Helen Briggs

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Helen Briggs

Spring's hot weather to be treat for nature loversHelen BriggsEnvironment correspondent, BBC News•@hbriggsGetty ImagesThe swallow is a common summer visitor, arriving in April and leaving in OctoberWith what's being called a mini-heatwave looming for the UK, it's not just humans looking forward to warmer weather. The warm spell is expected to give a temporary boost to nature as migratory birds arrive from afar and butterflies stretch their wings.

1 month ago | bbc.com | Helen Briggs

Helen BriggsBBC environment correspondent•@hbriggsFewer starlings are visiting UK gardens, according to the conservation charity, the RSPB. It says its Big Garden Birdwatch, which took place over the last weekend in January, recorded the lowest number of starlings since the survey began in 1979. Starlings are common garden visitors, but one of the UK's fastest disappearing birds, with a sharp population decline since the 1960s.

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Helen Briggs

Fewer starlings are visiting UK gardens, according to the conservation charity, the RSPB. It says its Big Garden Birdwatch, which took place over the last weekend in January, recorded the lowest number of starlings since the survey began in 1979. Starlings are common garden visitors, but one of the UK's fastest disappearing birds, with a sharp population decline since the 1960s. They are known for their spectacular winter acrobatics, flying in huge flocks or murmurations.

2 months ago | envirolink.org | Helen Briggs

From BBC 11 hours agoHelen BriggsBBC environment correspondent•@hbriggsGetty ImagesFrom pilfering chips to swallowing whole starfish, gulls are known for their voracious appetites. However, one scientist was so astounded to see pictures on social media of gulls eating “weird and wonderful things” that she launched a citizen science project to study their shifting diets.

2 months ago | bbc.com | Helen Briggs

Scientists probe gulls' 'weird and wonderful' appetitesHelen BriggsGetty ImagesGulls are under pressure with natural populations in declineFrom pilfering chips to swallowing whole starfish, gulls are known for their voracious appetites. However, one scientist was so astounded to see pictures on social media of gulls eating "weird and wonderful things" that she launched a citizen science project to study their shifting diets.