Nature News from RSPB Scotland

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.
LINKS
Get in touch with your MSP
https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/scotland/posts/act-now-to-protect-birds-of-prey-and-peatlands
Report an incident
https://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.
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

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 seabirds
Let the Scottish Government know what you think about closing the Sandeel fishery
https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/rspb-news/rspb-news-stories/hope-for-struggling-seabirds/

More about seabirds
https://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 do
https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/campaigning/climate-change-effects-on-nature-and-wildlife/

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 out more about the Birdcrime Report here https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/birdcrime