Nature News from RSPB Scotland

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 [https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/birdcrime]

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. Let us know what you want to hear about in the podcast podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk  And don't forget to leave us a review wherever you listen to the pod.

Stephen takes a trip to RSPB Scotland's Wood of Cree nature reserve. With the help of local expert Crystal Maw he hears some of the specialist birds that call this ancient woodland home. There's Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and the stunning song of the Wood Warbler. Crustal also explains how RSPB Scotland looks after this special place. Don't forget to leave us a review and subscribe. You cn get in touch using the email podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

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 podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk Bird ID including song https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/a-z [https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/a-z]

In Episode 3 of our miniseries How to Listen to Birds Stephen is visiting RSPB Scotland’s Abernethy nature reserve. Assistant Warden Ewan Craig is his guide as they take a walk through the stunning pine forest. There’s noisy Goldcrests making a sound that belies their tiny size. Ewan has an odd way to remember the song of the Chaffinch. And the pair luck out with a pine forest specialist, Crested Tit. We want to know what you want to hear about in the podcast. Drop us an email podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk There's more about Bird ID including help with birdsong here https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/a-z [https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/a-z] Visit Loch Garten https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/loch-garten-abernethy [https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/loch-garten-abernethy]