walton. They pick out their highlights of the past year and look ahead to 2023. There's also an unexpected link between long tailed tits and the Waltons. LINKS Report on the state of Scotland's protected areas https://www.scotlink.org/two-thirds-of-scots-support-ambitious...

Stephen and Kate take a trip to RSPB Scotland's Lochwinnoch nature reserve. They're joined by Senior Conservation Officer Toby Wilson who has some tips for things to keep an eye out for as we head into winter. Warden Dan Snowdon shows off his new scrapes which are proving to be a home for all kinds of wildlife. The team also has all the latest nature news. LINKS If you want to see the sc...

The podcast is back after a summer break! Stephen and Kate are joined by Senior Policy Officer Isobel Mercer to discuss the Westminster Government's attack on nature and the RSPB's response. There's nature news and Stephen has been visiting Scotland's rainforest. Let us know what you want the podcast to cover @RSPBScotland on Twitter or podcast.scotland@RSPB.org uk LINKS Caperc...

Stephen and Kate are joined by RSPB Scotland's Head of Species Paul Walton to discuss the unfolding bird flu outbreak. They discuss the latest from the seabird colonies most affected, hear from RSPB staff on the ground in Shetland and talk about what we all can do to help. LINKS Keep up to date with bird flu https://rspb.org.uk/birdflu Donate to the Appeal https://rspb.org.uk/join-and-donate/...

Stephen and Kate are joined by Head of Conservation Science Jen Smart to chat about migration. On a steamy day at RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven Nature Reserve the team talk about why birds migrate and some of the mind boggling distances covered. We also delve into Jen's obsession with waders. Stephen shares his recordings of corncrakes in the Hebrides. Kate has been admiring gannets. SHOW N...

Join Kate, Stephen and Katie O'Neill from the Nature on Your Doorstep team for an early morning trip to a woodland full of birdsong. They talk about why birds sing and why we love to hear them. There's also a guest appearance by a very tuneful song thrush and Stephen gets to try out a fancy microphone. LINKS City Nature Challenge https://citynaturechallenge.org/ Big Garden Birdwatch Resu...

Stephen and Kate are joined by Senior Conservation Officer Claire Smith to talk about how important uplands are for nature and what needs to be done to make them even better. There's a surprise visit from a special raptor and Stephen has a lovely walk in the Caledonian Pine Forest with Ewan Craig from the National Capercaillie Survey. LINKS South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project https://www.g...