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…

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 A…

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 t…

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…

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 pai…

Stephen takes a trip to RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven nature reserve. Site manager Vicky Turnbull and Assistant Warden Darran Dixon are on hand to help him identify what is singing in the woodland. There's a little bird with a loud voice, a melodic warbler and a thrush with a complex song. Stephen also hears about some odd nesting decisions by Blue Ti…

How to Listen to Birds is a new podcast mini series from RSPB Scotland. Join host Stephen Magee out and about for tips on how to identify birds by their song. He'll also hear from RSPB staff about how the sounds birds make help us understand their lives better. And Stephen will try to understand what it is about birdsong that moves and enthrals us.…

It's that time of year again! Big Garden Birdwatch is here. Stephen and Dan Snowdon from RSPB Scotland's Lochwinnoch nature reserve explain how to take part. There are also tips on how to work out what you're seeing out there. Stephen also travels to Dundee to meet staff and volunteers involved in inspirational work building connections with nature…

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…

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…

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 groundb…

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, F…

Earlier this year experts from bird charities across Europe gathered in Scotland to share how they are working to save nature across the continent. Stephen is joined by Isobel Mercer to talk about how working together across national boundaries is more important than ever. We hear from people working all over Europe about the challenges they face. …

Stephen and Kate are visiting RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven reserve to find out how to really connect to nature. Freya and Daniel from the visitor experience team at the reserve explain the difference between just spending time in nature and connecting with it. Stephen tags along with a group of blind and visually impaired people who are learning abou…

Stephen and Kate are looking back at the amazing wildlife featured in the Wild Isles series. They are also looking forward to the plans being made to protect and renew it. James How from RSPB Scotland's Loch Gruinart nature reserve on Islay gives us the inside story of how the Wild Isles team filmed White Tailed Eagles hunting Barnacle Geese. Steph…

Scotland's rainforest is an amazing place but it's under threat. Stephen and Kate take a trip to see the habitat for themselves at RSPB Scotland's Inversnaid nature reserve. Stephen has been to the Morvern peninsula on Scotland's west coast to hear about an exciting new RSPB Scotland project working with communities to protect, restore and expand t…

Stephen and Kate are joined by Conservation Officer Scott Shanks for a wander in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park. They're on the lookout for early signs of Spring and bumblebees in particular. Stephen has also been testing out his birdsong knowledge. And Kate is feeling the weight of winter lift from her shoulders. LINKS Beavers Learn more about the rei…

Stephen and Kate are joined by Katie O’Neill and David Hunt for a Big Garden Birdwatch. Join them in Kate’s “garden room” for some tips on how to take part in this important bit of citizen science. There’s also all the latest nature news and a very odd folk tale about goldcrests. LINKS Species Campaign https://action.rspb.org.uk/page/117828/action/…

Stephen and Kate are joined for a snowy wander by Scotland Director Anne McCall and Head of Species and Habitats Paul Walton. They pick out their highlights of the past year and look ahead to 2023. There's also an unexpected link between long tailed tits and the Waltons. LINKS Report on the state of Scotland's protected areas https://www.scotlink.o…

Stephen and Kate take a trip to RSPB Scotland's Lochwinnoch nature reserve. They're joined by Senior Conservation Officer Toby Wilson who has some tips for things to keep an eye out for as we head into winter. Warden Dan Snowdon shows off his new scrapes which are proving to be a home for all kinds of wildlife. The team also has all the latest natu…

The podcast is back after a summer break! Stephen and Kate are joined by Senior Policy Officer Isobel Mercer to discuss the Westminster Government's attack on nature and the RSPB's response. There's nature news and Stephen has been visiting Scotland's rainforest. Let us know what you want the podcast to cover @RSPBScotland on Twitter or podcast.sco…

Stephen and Kate are joined by RSPB Scotland's Head of Species Paul Walton to discuss the unfolding bird flu outbreak. They discuss the latest from the seabird colonies most affected, hear from RSPB staff on the ground in Shetland and talk about what we all can do to help. LINKS Keep up to date with bird flu https://rspb.org.uk/birdflu Donate to th…

