Features

Features

Notes on nature blog

Our team of bloggers will be writing about their experiences of nature, from spectacular sights like flocks of wild geese on migration to tiny bugs crawling up blades of grass. More...

Seven-spot ladybird on blade of grass

For birds, spring starts here

Though the weather is cold, grey and miserable, the birds in your garden are keeping busy. There's important work to be done - breeding! Why do some birds start so early? More...

Male goldeneye

Home, sweet home

We all know that the government plans to build thousands of new homes, but have you thought about the miniature new homes that are going up near you this spring? More...

Wren with nest building materials in beak

The voices of spring

During the spring and early summer, it's not just the milk van that will wake you early - it's dawn chorus time again. From March to July, those feathered alarm clocks are at it again, as they defend their territories and sing to attract a mate. More...

Robin singing from bramble stem

Cute, fluffy - and hard as nails!

Baby birds are undeniably cute. With their unkempt, fluffy feathers and insistent, squeaky begging calls, they look very appealing and vulnerable. How do they manage to survive to adulthood? More...

Mallard duckling

Watching at the dragon's den

There's more to garden wildlife, and RSPB reserves, than just birds. And the height of summer is the best time to keep your eyes peeled for a completely different master of the air. Watching the dramas of their world unfold can be breathtaking... More...

Large red damselfly on reed

New feathers, please

In late summer it can feel like the birds have simply disappeared. What's more, when birds do appear they can look quite strange. But there is a simple explanation for these observations. Birds are moulting. More...

Young blue tit

Fattening for flight

Before setting off on their long journey south in the autumn, the many summer birds that visit the UK must prepare themselves. Find out more about the marvel of migration. More...

Swallow on post

Jewels in the crown

It wasn't long ago that you had to try hard and be lucky to see a bird of prey. They were rare, mystical birds, found only in far-flung corners of the countryside and were tricky to see, with their elusive habits and skittish nature. More...

Two juvenile peregrines in flight together

Birds and berries

By September, the hedgerows are laden with berries, providing delicious pickings for people and birds alike. The relationship between birds and berries has developed into a mutual dependence for survival. More...

Redwing eating red berries

What do birds do in cold weather?

As you sit snugly by the fire this winter, spare a thought for our feathered friends. Their survival skills are tested to the limit when winter tightens its grip and food becomes hard to find. More...

Whooper swans feeding in a snowy field at Toome, N. Ireland

Dining out - in your garden

Now is the perfect time to start feeding your garden birds to help with their need for large quantities of nutritious, high-energy food. Find out how. More...

Coal tit on twig

What will birds be eating for their Christmas dinner?

As you sit down to your meal, plate piled high with Christmas-time goodies, have a thought for the wild birds around you. What will they be eating for their Christmas dinner? More...

Goldcrest clinging to branch

Changing colour for winter

At this time of year, woodlands change colour and dazzle us with gold, copper or crimson foliage before the leaves fall. Ever wondered why? More...

Oak leaves turning orange

Winter flocks

While summer brings the colour, song and drama of the breeding season, winter is a great time to watch birds flocking together, sometimes in spectacular numbers. More...

Flock of pink-footed geese at dawn at the RSPB Strathbeg nature reserve

Trails in Wales

The RSPB has produced a new publication, Trails in Wales, containing evocative and stimulating walks through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Wales. More...

Dipper on rock in middle of stream