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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 14h

Cuckoo Bean is continuing to migrate south 🌎 Will his next move see him progressing into the lush jungles of Democratic Republic of Congo? #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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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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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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BTO Scotland @btoscotland.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Have you seen a ringed Ptarmigan? Volunteer ringers from Tay and Grampian Ringing Groups are now fitting small colour rings (under license) to Ptarmigan in the hills of Perthshire and Aberdeenshire. 1/3 #BirdingScotland

A Ptarmigan in the hand, about to be released after being fitted with a uniquely coded ring. Image: Jacob Davies

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European Bird Census Council @ebcc.info · 01/10/2026

A new study using European Breeding Bird Atlas 2 (EBBA2) data shows that selecting Europe’s 30% highest-priority terrestrial areas could protect 49% of species’ ranges and 63% of species’ populations. More: www.ebcc.info/using-ebba2-...

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

(1/) The next three Waterways Breeding Bird Survey trends that we are going to share are all summer migrant species. Think of them as a throwback to summer! Sedge Warbler dropped in numbers by almost half over the last quarter of a century along waterways. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social

A Sedge Warbler is shown. It is a small, streaky warbler species with a distictictive pale eye stripe. It is perched on a Reed Stem.

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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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Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) | Goose & Swan Monitoring (GSMP) @webs-gsmp.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Time for a #WeBSSpeciesSpotlight✨ Today we have the gorgeous Shelduck. These chunky, charismatic birds are usually seen on estuaries and coastal marshes, and they nest in burrows! To learn more about Shelducks and other WeBS species, visit BirdFacts➡️www.bto.org/birdfacts #Ornithology #UKBirding

A photo of a shelduck with latin name Tadorna tadorna, with labels showing a dark green head, a bright red bill (males have a fleshy bump at the base of the bill), a white body with black patches, and a chestnut brown band around the body. Their seasonality is present throughout the year, peaking during winter and spring migration. Weight is 1250g. Eggs are 8-10. Diet is small invertebrates, and some vegetation and seeds. Habitats are estuarine, marine and intertidal, and wetland.

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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

56% of breeding success records submitted to the SMP for 2026 are from sites in England! If you have records from any SMP-covered country, please submit them by October 31st. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An image of two adult Cormorants and their two young.

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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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BTO Garden BirdWatch @bto-gbw.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

🎉Congratulations to everyone involved in this new PoMS paper! PoMS provides the evidence needed to understand how pollinators in the UK are doing and focus conservation work where it's most needed.🐝🦋

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BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

BTO Youth are advertising for new Youth Representative roles and Youth Advisory Panel members! 🦆 Find out more and apply here ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/youth Deadline for applications: 4th October and 8th November.

Image of a young person talking to a group in a woodland environment. There is a QR code in the top right corner. Text reads, 'BTO Youth. Become a BTO Youth Rep! Scan the QR code to find out more and apply'.

Selfie image of a group of young people sitting around a table. There is a QR code in the top right corner. Text reads, 'BTO Youth. Join our Youth Advisory Panel! Scan the QR code to find out more and apply'.

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

(1/) As you may know, BBS started in 1994, so it has been running for over 30 years! Another similar monitoring scheme, the Polish Common Breeding Bird Survey is now celebrating 25 years of data. Read on to find out more…. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social #Ornithology #CitizenScience

A Wryneck is shown. It is a small, cryptically camouflaged Woodpecker species. It is perched on a branch facing right.

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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

On 20 September, a team of BTO staff and volunteers, including @btoshropshire.bsky.social, led two face to face sessions @staffswildlife.bsky.social The Wolseley Centre about waterbird identification and taking part in @webs-gsmp.bsky.social & @birdtrack.bsky.social We saw Great White Egret & Hobby!

©Martin George - Image of a group of staff and volunteers gathered in front of a lake. Scopes are placed on tripods in the centre of the frame.

