RSPB Science
@rspbscience.bsky.social
Research, reports, and citizen science from the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science
Did you know? Some birds have dexterous feet
By having two toes forward, and two back instead of the 3v1 system of many birds, parrots, owls and some woodpeckers, can handle food and climb on vertical surfaces easier
#ScienceFactFriday
By having two toes forward, and two back instead of the 3v1 system of many birds, parrots, owls and some woodpeckers, can handle food and climb on vertical surfaces easier
#ScienceFactFriday
November 7, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Did you know? Some birds have dexterous feet
By having two toes forward, and two back instead of the 3v1 system of many birds, parrots, owls and some woodpeckers, can handle food and climb on vertical surfaces easier
#ScienceFactFriday
By having two toes forward, and two back instead of the 3v1 system of many birds, parrots, owls and some woodpeckers, can handle food and climb on vertical surfaces easier
#ScienceFactFriday
#ScienceFactFriday spooky edition!
Did you know? Many owls and nightjars have mirror eyes
The reason some nocturnal birds' eyes shine in the dark is because they have a set of cells at the back of their eye (called a tapetum lucidum) which act as a mirror, helping them see in lower light.
Did you know? Many owls and nightjars have mirror eyes
The reason some nocturnal birds' eyes shine in the dark is because they have a set of cells at the back of their eye (called a tapetum lucidum) which act as a mirror, helping them see in lower light.
October 31, 2025 at 9:30 AM
#ScienceFactFriday spooky edition!
Did you know? Many owls and nightjars have mirror eyes
The reason some nocturnal birds' eyes shine in the dark is because they have a set of cells at the back of their eye (called a tapetum lucidum) which act as a mirror, helping them see in lower light.
Did you know? Many owls and nightjars have mirror eyes
The reason some nocturnal birds' eyes shine in the dark is because they have a set of cells at the back of their eye (called a tapetum lucidum) which act as a mirror, helping them see in lower light.
We're hiring 🧪🌍
Two amazing senior science opportunities in Northern Ireland
Seabird Scientist: Tagging, tracking and monitoring to inform marine policy in NI
tinyurl.com/yeuw5znd
Conservation Scientist: Restoration of key habitats and priority species
tinyurl.com/4rj43dfp
Two amazing senior science opportunities in Northern Ireland
Seabird Scientist: Tagging, tracking and monitoring to inform marine policy in NI
tinyurl.com/yeuw5znd
Conservation Scientist: Restoration of key habitats and priority species
tinyurl.com/4rj43dfp
October 29, 2025 at 11:10 AM
We're hiring 🧪🌍
Two amazing senior science opportunities in Northern Ireland
Seabird Scientist: Tagging, tracking and monitoring to inform marine policy in NI
tinyurl.com/yeuw5znd
Conservation Scientist: Restoration of key habitats and priority species
tinyurl.com/4rj43dfp
Two amazing senior science opportunities in Northern Ireland
Seabird Scientist: Tagging, tracking and monitoring to inform marine policy in NI
tinyurl.com/yeuw5znd
Conservation Scientist: Restoration of key habitats and priority species
tinyurl.com/4rj43dfp
New PhD opportunity:
Balancing the trade-offs between conservation and restoration in woodland creation and wader protection
Details here: iapetus.ac.uk/studentships...
@chrissuthy.bsky.social
@ps-wildlife-res.bsky.social
@naturescot.bsky.social
@rspbscience.bsky.social
📷Ben Andrew
Balancing the trade-offs between conservation and restoration in woodland creation and wader protection
Details here: iapetus.ac.uk/studentships...
@chrissuthy.bsky.social
@ps-wildlife-res.bsky.social
@naturescot.bsky.social
@rspbscience.bsky.social
📷Ben Andrew
October 28, 2025 at 3:01 PM
New PhD opportunity:
Balancing the trade-offs between conservation and restoration in woodland creation and wader protection
Details here: iapetus.ac.uk/studentships...
@chrissuthy.bsky.social
@ps-wildlife-res.bsky.social
@naturescot.bsky.social
@rspbscience.bsky.social
📷Ben Andrew
Balancing the trade-offs between conservation and restoration in woodland creation and wader protection
Details here: iapetus.ac.uk/studentships...
@chrissuthy.bsky.social
@ps-wildlife-res.bsky.social
@naturescot.bsky.social
@rspbscience.bsky.social
📷Ben Andrew
New research 🌍🧪
Organisations need to prioritise relationship building and understanding local context in order to improve social equity in climate mitigation schemes
Read on for a summary
Open access paper: doi.org/10.2458/jpe....
