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

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

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

Visit Loch Garten
https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/loch-garten-abernethy

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 Tits at the reserve and discovers which bird sounds like a squeaky bike pump.

Let us know what you think about the series and what you've been hearing podcast.scotland@RSPB.org.uk

And don't forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Find out more about Loch Leven nature reserve here https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/loch-leven
Birdsong info on the RSPB website https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/a-z

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.

In Episode 1 we are at RSPB Scotland's Baron's Haugh reserve with warden David Anderson. He has tips on how to get started with birdsong. We encounter a tiny bird with a big song and David explains you don't need to go deep into the wild to enjoy the sound of birds.

LINKS
Birdsong Beginner video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-qJuNysUsU
David's work with blind and visually impaired people https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfeXEmSgvgk
RSPB Web resources about birdsong and ID generally https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/a-z
Dan Chorus https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/the-dawn-chorus-all-you-need-to-know-about-natures-big-show

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 for people living in the city.

More about Big Garden Birdwatch here https://t.co/tC0YFBrsRr

Find out more about our work in Dundee Winter Wildlife in Dundee - Scottish Nature Notes - Our work - The RSPB Community