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European Bird Census Council @ebcc.info · 24/09/2026

We are proud to say that generic bird-monitoring initiatives are growing across Europe, with over 15,000 volunteers participating annually ! Data quality also seems to be improving, and more schemes are publishing their results openly. More: pecbms.info/update-on-th...

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

(1/) The skulking but loud Cetti’s Warbler continues to spread across the southern half of the UK. It increased by 272% along waterways 2014–2024. It overwinters in wet areas and scrub, even if you can’t see it! @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology

A Cetti's Warbler is shown. It is singing! It is a small brown bird with a white chest.

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Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) | Goose & Swan Monitoring (GSMP) @webs-gsmp.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Look to the skies over northern & eastern UK in the next few weeks, and you might spot Pink-footed Geese arriving for winter after a long flight from their Arctic breeding grounds! 🪿 Learn more about our Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme ➡️ www.bto.org/gsmp #Ornithology #UKBirding

A photo of 13 pink-footed geese flying against a blue sky, with the title 'Pink-footed Geese return!'

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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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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

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

(1/) The BBS Upland Rovers scheme is a way of monitoring bird species in Montane habitats, where sought after species such as Ring Ouzel, Dotterel & Ptarmigan may be encountered. A similar scheme in Germany is now gathering momentum… @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social #Ornithology

A male Ring Ouzel is shown. It is a black bird with a white beak. It has a white crescent marking on its breast. It is perched on the ground, facing left.

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Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) | Goose & Swan Monitoring (GSMP) @webs-gsmp.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

We are in need of intermediate & expert birders to join the counting team at Portsmouth & Langstone Harbours, to ensure good coverage! If you can help, please contact us via the "Contact the Local Organiser" button at bit.ly/4xVTSg1 or message @geoffersbutler.bsky.social #ornithology #UKbirding

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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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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

(1/) Sand Martins are often found nesting in banks alongside waterways. This small insectivorous species increased by 69% in this habitat 1999–2024. Find out more about this summer migrant species: www.bto.org/learn/about-... @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social

A Sand Martin is shown. It is perched in a crack in a wall. It is a brown bird with long wings. It has white on its face.

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Butterfly Conservation @savebutterflies.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The results are in 🦋📢 A huge thank you to the 101,565 of you who took part in this year's #BigButterflyCount! While many widespread butterfly species had a good summer, drought and record heat could impact next year’s populations. Read the full results 👉 buff.ly/V75ZHi7

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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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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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BTO Scotland @btoscotland.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

They're coming.... The first few skeins of Pink-footed Geese have been making their presence felt at various sites across Scotland. Listen out for their 'wink-wink!' call. It's very easy to report them via a 'quick add' on BirdTrack too.

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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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UK Seabird Monitoring Programme @smp-seabirds.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Razorbill — perhaps one of our most striking seabirds! Take a look at the post below to find out more about this cliff-nesting species. #Seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Image of a Razorbill with an accompanying species fact file which highlights wingspan (60 - 69cm), maximum age (41 years), diet (fish), number of eggs (1), when to see (year-round), and number of pairs in Britain and Northern Ireland (165,000).

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

(1/) This week’s volunteer story comes from Alan Gomersall, who surveyed a BBS square on a housing estate in Middle England for many years. With Red Kites drifting by overhead, he encountered an interesting variety of species over the years…: www.bto.org/get-involved... @btobirds.bsky.social

An image of a Red Kite is shown. It is a large bird of prey with a forked tail. The caption says: 'Volunteer Stories'.

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BTO Cymru @btocymru.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Live in North Wales and have an interest in seabirds? Head over to Penrhyn Bay on September 18th for a talk on these wonderful bird! #BirdingWales Ydych chi'n byw yng Ngogledd Cymru ac â diddordeb mewn adar môr? Ewch i Fae Penrhyn ar y 18fed o Fedi i wrando ar sgwrs am yr adar rhyfeddol hyn!

