Nature News from RSPB Scotland

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.More about Big Garden Birdwatch here https://t.co/tC0YFBrsRrFind out more about our work in Dundee Winter Wildlife in Dundee - Scottish Nature Notes - Our work - The RSPB Community

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 Ian Thomson, Ruth Tingay from the influential Raptor Persecution UK blog and campaigner Chris Packham.And there's the very latest on what's happening in the Scottish Parliament.And you can help too by putting pressure on your MSPs to follow through on delivering the legislation.LINKSGet in touch with your MSPhttps://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/scotland/posts/act-now-to-protect-birds-of-prey-and-peatlands Report an incidenthttps://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/how-to-report-crimes-against-wild-birds

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 the UK's rarest goose. Conservation officer Scott Shanks and volunteers Angus Maciver and Billy Thomson help him to find Taiga Bean Geese in fields near Cumbernauld.LINKSMore about our work on CorncrakesCattle on Lewishttps://youtu.be/87RIV7Q4qO8RSPB Scotland Oronsay nature reservehttps://youtu.be/sMDBUpeVV6ELet the Scottish Government know you want better legislation to protect and renew nature https://t.co/DjDHX7Zz1VSee the volunteers at Kinnordy in actionhttps://youtu.be/ulMPni4aiZA

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 Stoats and protect native wildlife. Stephen hears from those involved in trapping, monitoring and biosecurity as part of this enormous undertaking.The Orkney Native Wildlife Project is a partnership between RSPB Scotland, NatureScot and Orkney Islands Council with generous support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and EU LIFE (LIFE17 UK/NAT/000557) as well as in kind and financial contributions from partners. The mop-up methodology trial was supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.

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 impact of bird flu has been on birds like Gannets and Kittiwakes.There's lots you can do to help and to find out more about what's happening to seabirdsLet the Scottish Government know what you think about closing the Sandeel fisheryhttps://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/rspb-news-stories/hope-for-struggling-seabirds/More about seabirdshttps://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/natures-home-magazine/birds-and-wildlife-articles/features/enjoy-a-seabird-spectacular/More about the Climate Crisis and what you can dohttps://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/campaigning/climate-change-effects-on-nature-and-wildlife/

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 including a close pass by a common sandpiper and a birding first for Isobel.LINKSFind out more about Birdlife's work here https://www.birdlife.org/europe-and-central-asia/More on bird flu here https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/disease-and-garden-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates/Spotted Flycatcher ID https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/spotted-flycatcher/

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 lot of chat about peewits.LINKSThe latest on Bird Flu https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/disease-and-garden-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates/Find out more about Visibility Scotland https://visibilityscotland.org.uk/Watch Daniel and other staff from RSPB Scotland Loch Leven connect to naturehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PvzmKm59bA

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 part in putting together the People's Plan For Nature. And there's all the usual nature news.LINKSSearch for Saving Our Wild Isles on the BBC iplayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayerLearn more about the People's Plan For Nature https://peoplesplanfornature.org/Read more about the gamekeeper case we discuss here https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/gamekeeper-pleads-guilty-to-shooting-sparrowhawk-on-scottish-grouse-moor/

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 feeling hopeful about spring and Stephen is learning to love lichens.LINKSSave Our Wild Isleshttps://www.saveourwildisles.org.uk/Alliance for Scotland's Rainforesthttps://savingscotlandsrainforest.org.uk/

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.LINKSBeaversLearn more about the reintroduction of beavers on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooCQniFUAd4Follow their progress on the Loch Lomond nature reserve social feeds https://twitter.com/RSPBLochLomond Wild IslesWatch the trail here https://mobile.twitter.com/bbcpress/status/1628437839527411713BirdsongThe app Kate used https://birdnet.cornell.edu/More on birdsong here https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-songs/

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 Campaignhttps://action.rspb.org.uk/page/117828/action/1Mull Eagle Bloghttps://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/flying-home-for-christmas/ Big Garden Birdwatchhttps://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/?from=hphero How to Clean Feedershttps://youtu.be/qA8Kj0zu2YQ

