Nature News from RSPB Scotland

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.
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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 his expert take on why birds sing and the risks involved.
Let us know how you're enjoying birdsong [email protected]
Bird ID including song https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/a-z

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.
LINKS
More about our work on Corncrakes
Cattle on Lewis
https://youtu.be/87RIV7Q4qO8
RSPB Scotland Oronsay nature reserve
https://youtu.be/sMDBUpeVV6E
Let the Scottish Government know you want better legislation to protect and renew nature https://t.co/DjDHX7Zz1V
See the volunteers at Kinnordy in action
https://youtu.be/ulMPni4aiZA

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 NOTES
RSPB information on Avian Influenza
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/disease-and-garden-wildlife/avian-influenza-updates/
CITY NATURE CHALLENGE
https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/scotland/posts/city-nature-challenge-2022---the-results-are-in
Curlew Video at Insh Marshes
https://youtu.be/w-5LyNSzuMI

As crunch time approaches Stephen is joined by two of the RSPB's staff working inside Cop Melanie Coath and Fiona Dobson. They discuss the increasingly prominent role nature is taking at COPs and what an eventual deal might look like. He also catches up with former world champion cyclist Chris Boardman. And hears from ambient music pioneer and climate change campaigner Brian Eno.