(1/5)
📷Nick Williams
@accessnetwork.bsky.social
Organisations need to prioritise relationship building and understanding local context in order to improve social equity in climate mitigation schemes
Read on for a summary
Open access paper: doi.org/10.2458/jpe....
(1/5)
📷Nick Williams
@accessnetwork.bsky.social
October 24, 2025 at 3:42 PM
New research 🌍🧪
Organisations need to prioritise relationship building and understanding local context in order to improve social equity in climate mitigation schemes
Read on for a summary
Open access paper: doi.org/10.2458/jpe....
(1/5)
📷Nick Williams
@accessnetwork.bsky.social
Organisations need to prioritise relationship building and understanding local context in order to improve social equity in climate mitigation schemes
Read on for a summary
Open access paper: doi.org/10.2458/jpe....
(1/5)
📷Nick Williams
@accessnetwork.bsky.social
Did you know? Gannets' nostrils are in their mouths
By having their nostrils in the corner of their mouths they are protected from water gushing in when they dive at high speeds, hunting for fish at sea
#ScienceFactFriday
By having their nostrils in the corner of their mouths they are protected from water gushing in when they dive at high speeds, hunting for fish at sea
#ScienceFactFriday
October 24, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Did you know? Gannets' nostrils are in their mouths
By having their nostrils in the corner of their mouths they are protected from water gushing in when they dive at high speeds, hunting for fish at sea
#ScienceFactFriday
By having their nostrils in the corner of their mouths they are protected from water gushing in when they dive at high speeds, hunting for fish at sea
#ScienceFactFriday
Understanding the causes of low egg-stage survival will be key to reversing the long-term declines that have led to Spotted Flycatcher’s inclusion on the UK red list for birds
This work was funded in partnership with @naturalengland.bsky.social by Action for Birds in England
(5/5)
📷Andy Hay
This work was funded in partnership with @naturalengland.bsky.social by Action for Birds in England
(5/5)
📷Andy Hay
October 23, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Understanding the causes of low egg-stage survival will be key to reversing the long-term declines that have led to Spotted Flycatcher’s inclusion on the UK red list for birds
This work was funded in partnership with @naturalengland.bsky.social by Action for Birds in England
(5/5)
📷Andy Hay
This work was funded in partnership with @naturalengland.bsky.social by Action for Birds in England
(5/5)
📷Andy Hay
Results found only garden nests had a breeding rate sufficient to avoid population decrease
However, the proportion of pairs in gardens has decreased over time, lowering the country-wide breeding productivity
(4/5)
📷Ben Andrew
However, the proportion of pairs in gardens has decreased over time, lowering the country-wide breeding productivity
(4/5)
📷Ben Andrew
October 23, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Results found only garden nests had a breeding rate sufficient to avoid population decrease
However, the proportion of pairs in gardens has decreased over time, lowering the country-wide breeding productivity
(4/5)
📷Ben Andrew
However, the proportion of pairs in gardens has decreased over time, lowering the country-wide breeding productivity
(4/5)
📷Ben Andrew
Across both areas breeding productivity was much lower than required to sustain populations
This was largely caused by low survival at egg stage
Mortality at this stage was caused by predation by avian predators, but also potentially impacted by food availability
(3/5)
📷Ben Andrew
This was largely caused by low survival at egg stage
Mortality at this stage was caused by predation by avian predators, but also potentially impacted by food availability
(3/5)
📷Ben Andrew
October 23, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Across both areas breeding productivity was much lower than required to sustain populations
This was largely caused by low survival at egg stage
Mortality at this stage was caused by predation by avian predators, but also potentially impacted by food availability
(3/5)
📷Ben Andrew
This was largely caused by low survival at egg stage
Mortality at this stage was caused by predation by avian predators, but also potentially impacted by food availability
(3/5)
📷Ben Andrew
From 2004-2006 researchers monitored nearly 250 nests in Southwest and Eastern England across farmland, gardens and woodlands
To estimate annual breeding productivity researchers created models based on:
• Nest starting date
• Nest survival
• Re-nesting interval
(2/5)
📷Les Cater
To estimate annual breeding productivity researchers created models based on:
• Nest starting date
• Nest survival
• Re-nesting interval
(2/5)
📷Les Cater
October 23, 2025 at 3:13 PM
From 2004-2006 researchers monitored nearly 250 nests in Southwest and Eastern England across farmland, gardens and woodlands
To estimate annual breeding productivity researchers created models based on:
• Nest starting date
• Nest survival
• Re-nesting interval
(2/5)
📷Les Cater
To estimate annual breeding productivity researchers created models based on:
• Nest starting date
• Nest survival
• Re-nesting interval
(2/5)
📷Les Cater
Did you know? Whiffling helps birds land safely
When some birds, like geese and other waterfowl, come into land they zig-zag and swerve, losing height quickly (whiffling). This behaviour is thought to help avoid predators
#ScienceFactFriday
When some birds, like geese and other waterfowl, come into land they zig-zag and swerve, losing height quickly (whiffling). This behaviour is thought to help avoid predators
#ScienceFactFriday
October 17, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Did you know? Whiffling helps birds land safely
