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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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New report reveals mixed fortunes for Northern Ireland's seabirds

Declines in key species offset by local gains at internationally important colonies. More here >

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Poisoning incident deals major blow to Cinereous Vulture population in Greece

Multiple birds killed in single illegal baiting event at key Balkan breeding site. More here >

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Seven Sisters declared England's newest National Nature Reserve

Iconic Sussex coastline gains top conservation status in major step for nature recovery. More here >

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UK Crane population reaches record levels after strong breeding year

Surveys show 87 breeding pairs raised 37 chicks in 2025, bringing total population to around 250 birds. More here >

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Kelp Gull subspecies added to British List

BOURC accepts subspecies vetula (Cape Gull) after sustained presence at Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire. More here >