UK Government considers stricter controls on gamebird releases Proposals to tighten regulation of gamebird shooting in England could introduce new controls on the release of millions of birds, amid growing concerns over the environmental impacts of such releases.

Gamebird shooting in England is set to face increased regulation under new government proposals aimed at addressing environmental and biodiversity concerns:

@piedflynet.bsky.social a great day Chairing 14th Pied flycatcher annual meeting. Good summary of the 2025 season, a fascinating talk on spotted flycatcher migration and how food quality from riparian invertebrates is much better compared to those in terrestrial. More on Pine martens reintroductions

Sad to find this pristine 3cy Common Gull dead on my patch this morning. Reported to Defra for possible collection and testing for HPAI and to @birdtrack.bsky.social for monitoring. Please report all dead birds you find to Defra/Daera AND to BirdTrack.
#UKBirding

The links for submitting records of dead birds for possible testing are:
📌In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/rep...
📌In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/dae...
📌In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/report

Image of a dead Oysteratcher on the sand alongside the wording: Please report sightings of dead birds. Image credit: Dawn Balmer/BTO.

⚠️ A reminder to please report all sightings of dead birds for possible testing for Avian Influenza. In England, Wales & Scotland, contact Defra, in Northern Ireland contact @daera-ni.gov.uk & in Republic of Ireland gov.ie. Please ALSO report them to @birdtrack.bsky.social. Thank you. #UKBirding