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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology

@btobirds.bsky.social
12K followers 415 following 1.4K posts

BTO is the UK's leading Registered Charity working with volunteers to improve our knowledge of birds through monitoring and research. www.bto.org

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 10h
Job Alert! 🔉 We're looking for two part-time Field Surveyors for the Winter survey season from November - March to conduct wintering bird surveys. To discover more and apply visit ➡️ www.bto.org/jobs 📍 Survey areas: Yorkshire Dales & the Fens. 📝 Deadline for applications: Sunday 18 October 2026.
A Fieldfare is amongst frosty grass. Wording above reads: We’re hiring! Field Surveyors - LandSpAES Project.
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Congratulations to Breeding Bird Survey volunteer Dorian Moss for receiving the Jubilee Medal! It's fantastic to hear that he has completed 91 visits to the BBS squares that he has surveyed over the years. That is true dedication! @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social #Ornithology
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Lesser Spot Network @lesserspotnet.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Congratulations to Rufus Dawson, for this well deserved BTO Award. He is one of our most active Woodpecker Network volunteers and his Passive Acoustic Monitoring for Lesser Spots in Gloucestershire and Avon is contributing greatly to our understanding of this elusive species.
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Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Nice to see Dorian get this recognition. He's also a veteran of the CEH (formerly ITE, now UKCEH) research station at Monks Wood, until the station closed in 2008 and he moved to BTO before retiring.
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Rufus D @rufusdawson.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I'm hugely honoured to have won the @btobirds.bsky.social @marshawards.bsky.social Marsh Awards for Young Ornithologist - thank you so much.
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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Congratulations to Dr Will Peach, winner of The Marsh Award for Ornithology 2026. This award is in recognition of his incredible contribution to ornithology Will Peach is Head of Conservation Science, England & Wales at RSPB @btobirds.bsky.social @marshawards.bsky.social 📷Anthony Sajdler/BTO
Caption: Dr Will Peach (far right) being presented with The Marsh Award for Ornithology at  London’s Mall Galleries yesterday evening. The event was co-hosted by the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA) Natural Eye Exhibition. 

Alt text:  Seven people posed smiling while holding small awards, standing in front of banners and framed artwork. 

