Scottish Nature Notes

Great spotted woodpeckers make themselves at home at some of our reserves across Scotland, and can be seen visiting gardens over winter to have a go at the feeders. RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares five facts about this great species.

Duncan Orr-Ewing, RSPB Scoltand Head of Species and Land Management, discusses the state of raptor conservation in Scotland.

The Scottish Government consultation on Scotland’s food system is open until March 29th. Claire Pollock, a farmer from Fife, shares with us what nature friendly farming and a good food nation mean to her.

Earlier this year some of the RSPB Scotland office headed out on a wee trip to make sure our bird ID skills are up to scratch. RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares some of the species we saw and some tips for identifying them.

Fight for Scotland’s Nature, a coalition of 35 environmental charities, is calling for an independent and well-resourced watchdog to enforce environmental protections. Take our e-action to make your voice heard and tell the Scottish Government that we need a new Scottish Environment Act to protect and enhance our nature now and in the future. In this blog Senior Land Use Policy Officer Isobel Mercer explores the urgent…

Barn owls originally evolved in warm, dry climates where food is in abundance all year round. It is unsurprising then, with the cold, wet and often snowy winters that are so characteristic of Scotland, that our barn owls have a particularly hard time during the winter months and are often struggling to find food. RSPB Scotland's Jen Mullen shares some of the challenges these much-loved birds face.

Many of our reserves have a fascinating element to them that a visitor might not immediately expect; They can tell us a lot about history. RSPB Scotland volunteer Sally Wilkins shares some of the historical highlights at Crannach.

Adders should start emerging from hibernation over the next few weeks. Here are five facts about these snakes brought to you by RSPB Scotland’s Jess Barrett.

Five facts you need to know about adders 

1. Adders are the only venomous snake in Britain

Of the three species of snake found in Britain adders are the only venomous ones. They use their venom to immobilise their prey, usually small rodents such as voles…

We’re coming up on one of the most exciting times of the year, when our spring and summer visitors begin to return from the south. Throughout history we have been fascinated by the migration of birds. In this blog, Allie McGregor introduces some of our Scotland migrants.

Are you and your loved-one going out for a romantic meal this Valentine’s Day? Or maybe a special meal at home? What food will you choose to enjoy – your favourite or something with good environmental credentials? Food is an essential, it brings people together, it helps us celebrate, it can be a reward and a treat. We all have a favourite - What food would you hate to lose because of a changing climate? RSPB Scotland…

A huge thank you to all our supporters who have helped support our Save Coul Links campaign so far. Kate Bellew, our Senior Conservation Planner, provides an important update as we move into a critical stage of our fight to save this internationally important wildlife site.

2nd February is World Wetlands Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness about the vital importance of wetland habitats and their benefit to people, wildlife and our planet. It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention (Wetlands of International Importance) in 1971. To celebrate, RSPB Scotland's Jen Mullen shares some interesting facts about how our wetlands can combat climate change and improve biodiversity…

Scotland has a wealth of wonderful nature across it’s shimmering lochs, endless coast, and beautiful Caledonian forests. RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares 5 things we love about our unique species and environment.

RSPB Scotland's Allie McGregor shares 5 facts to know about cute coal tits!

Born in Turriff, Aberdeenshire, Dr Adam Watson was unique, and in many ways defined a special era of field natural history. A polymath, he was a master of many things – first class scientist, Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, accomplished ski mountaineer, expert on Gaelic place names and the north-east’s history, geography and weather. He was arguably the most knowledgeable Scottish naturalist and ornithologist…

Malcie Smith, Shetland Sites Manager, gives us some insight into the incredible bird life to be seen on Shetland's coasts and discusses some of the important seabirds that might be highlighted on Wild Shetland: Scotland's Viking Frontier.

Big Garden Birdwatch might seem a little out of reach when you don't have your own garden. RSPB Scotland's Allie McGregor talks about some of the different ways she might get involved despite her garden-less flat.

We're incredibly excited that BBC Winterwatch will be showcasing the incredible wildlife of Cairngorms National Park at the end of the month. RSPB Scotland's Jennifer Mullen tells us about the incredible habitat and wildlife to be found there.

The way we eat has an undeniable impact on our environment. The state of nature and wildlife is influenced by how we produce food. RSPB Scotland's Anna Brand talks about how we can make Scotland a Good Food Nation.

Find out all about one of our winter visitors, the brambling, with these 5 facts from RSPB Scotland's Allie McGregor.

RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor takes a look at why we survey other wildlife as part of Big Garden Birdwatch, and which species might be showing up in your garden.

RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares some ideas to make your 2019 more planet and nature-friendly.

We tend to think of winter as a quieter time of year for wildlife, with so many creatures hiding away and sheltering from the cold. However the winter months offer opportunities for new species spots. RSPB Scotland's Species and Habitats Officer James Silvey tells us all about one of these creatures, the elusive snow flea.

RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor explores the beginnings of some traditional Christmas flora and fauna.

RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares five facts about the special Scottish crossbill.