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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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Save The Date: North West Bird Watching Festival, 18-19 Oct

The festival for everyone who loves birds is back this October. Book online now for 10% off and join a weekend of inspiration, learning and discovery. More here >

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Forest Birds Face Deadly Threat from Window Collisions

New research reveals that seasonally fruit-eating species such as thrushes and sparrows are disproportionately vulnerable to glass strikes, with collisions continuing well into winter. More here >

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Egyptian Nightjars Found to Be Year-Round Residents at the Dead Sea

Tracking study reveals that these cryptic desert birds remain in the region year-round, showing strong fidelity to specific roost sites. More here >

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Male-Plumaged Female Hummingbird Provides Parental Care in Costa Rica

An unusual discovery on a roadside powerline
In February 2025, researchers documented a striking and unusual case in Palmar Norte, southern Costa Rica. More here >

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Waterbirds in Korea Show Contrasting Fortunes After Two Decades of Change

Long-term census data reveal increases in cranes and storks but sharp declines for swans and ducks. More here >