Rare Bird Alert, Reliable Bird News Services Since 1991
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.
Pagers
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
From
£134
per year
Online
- 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
Only
£59.99
per year
Phones
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
From
£59.99
per year
Latest article
The biggest news of the week was an unprecedented influx of Glossy Ibis into Britain and Ireland, but there was also a decent seasoning of additional rarities and scarcities on offer too. More here >
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 >
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 >
Tracking study reveals that these cryptic desert birds remain in the region year-round, showing strong fidelity to specific roost sites. More here >
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 >
copyright Rare Bird Alert 2025. Rare Bird Alert - 17 Keswick Close, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 6UW
enquiries: admin@rarebirdalert.co.uk or call 01603 457016