Credit: Anthony Sajdler / BTO
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Cuckoo Bean is continuing to migrate south 🌎 Will his next move see him progressing into the lush jungles of Democratic Republic of Congo? #Ornithology
A headshot of Cuckoo Bean features over the top of a map showing his migration from the UK to Africa. Wording over the image reads: Bean has moved down from the Marra Mountains of Sudan and cut through northern Central African Republic. Passing through the Yata-Ngaya Faunal Reserve, he then continued moving south along the border with South Sudan.
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Brigit Strawbridge @brigitstrawbridge.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
On the train back from London after the best evening ever! Still pinching myself… and beaming from ear to ear about my beautiful medal. Thank you SO much @btobirds.bsky.social for this most unexpected and wonderful award. And thank you again for all the amazing things you do…
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Congratulations to @rufusdawson.bsky.social winner of @marshawards.bsky.social for Young Ornithologist! 🎉 Rufus has conducted tremendous work in leading a monitoring scheme for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker using Passive Acoustic Monitoring. We can’t wait to see more of his work in the future!
An image of Rufus Dawson features in a circular frame. Wording over the image tile reads: Winner. Marsh Award for Young Ornithologist. Rufus Dawson. The BTO and Marsh Charitable Trust logos feature top right of the image.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The @marshawards.bsky.social for Local Ornithology goes to The Friends of the Lower Derwent Valley Conservation Group! This group’s ornithological and conservational efforts in their area are commendable, including their work radio-tagging Jack Snipe, their bird ringing studies & book publication.
An image of four members of the Friends of the Lower Derwent Valley Conservation Group feature in a circular frame. Wording over the image tile reads: Winner. Marsh Award for Local Ornithology. Friends of the Lower Derwent Valley Conservation Group. The BTO and Marsh Charitable Trust logos feature top right of the image.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Congratulations to Will Peach, winner of @marshawards.bsky.social for Ornithology! During his career at BTO & @rspbscience.bsky.social Will has applied exemplary analytical skills, making breakthroughs with ringing scheme data & leading UK-wide work on diagnosing causes of bird population declines.
An image of Will Peach features in a circular frame. Wording over the image tile reads: Winner. Marsh Award for Ornithology. Will Peach. The BTO and Marsh Charitable Trust logos feature top right of the image.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Our next Jubilee Medal winner is Dorian Moss! Dorian’s research involvement with BTO includes 91 @bbs-birds.bsky.social visits, 3k+ observations during Atlas surveys and 5k+ @birdtrack.bsky.social record submissions. He’s also a Ringer and Trainer. Thank you Dorian!
An image of Dorian Moss features in a circular frame. Wording over the image tile reads: Winner. Jubilee Medal. Dorian Moss. The BTO logo features top right of the image.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
We’ve got two Jubilee Medal winners this year, the first being Andrew Harris! Andrew has dedicated more than half a century to bird ringing & during over 40 years as a Ringing Trainer has influenced generations of trainees. He’s also played a key role in developing long-term monitoring projects.
An image of Andrew Harris features in a circular frame. Wording over the image tile reads: Winner. Jubilee Medal. Andrew Harris. The BTO logo features top right of the image.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Our @btocymru.bsky.social team were delighted to present the Bernard Tucker Medal to John Lawton Roberts. John has shown dedication to bird monitoring through 40+ years of ringing, submitting 9k+ nest records, contributing to at least 9 BTO surveys each year & press & scientific journal articles!
An image of John Lawton Roberts features in a circular frame. Wording over the image tile reads: Winner. Bernard Tucker Medal. John Lawton Roberts. The BTO logo features top right of the image.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Congratulations to @brigitstrawbridge.bsky.social our winner of the Dilys Breese Medal 🎉We’re pleased to award Brigit this medal for using her online platforms to encourage nature interaction and conservation in an accessible manner, and her enthusiasm in participation and promotion of BTO surveys!
An image of Brigit Strawbridge features in a circular frame. Wording over the image tile reads: Winner. Dilys Breese Medal. Brigit Strawbridge. The BTO logo features top right of the image.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The time has come to announce our BTO & Marsh Award 2026 winners for their contribution to ornithology and conservation! This evening we’re at the Society of Wildlife Artists Natural Eye Exhibition where winners will be given their award! Stay tuned! @marshawards.bsky.social
Society of Wildlife Artists Natural Eye exhibition image featuring a centre artwork of Nightjar by moonlight, showing two Nightjars on Copperfoiled stained glass on stained granite base by Rachel Taylor, with the oil artwork Goldcrest by John Foker on the wall behind.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
⭐ Exciting opportunity! Volunteer with BTO Youth and join the Youth Advisory Panel! ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/youth If you love nature, would like to join our amazing team of volunteers aged 16-24 and get involved with BTO's work, then this role could be for you. 🐦 📝 Closing date: 4 October 2026.
A group of BTO Youth volunteers are gathered together in an office smiling at the camera. Wording over the image reads: BTO Youth. Join our Youth Advisory Panel.
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
(1/) Back in 2024, we celebrated 30 years of the Breeding Bird Survey. Gwyn Williams was one of just over 100 dedicated volunteers who surveyed a BBS square each year since the survey began. Have a read of his story: www.bto.org/get-involved... @btobirds.bsky.social #Ornithology
An image of long term BBS volunteer Gwyn Williams out in the field.
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UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) @ukceh.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
🐝 🪰 How can we track change across the UK's insect pollinators? A new paper from @pomscheme.bsky.social outlines how we're generating robust metrics to monitor pollinator trends at a national scale. Another key milestone for PoMS! besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... 🧪 1/
Collage of images featuring bee on flower, UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme logo, a person carrying out a FIT Count on flowers, and a landscape of moorland with a pan trap monitoring system in place.
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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Did you know some UK-breeding Lesser Black-backed Gulls are migratory? In autumn, they head to Spain, Portugal, and North and West Africa to winter. Could individuals you've monitored be among those heading south? #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
Image of a Lesser Black-backed Gull with two chicks.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Last chance to apply! ➡️ www.bto.org/jobs If you're a communications professional with a passion for nature this could be the job for you! 🐦 #Ornithology
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Richard K Broughton @richardkbroughton.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
This paper is based upon the years of citizen-science data collection by Wiltshire Tree Sparrow legend and @btobirds.bsky.social ringer, Matt Prior.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The peak weekly reporting rate for Quail in BirdTrack in early July this year was 2%! This was the highest ever recorded for this species in this scheme. You can get involved and record the birds you encounter via www.bto.org/birdtrack 📷 Graham Catley / BTO
A Quail appears on the path near to long grass.
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
(1/) Some inspirational words from long-term BBS volunteer and member of the BTO Regional Network Muriel Cadwallender about surveying Upland Rovers squares. Although not for the faint hearted, you can make a one off visit to an upland square during the BBS survey season… @btobirds.bsky.social
The quote says: The achievement of reaching remote squares, after a seemingly vertical climb, with the reward of panoramic views of the Cheviots, singing Skylarks, ‘pipping’ pipits, calling Curlews, and Snipe drumming is all the incentive needed to visit this beautiful part of Northumberland.

