iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 1h

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 · 1h

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 · 1h

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 · 1h

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!

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 1h

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.

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 1h

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!

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 1h

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!

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 2h

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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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.

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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/

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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

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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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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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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...

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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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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.

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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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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...

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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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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

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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

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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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Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology

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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Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology

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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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

(1/) Although not as easily recognisable as Cuckoo, which we featured last week, Tree Pipit is another species that has increased in Scotland and declined in England. It is often found in heathland, bogs and conifer plantations. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social

An image of a Tree Pipit. It is a small brown bird with black streaks on its breast. It is perched on a branch.

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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

There are now only three weeks to go to submit your BBS data! If you would like a refresher on how to enter your data online, this video should help!: youtu.be/4uRgFHNOnY0?... Any questions, please email bbs@bto.org. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology

The caption says 'Three Weeks to Go!'. A Robin is shown perched on a branch. It has a red breast and a grey stomach.

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Joncbirder @joncbirder.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

I wrote a thing about AI and birds in the last @btobirds.bsky.social BTO News members’ mag. You can now hear it here, should you wish; www.bto.org/sites/defaul...

bto.org

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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

In the #ShropshireBirds area any remaining wetlands, however small, are worth checking for Common, Green or (if you’re lucky) Wood Sandpipers. Did you hear Quail in the county? It may have been a record year! Please add any 2026 records to BirdTrack to help assess the extent of the influx.

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Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology

Brigit Strawbridge @brigitstrawbridge.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Have you discovered the BTO @btobirds.bsky.social's new podcast 'Beyond the Bird Table' yet? I've just listened to the first episode 'A Is For Auk' - where they discuss the life & death of the Great Auk, and explore the world of UK seabirds. SO worth a listen! open.spotify.com/show/033HfM7...

open.spotify.com

Beyond The Bird Table

Podcast · British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) · The official podcast of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) where we delve deep into the bird world, with expert guests who shed light on the latest...

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Caught up with the BTO podcast yet? In the episode 'A Is For Auk', we discuss the life & death of the Great Auk & explore the world of UK seabirds. Listen here, open.spotify.com/show/033HfM7... or search 'Beyond The Bird Table' wherever you listen to your favourite shows! #Birds #Birdwatching

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

It might be the middle of summer, but there are always birds on the move! Check out our latest Migration Blog to find out what to look for while you're out and about this August. www.bto.org/our-work/new... @birdtrack.bsky.social 📷 Greenshank by Philip Croft/BTO

A Greenshank walks right in the water, photo by Philip Croft/BTO.

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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Job alert! Could you be our next Philanthropy Manager? For further info➡️ britishtrustforornithology.postingpanda.uk/job/925685 Applications by 23:59 on 26 August please. #ConservationJobs

A male Pied Flycatcher (photo by Edmund Fellowes/BTO) perched on a log covered in lichen, with the words 'We're hiring! Philanthropy Manager - Major Donors' written above.

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