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

David from the BBS Team attended this Regional Network Meeting at Attenborough Nature reserve near Nottingham this past weekend! It was great to see some of our fantastic volunteers who are based across England. Find out more about the BTO Regional Network here: www.bto.org/get-involved...

bto.org

Regional Network | BTO

Regional RepresentativesA Regional Representative (RR) is our local leader for BTO in their region, and a key point of contact for other local members and volunteers. The key elements of the role are ...

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Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) | Goose & Swan Monitoring (GSMP) @webs-gsmp.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Are you a birder in Derbyshire and able to help us with counting the birds found on our wetlands, once a month? Then please do contact the WeBS Local Organisers at derbyshire.webs@gmail.com The next Core Count is this Sunday, so the perfect time to get involved! #ornithology #birdingUK

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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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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

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RSPB Science @rspbscience.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

New job alert🪶 Research assistant to support research on Willow Tit demographics. Must have a BTO ringing licence at C level or above Location: Midlands and North of England Duration: Oct-Nov 2026 Deadline: This Wednesday Sept 9th Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car... 📷Ben Andrew

A Willow Tit perches in a branch, looking directly to camera

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

What a great mix of birds, science and people at our BTO Regional Gathering at Attenborough NR today! Exciting times are ahead with Atlas 27-31 ever closer. Talking to people about birds and showing them Hobbies and an Otter through our scopes doesn't count as anti-social behaviour. We checked! 🙂

A group of BTO Regional Network volunteers birdwatching beside a flooded gravel pit. One of them is wearing a fleece with the BTO strapline “Birds Science People” on the back.

A sign on a wooden gate warning about anti-social behaviour. Above it is a group of birdwatchers walking away from the viewer along a footpath. The last person is wearing a jacket with the BTO strapline “Birds Science People” on the back.

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The Rare Breeding Birds Panel @ukrbbp.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Some light reading for the weekend… our most recent report, Rare Breeding Birds in the UK 2023, as published in @britishbirds.bsky.social, is now available open access at tinyurl.com/RBBP2023 #ornithology #ukbirding #birds

The cover of the Nov 2025 issue of British Bird, which contained the RBBP report for 2023

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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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BTO Cymru @btocymru.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

BTO Youth's first Youth Out in Nature Summit, with RSPB Youth Council, will be taking place at RSPB Newport Wetlands! Book a space for FREE ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/eve... Open to young people aged 14–25! Enjoy activities from bird walks to fungi ID and nature journaling. 🪶 @rspbcymru.bsky.social

A group of young people look into the distance of a nature reserve, some using binoculars. Wording above reads: Youth Out in Nature Summit. Saturday 26th September. 10am-4pm. Free entry. bto.org/youth-events RSPB & BTO Youth logos feature.

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

(1/) The Breeding Bird Survey is perhaps not the most effective survey to monitor population trends for species like Barn Owl. This is because most Barn Owls in the UK are active at dawn and dusk, so not during the times that BBS surveyors are out surveying their squares. @btobirds.bsky.social

An image of a Barn Owl. It is a medium size owl species that is mainly creamy white. It has a distinctive heart shaped facial disk.

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BirdTrack @birdtrack.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

A spell of easterly winds last week led to the best week for Pied Flycatchers since early September 2024. Some great counts at east coast hotspots, but also lots of reports of birds further west #ukbirding

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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

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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 Garden BirdWatch @bto-gbw.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

🍂 As summer gives way to autumn, garden wildlife is changing. Look out for Hummingbird Hawkmoths and birds such as Long-tailed Tits, Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs. What are you seeing in your garden? Tell us, and join Garden BirdWatch! 📸 Jill Pakenham and Graham Catley

A large moth with orange underwings and a greyish-brown body hovers facing right. The long black tongue probes the purple flowers that fill the rest of the photo. It's a Hummingbird Hawkmoth.

A small grey-ish bird sits on a thin branch in the middle of the photo going from top left to bottom right. The bird has slight green to the wings, and a yellow flash lined with black up from the forehead to the top of its head. To the left, there is a cluster of red berries, some dripping with rain. A single red berry is to the right. The bird is a Goldcrest.

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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

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