Muriel Cadwallender 

The background shows an upland area and the title says: 'Volunteer Stories'.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Dream job for an #editor & nature lover! 🐦🌿Apply now ➡️ www.bto.org/jobs 📅 Full time, Permanent. 📝 £38,710.00 per annum. 📍 BTO HQ in Thetford, Norfolk (Hybrid working). Deadline for applications: 30 September 2026. #Ornithology
A Nightingale perches on a branch amongst the green foliage of a bush. Wording over the image reads: We're hiring! Science Communications Manager.
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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
With many seabirds now beginning to migrate to wintering grounds, there’s still some time to see them at coastal and inland sites before they depart. Keep an eye out for adults and juveniles alike, such as this young Arctic Tern! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
An image of a juvenile Arctic Tern in flight.
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Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) | Goose & Swan Monitoring (GSMP) @webs-gsmp.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
We need your help!🫡 The NEWS IV survey period runs again from 1 December 2026 - 31 January 2027 🎉 If you'd like to take part in a single-visit waterbird count along a stretch of coastline this winter, visit www.bto.org/webs-news for more info on how you can get involved🦆 #Ornithology #UKBirding
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
🔊 Registration is now open for The Non-Estuarine Waterbird Survey (NEWS)! Sign up ➡️ www.bto.org/webs-news NEWS monitors waterbirds along stretches of open coastline that aren't covered by estuary surveys, helping us build a more complete picture of wintering birds around the UK. #UKBirding
An Image of a Purple Sandpiper features in a circular frame. Wording to the left of the image reads: Volunteers needed. Take part in the Non-Estuarine Waterbird Survey (NEWS). The BTO and News Logo feature top right.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The latest issue of BTO News has just landed! Our membership magazine is packed with engaging and informative articles, with all the latest updates on BTO research, events and more. Become a BTO member today from only £3 a month to start receiving BTO News! ➡️ www.bto.org/support-... #Ornithology
A cut out of the BTO News autumn 2026 magazine cover featuring a Common Crane sits on a green background. White writing over the green background reads: "It's a joy to receive each copy!" Quote from a BTO member. Join Today.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Don't miss the first Youth Out in Nature Summit on 26 September at RSPB Newport Wetlands! Join us for FREE! Sign up at www.bto.org/our-work/eve... @rspbcymru.bsky.social
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Journal of Applied Ecology @jappliedecology.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
One-size-fits-all agri-environment scheme policies fall short for UK waders 🐦 New analysis shows that nesting season varies by species and latitude: targeted, evidence-based agricultural exclusions are key to protecting farmland breeding waders 🔑 Read the full article 👇 doi.org/10.1111/1365...
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Less than a week to apply to join BTO as a Senior Research Ecologist. ➡️ www.bto.org/jobs #Ornithology #Bioacoustics
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
(1/) John Gibson’s story of 26 years of change on a BBS square in the Wigan area of Northwest England shows just how much can change during that time period. It used to be a coal mine, and now it is home to Willow Tits and many other species: www.bto.org/get-involved... @btobirds.bsky.social
A Willow Tit is shown. It has a brown body, white cheeks and a black cap. It is perched on a branch. The caption says: 'Volunteer Stories'.
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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Black-headed Gulls — rather noisy gulls, especially at breeding colonies! Their notable ‘black head’ comes and goes, but other plumage features change throughout their lives too. Take a look at the examples below to find out more! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
An image of Black-headed Gulls in different stages of life/plumage. Images include a young juvenile, older juvenile, 1st-summer individual, and adults in both winter and summer plumage.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Could you leave a lasting gift for birds? Find out Tom and Muriel's story. 🐦 You can write your Will for FREE today, as we’ve partnered with expert Will writers Octopus Legacy ➡️ bit.ly/BTOWriteYour... This is a no obligation offer but we would be so grateful for your support.
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
(1/) It has been something of a Quail ‘year’ this year. This mysterious species is sometimes recorded on BBS squares, almost exclusively detected by its loud and distinctive ‘Wet My Lips!’ call that is typically delivered from deep cover. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social #Ornithology
A Quail is shown. It is small brown game bird with streaked plumage. It is perched on the ground.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
We're looking for our next Editor of BTO News! Find out more about the role and apply here➡️ www.bto.org/jobs 😀 📅 Full time, Permanent. 📝 £38,710.00 per annum. 📍 Thetford, Norfolk (Hybrid). Deadline for applications: 30 September 2026. #Ornithology
A bird called a Redstart perches on top of a post, showing its bright orange-red underparts, grey upperparts and black face and bill. Wording above reads: We're hiring! Science Communications Manager.
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
(1/ ) For the next few weeks, we will be sharing Waterways Breeding Bird Survey (WBBS) trends for some of the smaller birds that are associated with linear waterways. We begin with the brightly coloured Kingfisher, which declined in this habitat by 17% 1999–2024. @btobirds.bsky.social