When some birds, like geese and other waterfowl, come into land they zig-zag and swerve, losing height quickly (whiffling). This behaviour is thought to help avoid predators
#ScienceFactFriday
When some birds, like geese and other waterfowl, come into land they zig-zag and swerve, losing height quickly (whiffling). This behaviour is thought to help avoid predators
#ScienceFactFriday
Job vacancy 🧪
Principal Conservation Scientist, RSPB Cymru
Can you provide the evidence needed to save and restore the iconic species and landscapes of Wales?
Deadline: 3rd Nov
Location: Flexible within Wales
Duration: Permanent
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
📷Jake Stephen
Principal Conservation Scientist, RSPB Cymru
Can you provide the evidence needed to save and restore the iconic species and landscapes of Wales?
Deadline: 3rd Nov
Location: Flexible within Wales
Duration: Permanent
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
📷Jake Stephen
October 14, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Job vacancy 🧪
Principal Conservation Scientist, RSPB Cymru
Can you provide the evidence needed to save and restore the iconic species and landscapes of Wales?
Deadline: 3rd Nov
Location: Flexible within Wales
Duration: Permanent
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
📷Jake Stephen
Principal Conservation Scientist, RSPB Cymru
Can you provide the evidence needed to save and restore the iconic species and landscapes of Wales?
Deadline: 3rd Nov
Location: Flexible within Wales
Duration: Permanent
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
📷Jake Stephen
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....
They also found females stayed longer in non-breeding areas, overwintering in areas more westerly than males
doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
October 11, 2025 at 9:02 AM
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....
They also found females stayed longer in non-breeding areas, overwintering in areas more westerly than males
doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
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....
However, action must continue as the population remains half its original
doi.org/10.1016/j.bi...
doi.org/10.1111/acv....
October 11, 2025 at 9:02 AM
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....
However, action must continue as the population remains half its original
doi.org/10.1016/j.bi...
doi.org/10.1111/acv....
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....
BUT the populations with highest reproductive success were not necessarily doing better, suggesting other reasons for their decline
doi.org/10.1111/jav....
October 11, 2025 at 9:02 AM
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....
BUT the populations with highest reproductive success were not necessarily doing better, suggesting other reasons for their decline
doi.org/10.1111/jav....
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....
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....
October 11, 2025 at 9:02 AM
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....
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....
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
Read on to hear about some of RSPB science’s work on migratory species in the last few years 🪶
#ResearchRewind
October 11, 2025 at 9:02 AM
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
Read on to hear about some of RSPB science’s work on migratory species in the last few years 🪶
#ResearchRewind
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
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
October 10, 2025 at 3:06 PM
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
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
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
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
October 10, 2025 at 3:06 PM
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
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
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
Results showed collaborators had similar perceptions of nature, covering emotions, engagement and nature concepts
This collective understanding can ensure partners organisations are communicating effectively
October 10, 2025 at 3:06 PM
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
Results showed collaborators had similar perceptions of nature, covering emotions, engagement and nature concepts
This collective understanding can ensure partners organisations are communicating effectively
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
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
October 10, 2025 at 8:57 AM
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
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
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
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
October 10, 2025 at 8:57 AM
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
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
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
Despite years of searching their breeding and non-breeding areas, this species hadn’t been sighted since 1995
October 10, 2025 at 8:57 AM
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
Despite years of searching their breeding and non-breeding areas, this species hadn’t been sighted since 1995
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
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
October 10, 2025 at 8:30 AM
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
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
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
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
October 3, 2025 at 8:47 AM
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
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