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Research, reports, and citizen science from the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science

RSPB Science

Record year for Dartford Warblers on RSPB nature reserves Read on for a summary Find out more: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen... @btobirds.bsky.social @naturalengland.bsky.social 🪶

Results indicate that Corncrake conservation would benefit from increasing the proportion of land that has tall early cover vegetation, rather than grassland mowed for silage in August. This management requires special support. This camera survey method could be used for other secretive species.

Until now, little has been known about the behaviour of Corncrake chicks and females because they hide in tall vegetation. Trail cameras were deployed on the Isle of Coll; in grassland managed for silage production and livestock grazing. The cameras successfully captured images of Corncrakes.

The UK Dartford Warbler population crashed in the 1960s, leaving only a few pairs in Dorset. The most recent national survey has now revealed the highest ever number of Dartford Warblers recorded on RSPB nature reserves with 264 pairs counted in 2025 – a 44% increase in just five years.

Trail cameras provide a fascinating insight into the secret lives of Corncrakes – both habitat selection and the timing of breeding. Read on for a summary Full paper: doi.org/10.1080/00063657.2026.2666694 @camzoology.bsky.social @rspbscotland.bsky.social 🪶 🧪

Two 3‑month PhD placement opportunities: Join our team to look at lessons learned from conservation livelihood interventions in the Guinea Savannah Landscape of Ghana. These placements are UK based. Deadline: 15th June Find out more here: www.rspb.org.uk/helping-natu... 🌎️ 🧪

Their comeback is thanks in part to conservation efforts carried out by RSPB nature reserve staff and volunteers to restore their precious lowland heathland habitat.

Today is World Migratory Bird Day Find out more about how recording what you see makes a difference: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen... 🪶 🌎️