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…

Join Kate, Stephen and Katie O'Neill from the Nature on Your Doorstep team for an early morning trip to a woodland full of birdsong. They talk about why birds sing and why we love to hear them. There's also a guest appearance by a very tuneful song thrush and Stephen gets to try out a fancy microphone. LINKS City Nature Challenge https://citynature…

Stephen and Kate are joined by Senior Conservation Officer Claire Smith to talk about how important uplands are for nature and what needs to be done to make them even better. There's a surprise visit from a special raptor and Stephen has a lovely walk in the Caledonian Pine Forest with Ewan Craig from the National Capercaillie Survey. LINKS South o…

Stephen and Kate are seeing early signs of Spring. They are joined by young naturalist Sorrel Lyall to talk about what it's like to work on North Ronaldsay ringing birds. Stephen also takes a walk on RSPB Scotland's Loch Leven Nature Reserve with Senior Habitats and Species officer James Silvey to see what evidence of spring there is amongst the sl…

Join Kate, Stephen and Head of Habitats and Species Paul Walton for a bit of birdwatching and some tips on how to have a great Big Garden Birdwatch. The team also delve into the real science behind the event. Paul chats about glow in the dark blue tits, Kate is thinking about pigeon milk and Stephen doesn't want to play wrens at board games. LINKS …

Stephen and Kate are joined by Senior Policy Officer Isobel Mercer and Senior Conservation Officer David Hunt to look back at 2021. It's been a massive year for nature and the conversation ranges from the biggest Big Garden Birdwatch of all time to Glasgow's moment in the global spotlight during COP26. They also take time to share their biggest per…

Stephen and Kate are joined by RSPB Scotland Director Anne McCall to analyse the deal done at COP26. They pick out what’s good for nature in the agreement and discuss the impact of activism on the summit. There’s also nature news involving long tailed tits, gallus foxes and juvenile delinquent gulls. Stephen also hears from two young activists Mill…

A deal is done! Stephen is joined by RSPB staffer Melanie Coath who has been working for nature throughout the summit. They analyse the final agreement and reflect on the last two weeks. I f you've enjoyed these podcasts don't forget to listen to Nature News from RSPB Scotland and make sure you like and subscribe. You can find it in this fed or any…

As it becomes clear COP26 will roll on past its Friday deadline Stephen is joined by Melanie Coath to find out where nature features in the latest draft agreement. He also chats to young activists Rob Knott and Ruari Brogan about their experiences at the summit. Let us know what you think podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk…

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 clim…

As a draft deal is published Stephen is joined by RSPB Scotland's COP26 Project Manager Lottie van Grieken and Parliamentary Manager Patrick McGlinchey to examine this first indication of what a deal might look like. They ask whether nature is being given the attention it needs. Stephen also takes a trip to one of Glasgow's many parks with Dr Scott…

Today is Gender Day at COP26. Stephen Talks to Bianca Pitt, Co-Founder of She Changes Climate. It was set up to campaign for equal representation at COP for women. He also hears from two women who have travelled from Africa to attend COP, Prudence Muchinouta of Zambian organisation COMACO and Judy Muriithi of Kenya's Focused Conservation. Let us kn…

Stephen talks to RSPB Scotland Director Anne McCall about Saturday's Day of Action and what the atmosphere is like inside the negotiations. He's also joined again by Principal Policy Officer Beatriz Luraschi to discuss what the likely sticking points of any deal might be and whose voices are the loudest in the room. Don't forget to let us know what…

It's the Day of Action and thousands are marching in Glasgow and elsewhere to speak up for nature and the climate. Stephen and Kate catch up with RSPB Chief Executive Beccy Speight, naturalist and campaigner Chris Packham, CBeebies star and RSPB stalwart Rory Crawford and Nadeem Perera of Flock Together. It's raining and the helicopters are back, b…

