Sign in

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

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
(1/) After we featured Gwyn William’s story last week, this week, it's the turn of Mike Gibson from North Yorkshire, who has also surveyed a BBS square each year since the survey began in 1994: www.bto.org/get-involved... @btobirds.bsky.social #Ornithology #CitizenScience
An image of BBS volunteer Mike Gibson. He is standing next to a tree.
1208
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 23h
(1/) The chattering Reed Warbler is frequently found along reed fringed waterways. It declined by 5% in this habitat 1999–2024. However, the BBS trend shows that this species is on the increase across the UK. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology
A Reed Warbler is shown. It is perched on a branch. It is a small brown warbler species with a pale chest.
2196
BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
✨ New Project Alert ✨ We’re working on a new partnership project looking at Curlew chick survival, key predation pressures & interventions in relation to population recovery. Your donation could support our work to restore breeding wader populations ➡️ www.bto.org/breeding... #Ornithology
A wading bird known as a Curlew is amongst green grass showing its brown mottled plumage and long decurved bill. Wording above reads: Support BTO's work with breeding waders.
02514
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Fulmar - the highest recorded species in SMP for 2024, 2025, and 2026 (so far). Young Fulmar don't return to breeding sites until they are four or five, and even then, don't breed until they're nine! #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
An image of a Fulmar with an accompanying fact file covering their wingspan (100-112cm), life expectancy for a bird reaching breeding age (44), diet (mainly fish but also crustaceans and squid), lays 1 egg, can be seen year round (though most frequently during the breeding season), and 350,000 breeding pairs.
02813
BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
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.
03138
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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
0155
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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.
1454
BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Hi Andy, you can find previous year winners on our website here: www.bto.org/about/histor... with this year's winners to be added soon. We hope that helps.
bto.org
The Marsh Awards for Ornithology | BTO
The Marsh Awards are supported by the Marsh Charitable Trust and presented by BTO at the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA) annual exhibition The Natural Eye in London. The awards recognise achievemen...
100
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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.
0121
BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Very well deserved, congratulations Rufus!
010
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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.
2352
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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
1434
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.
05814
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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…
3015717
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.
3648
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.
0499
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.
1425
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.
0385
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.
0322
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.
2335
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.
1213722
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.
1315
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.
01414
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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.
1198
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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.
23219
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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.
0264
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
079
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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.
14914
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.
0277
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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'.
11411
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.
03356
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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.
02611
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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
02214
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.
02021
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.
02211
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
085
BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Thanks for sharing this, we hope you enjoyed the first episode!
100
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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...
1146
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
0910
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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'.
1319
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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.
0219
BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Hello, all the job details can be found on our website via www.bto.org/jobs This position is based at our HQ in Thetford, Norfolk, and the successful candidate can work from home part of the time on a hybrid working regime (minimum of three days in the office each week).
bto.org
Jobs and other opportunities | BTO
Thank you for your interest in working with BTO. Whether full-time, part-time or a temporary placement, here’s where you'll find our latest vacancies, work experience, volunteering and opportunities f...
000
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.
1114
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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.
2359
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.
13439
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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.
1208
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.
07614
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
0106
BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
We look forward to seeing you there Brigit!
010
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
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...
2499