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Welcome to the Rare Bird Alert website

Established in 1991 Rare Bird Alert is the longest running instant birdnews service in the UK. Our team of experienced and dedicated birders check and send reports as soon as they break, sixteen hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Ways to get our birdnews

We offer the most comprehensive range of birdnews services to suit all birders. If rarity hunting is your thing, just like to bird locally or only go birding occasionally we have a solution to meet your needs. If you would like any advice or help with any of our services please contact us today.

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Pagers

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Still the ultimate tool for birders in the field who don't want to miss news.

  • Unrivalled reception works in many parts of the country where mobiles don't. Particularly good coverage in rural 'birding' areas
  • Flexible change the areas you get news from whenever you want
  • Packages to suit all birders
    local pagers covering individual counties or entire coverage for the UK, you decide
  • TRY FOR FREE today
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From
£134
per year

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Online

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  • Live birdnews over 100,000 sightings per year, updated all day, every day
  • Newsmaps so you can see where the birds are
  • Photo Gallery share your photos of birds in Britain
  • Previous Records fully searchable database of all the accepted rarities in Britain and Ireland, including maps, stats and photos
  • Articles finders' accounts, identification papers, news stories and much more
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Only
£59.99
per year

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Phones

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iPhone and Android App

  • Alerts instant alerts on breaking news
  • Browse the news search the news using quick links or build advanced filters
  • Gallery latest UK bird photos

Text messages

  • Instant text alerts to breaking news to any phone
  • Great for occasional use
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From
£59.99
per year

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Latest article

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Using Social Media to Map Peregrine and Lanner Falcons in South Africa

Study finds citizen science posts provide valuable insights into falcon distribution, diet and behaviour in South Africa. More here >

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Age of Alpine Swift Parents Influences Chicks Before and After Fledging

Long-term research on Alpine Swifts shows that the age of mothers and fathers at conception influences offspring health, survival and even lifespan. More here >

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Manx Shearwater Breeding Confirmed on Rathlin Island

After decades of absence, the nocturnal calls of shearwaters once more echo from burrows on Northern Ireland's seabird island. More here >

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Two Scottish Golden Eagles 'Disappear' in Suspicious Circumstances

Police Scotland appeal for information after satellite-tagged eagle and his mate disappear, sparking fears of foul play. More here >

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Band of Brothers: Birding at the Edge of Britain

On a gruelling adventure that tested stamina and spirit, Mike Edgecombe charts the rewards of searching for rare seabirds on the edge of the continental shelf southwest of the Isles of Scilly. More here >