As COP26 starts to really get into the hard work of forging a deal Stephen talks to Principle Policy Officer Beatriz Luraschi about the realities of negotiations. She's at her sixth COP and is closely observing events in Glasgow. Stephen also talks to young advocates for nature Oluwaseyi Moejoh from Nigeria and Milly Hawyward, a a residential volun…

Stephen is joined by Beccy Speight, Chief Executive of the RSPB and Patricia Zurata CEO of BirdLife International to get an insight into what's happening in the negotiating rooms of COP 26. Beccy outlines how we'll know if COP has produced a good deal. Patricia gives a global perspective on what's happening in Glasgow and Stephen sees a pretty fanc…

Today the focus is on forests. Stephen talks to Scotland's Environment and Land Reform Minister Mairi McAllan MSP about what the Scottish Government plans to do to restore Scotland's rainforest. He also chats to Director, Scotland Anne McCall and Principal Policy Officer Andrew Weatherall about this unique habitat and the threats it faces. All this…

Stephen is actually at COP26, or at least just the other side of the security fence. But fear not as he has guests who have been inside making the case for nature. He's joined by Milly Hayward, a residential volunteer from RSPB Scotland's Forsinard Flows nature reserve who is in Glasgow to share her enthusiasm for our peatlands. The podcast also fe…

In the first of our special podcasts Kate and Stephen talk to Emma, a young person from Glasgow about her hopes for COP26. Emma is a member of the COP26 Youth Climate Steering Group and has been working with other young people to make sure their voices are heard at the summit. We'll be bringing you more updates over the next couple of weeks. Let us…

Stephen and Kate are joined by RSPB Scotland’s Director Anne McCall to look ahead to the COP26 summit. There’s also news of snow buntings, a grouse based confrontation and a wildlife mystery to solve. Star of CBeebies, Rory Crawford also shares some tips about engaging kids with nature. Send us your nature news podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk LINKS Ta…

In this episode Stephen has lunch with some ducks and Kate gets an unusual view of a sparrowhawk. They are joined by Policy Officer Isobel Mercer to discuss how well Scotland's protected areas are actually looked after in practice and what the future holds for these key habitats. There's also a trip into the woods to go looking for fungi with James…

In this week's episode Kate and Stephen talk to Dr Francis Daunt of the UK Centre for Hydrology and Ecology about why seabirds are behaving strangely - and even dying - down the UK's East Coast. Over the last few weeks reports have come in of birds feeding in unusual areas and members of the public have been finding dead guillemots and razorbills a…

Join Stephen and Kate on a damp day to chat sun kissed machair, benign neglect and whether or not we can get a listener in Antarctica. They’re also joined by Parliamentary Officer Nora Casey for a look at the Scottish Government’s programme for government. You can vote for your favourite Nature Champions of the Decade here Nature Champions of the D…

Stephen and Kate are joined by Senior Conservation Officer David Hunt to talk about the approach of Autumn and the marvels of migration. There are some surprising revelations about the identities of the little brown birds in the garden and an attempt to get into the mind of a green sandpiper. Stephen shares his experience of performing starlings an…

Kate and Stephen discuss Eco-Anxiety in the wake of the IPCC report on climate change, the success of the Edinburgh Swift City Project and hear about a new wetland on RSPB Scotland's Loch Lomond nature reserve. They also reflect on some of their own nature moments from the last couple of weeks. The Swift City Project is supported by ScottishPower F…

Kate and Stephen share their nature news after some hot weather brings out all that's good and slightly less welcome from the world of invertebrates. There's advice on how to help birds in warm weather. We look ahead to a vital climate conference in Glasgow. And we hear from a young woman who has fallen in love with the peat bogs at RSPB Scotland's…

Join Stephen and Kate as they mark midsummer by hearing about the "Simmer Dim" in Shetland. The podcast also covers recent nature news including a mass influx of rosy starlings and how to make sure you and your dog enjoy the outdoors without causing problems for wildlife. Let us know what you think of the podcast and what you want us to cover @RSPB…