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.LINKSReport on the state of Scotland's protected areashttps://www.scotlink.org/two-thirds-of-scots-support-ambitious-30-by-30-target-to-protect-nature/ A chance to see our new Glencripesdale nature reserve for yourselfhttps://youtu.be/w3T8QUwAziw Advice on feeding birdshttps://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/feeding-birds/How to clean feedershttps://youtu.be/qA8Kj0zu2YQ

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.LINKSIf you want to see the scrapes at Lochwinnoch watch this video https://youtu.be/rChb6zIsFz8 This project is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot. It’s also part of the wider Garnock Connections project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.Find out more about the Birdcrime report here https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/BirdCrimeReportLaunched/Info on the Nature of Scotland Awards https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/at-home-and-abroad/scotland/nature-of-scotland-awards/

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 ukLINKSCapercaillie SurveyNational survey results reveal capercaillie numbers at critically low levels (rspb.org.uk) People’s Plan For Nature People's Plan For Nature (peoplesplanfornature.org) Attack On NatureAttack on nature: the story so far | The RSPB Alliance for Scotland’s RainforestAlliance for Scotland’s Rainforest (savingscotlandsrainforest.org.uk)

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.LINKSKeep up to date with bird fluhttps://rspb.org.uk/birdfluDonate to the Appealhttps://rspb.org.uk/join-and-donate/donate/appeals/avian-flu-emergency-appeal/?from=morelikethisLearn about biosecurity on islandshttps://biosecurityforlife.org.uk/

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 NOTESRSPB information on Avian Influenzahttps://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/disease-and-garden-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates/CITY NATURE CHALLENGEhttps://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/scotland/posts/city-nature-challenge-2022---the-results-are-inCurlew Video at Insh Marsheshttps://youtu.be/w-5LyNSzuMI

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.LINKSCity Nature Challengehttps://citynaturechallenge.org/Big Garden Birdwatch Resultshttps://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/Take part in Dawn Chorus DAyhttps://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/events-dates-and-inspiration/events/dawn-chorus/More about Nature on Your Doorstephttps://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/nature-on-your-doorstep/

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.LINKSSouth of Scotland Golden Eagle Projecthttps://www.goldeneaglessouthofscotland.co.uk/Scottish Government Farming Strategyhttps://www.gov.scot/publications/next-step-delivering-vision-scotland-leader-sustainable-regenerative-farming/Video about Ewan's survey workhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqDEf0I-8_4

Stephen and Kate are seeing early signs of Spring. They are joined by young naturalist Sorrel Lyall to talk about what it's like to work on North Ronaldsay ringing birds. Stephen also takes a walk on RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven Nature Reserve with Senior Habitats and Species officer James Silvey to see what evidence of spring there is amongst the sleet. Stephen apologises to some ducks and Kate makes a Celtic connection.LINKSInteresting organisations looking at nature and inclusionhttps://www.flocktogether.world/https://www.bootsandbeards.co.uk/North Ronaldsay Observatory https://www.nrbo.org.uk/ Garganey https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/garganey/Orkney MPAs https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/important-orkney-waters-finally-granted-protection/

Join Kate, Stephen and Head of Habitats and Species Paul Walton for a bit of birdwatching and some tips on how to have a great Big Garden Birdwatch. The team also delve into the real science behind the event. Paul chats about glow in the dark blue tits, Kate is thinking about pigeon milk and Stephen doesn't want to play wrens at board games.LINKSNATURE PRESCRIPTIONShttps://www.rspb.org.uk/globalassets/downloads/documents/nature-prescriptions/Edinburgh-pilot-final-report.pdfFEEDING BIRDS SAFELYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA8Kj0zu2YQAVIAN FLUhttps://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/disease-and-garden-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates/WILD CHALLENGEFamily’s Wild Challenge: https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-families/family-wild-challenge/Schools Wild Challenge: https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-teachers/schools-wild-challenge/How to make your own bird feeder: https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-kids/games-and-activities/activities/make-a-recycled-bird-feeder/