A Kingfisher is shown. It is a small blue and orange bird with a dagger like beak. There is a small fish in its beak.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
✨ 36 years ✨ An Avocet ringed as a chick at RSPB Titchwell, Norfolk, in 1990 smashed longevity records this year! It was sighted at RSPB Middleton Lakes in June 2026. The average lifespan of an Avocet is approximately 6 years, so this is an incredible age. 🙌 📷 Philip Croft / BTO
An Avocet, a wading bird with black and white plumage, twists its head to preen under its wing with its long decurved bill, as the sun reflects off rippled water that it is standing in.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Your support could make a difference to the future of birds you love. 🐦 We’ve partnered with expert Will writers Octopus Legacy to offer you the chance to write your Will for FREE ➡️ bit.ly/BTOWriteYour... This is a no obligation offer but we would be so grateful for your support. #RememberACharity
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Brigit Strawbridge @brigitstrawbridge.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Ever wondered how people count large numbers of #birds? I've just signed up for @btobirds.bsky.social's free online training so I can learn how to count flocks... AND how to put these skills to use in the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) Choose from 3 dates next week, here: www.bto.org/our-work/tra...
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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
We've had over 1,000 colony count submissions to the SMP in 2026 so far! Of the 23 seabird species with data, Fulmar has the most. Remember to submit your colony count and breeding success data before the October 31st data deadline. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
Image of a Fulmar.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
We're seeking a Research Ecologist to develop & apply methods for analysing large-scale passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) datasets & to lead work on the collection/analysis of restoration & rewilding data. Apply via www.bto.org/jobs Closing date: 22 September. #Ornithology #bioacoustics
The heads of two Puffins appear above a bank. Wording above reads: We're hiring! Senior Research Ecologist: Landscape Restoration & Monitoring Science.
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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
So far in 2026, Black-headed Gulls have the highest number of breeding success submissions among the 25 SMP species — that means lots of juveniles like this one! Don't forget to submit your data by October 31st, the data deadline. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
Image of a juvenile Black-headed Gull.
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
(1/) For many BBS surveyors and birders in general, a sighting of a Golden Eagle is a very rare occurrence. However, Sean Morris who has surveyed two BBS squares on Rum for quite some time has occasionally recorded this majestic species: www.bto.org/get-involved... @btobirds.bsky.social
An image of a Golden Eagle is shown. It is a large bird of prey with a hooked beak. It has a golden coloured head and chocolate brown wings.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
We hadn't heard from Cuckoo Rob since July, when he was in the Alps. But, a few days ago his signal came back online! 🙌 He has now crossed the Sahara Desert & has arrived at Lake Chad, almost 4,000km from where he was when we last heard from his tag. Discover latest updates ➡️ www.bto.org/Cuckoos
Zoomed in image of a map showing the locations of BTO satellite-tagged Cuckoos in Africa, with an arrow pointing to one with the initial R. Wording above reads: Rob the rover returns! A headshot of Cuckoo Rob features in a circular frame. Wording alongside reads: Great news! Scottish tagged Cuckoo Rob has joined other birds after going AWOL!
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
We are pleased to announce our first Youth Out in Nature Summit at RSPB Newport Wetlands 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 on 26 Sept. Our BTO Youth Volunteers have been working with the RSPB Youth Council to provide this unique opportunity - sign up today! www.bto.org/our-work/eve... @rspb.bsky.social @rspbcymru.bsky.social
A group of young people birdwatching at a wetland site, with text promoting the BTO/RSPB Youth Out In Nature Summit on 26 September 2026. Photo by Katie Hargreaves/BTO/RSPB.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Our latest BTO blog post considers the impact and implications of summer 2026's devastating wildfires for birds and other wildlife🔥🔥🔥 www.bto.org/our-work/new... @rspbengland.bsky.social @rspbscotland.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @nationaltrust.org.uk
The July 2026 wildfire at RSPB Minsmere (photo by RSPB Images). Four fire engines and a group of firefighters in front of the blaze at night.
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
(1/) A quote that resonates with many of our BBS volunteers across the UK is: ‘I like to see the changes on my BBS Square over the years. You never know what you will see!’ @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology #CitizenScience
The caption says: 'Tell us your stories!' A male Reed Bunting is shown. It has a black head, a white collar and a grey breast. It has a brown back.
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Thank you very much to those of you who have already entered your BBS data, it is very much appreciated! If you haven’t already done so, please enter it by the end of August at the latest so it can be verified. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology
The caption says: 'Two weeks to go!' A male Blackbird features, which is mainly black with a yellow beak.
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