Once widespread across the UK, the white-tailed eagle was driven to extinction by the early 20th century, but now, they are making a comeback!

2025 marks 50 years since the first reintroduction, when young eagles from Norway were released on the Isle of Rùm. Since then, the population has steadily grown, with birds now breeding across Scotland, and more recently even returning to raise chicks in England for the first time in over two centuries.

Join us as we look back at the decline and disappearance of these magnificent birds, uncover the story of their return, and celebrate the dedicated organisations and tireless individuals who worked to bring the sea eagle back.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Have you seen a white-tailed eagle? We'd love to hear about it.

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Return: Our White Tailed Sea Eagle Reintroduction Documentary

White-tailed eagle reintroduction project | Forestry England

White-tailed eagle reintroduction & conservation | Rewilding Britain

White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction on the Isle of Wight - Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation

White-tailed eagle saga - Dave Sexton

Did you know that birds are dinosaurs? Not just their descendants, but the last living branch of one of the most successful animal groups to ever walk the Earth.

In this episode, we sit down with paleo artist, keen birdwatcher, and lifelong dinosaur enthusiast Sean Hennessy (aka Speed Thief) to uncover the fascinating evolutionary link between modern birds and their prehistoric relatives. We dispel some common dino myths and misunderstandings, explore how dinosaurs capture the public imagination, and discuss why they remain vital ambassadors for natural history and science.

We also chat to Sean about how he sees paleo art as a powerful form of science communication and learn more about his fantastic paleo comics.

Sean has probably had more mentions on the podcast than anyone else, we've been wanting to have him on for ages. It was brilliant to finally have him in the studio and chat all things dinosaur (prehistoric and living).

Sean's art and socials:

https://linktr.ee/speed.thief

@speed.thief

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Ancient, agile, and unmatched in the air, dragonflies have ruled the skies for over 300 million years. But in today’s rapidly changing world, how are they faring?

In this episode, we explore the world of these remarkable insects, from their perfectly-adapted anatomy and impressive hunting skills, to the art, poetry, and legends they have inspired across centuries and cultures.

We examine the state of the UK’s dragonfly populations, where some species are in steep decline while others are on the rise, revealing important clues about the health of our ecosystems and the effects of climate change.

And we of course, highlight the brilliant work of the dedicated people and organisations striving to protect these extraordinary insects and restore the habitats they need to survive.

Get in touch!

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

British Dragonfly Society - British Dragonfly Society

Rare dragonfly introduced into a hidden corner of Cumbria

Dragonfly species are colonising the UK 'at a greater rate than ever before' | Natural History Museum

UK’s dragonflies are benefiting from climate change | UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Rare dragonfly introduced into remote area of Cumbria to reverse its decline | Conservation | The Guardian

Rare dragonfly introduced into remote area of Cumbria to reverse its decline | Conservation | The Guardian