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BTO England

@btoengland.bsky.social
1.6K followers 280 following 127 posts

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is the UK’s leading bird research organisation. Discover research updates, project news and events from across England right here. www.bto.org

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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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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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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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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
We've got some brilliant BTO Youth events coming up in England including at #RSPB Rainham Marshes & at Port Meadows in Oxford. Book a FREE space here ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/you...
A Golden Plover stands on the top of a grassy mound. Wording over the image reads: Oxford birding get-together. Port Meadow, Oxford. Saturday 17 October. 10am-1pm. Free entry. bto.org/youth-events A Short-eared Owl flies over grassland. Wording over the image reads: Young birders walk, RSPB Rainham Marshes. Saturday 31 October. 11am-3.30pm. Free entry. bto.org/youth-events
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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 · 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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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
The BBS coverage across England is looking great this year! As things stand, we are on for setting a new record of survey coverage for the country. If you survey a square in England and you haven’t entered your data yet, please do so by 31 August! @btobirds.bsky.social @btoengland.bsky.social
A graph showing the cumulative number of BBS visits submitted in England over the last five years.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Listen to ‘A is for Auk’ on the BTO podcast, Beyond The Bird Table! Join us as we delve into the world of seabirds with ornithologist, writer & broadcaster, Prof Tim Birkhead & Senior Research Ecologist with BTO Scotland, Dr Nina O’Hanlon #Birds #UKBirding
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Dream job alert 🎉 Are you a talented videographer with a passion for nature? Join our team! Apply online ➡️ www.bto.org/jobs 📆 Full time. 📝 £33,954 per annum. 📍 Thetford, Norfolk (Hybrid). ⚠️ Application deadline: 5 July.
Puffins gather on the top of a rockface. Wording above reads: We're hiring! Digital Communications Officer (Videographer).
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Take part in our brand new Birds in Greenspaces survey for a day➡️ www.bto.org/greenspaces 🐦 We’re encouraging everyone to sign up, download the app and give it a go. 🌳 Just explore your local greenspace, which could be a park, football pitch or cemetery & record the birds that you see or hear.
An illustrated artwork of the head of a Starling features on a pale background alongside the wording: Take part in Birds in Greenspaces Day! Saturday 13 June.
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Don't miss out on your chance to join BTO & @spurnbirdobs.bsky.social at Migfest 2026! From guided walks to expert talks there's something for everyone! Book a ticket at www.tickettailor.com/events/spurn...
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Dawn Balmer @debalmer.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Brood of five Whooper Swans at WWT Welney in front of the main obs. These are usually injured birds, or at least one of the pair is injured, and they remain at Welney year-round. #NorfolkBirding
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Purple Heron 🤩 We were delighted when our team spotted this Heron out on our Nunnery Lakes Reserve in Thetford, Norfolk this week! What's been your favourite spring bird encounter so far? #NorfolkBirding 📷 Nick Moran
The side profile of a Purple Heron as it perches in the branches of a tree. It looks to the right showing its long pointed bill.
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
(1/) According to the 2025 BBS Report, finches are fluctuating in England. The fortunes of 3 familiar species that regularly visit gardens, Greenfinch, Chaffinch & Goldfinch are changing. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology #CitizenScience
An olive green male Greenfinch is featured. It has a stout beak and a yellow wing bar, It is perched in a branch. The title says: ‘Finches in England.’ The BBS logo is in the top right and is a black and white line drawing of a goldfinch
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Two FREE BTO Youth events are taking place this weekend in Essex at Wat Tyler Country Park ⬇️ Nest Recording and Bird Walk with @essexbirdnews.bsky.social, 9am-12pm 🪺 Pollinator Survey Training with Buglife, 1pm-4pm 🐝 Book a space at www.bto.org/youth-events #EssexBirding
A pollinator visits a flowering plant. Wording reads: BTO Youth x Buglife Pollinator Survey Training. Wat Tyler Country Park, Essex. Saturday 16 May. 1-4pm. Free Entry. bto.org/youth-events.Five small eggs lay in a nest. Wording alongside reads: Nest recording and bird walk. Wat Tyler Country Park, Essex. Saturday 16 May. 9am-12pm. Free entry. bto.org/youth-events
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
(1/) It is England’s turn for two up, two down! Red Kite increased by a whopping 24,950% 1995-2024. This representative percentage increase highlights how successful reintroduction programmes have been for this species. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology

A Red Kite is shown. It has a grey head, a red body with white panels on its wings. It has a long tail with a distinctive forked tip. The BBS logo is top right, which features a Goldfinch.
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Are you aged 11–17 and do you love nature? There's still time to apply for our brilliant BTO Bird Camp in Dorset, 17–19 July, kindly supported by @harbourbirds.bsky.social Applications by Sunday at 23.59 please! www.bto.org/our-work/you... 📷 BTO England Bird Camp staff in 2023, BTO Youth
Young people (BTO staff members and youth volunteers) on the BTO England Bird Camp 2023. Photograph by BTO Youth.
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Greenspaces in and around town centres are great spaces for wildlife. You can help us discover their importance for birds and people by taking part in our Birds in Greenspaces survey! Sign up at www.bto.org/greenspaces
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Don't miss this BTO Youth Dawn Chorus Walk with @essexbirdnews.bsky.social at Abberton Reservoir this weekend! Sign up at www.bto.org/our-work/eve... The event is FREE to attend and open to young people between the ages of 12 and 25. #EssexBirding
A Nightingale perches on a branch as it opens its bill to sing. Wording alongside reads: Dawn Chorus Walk. Abberton Reservoir, Essex. Sunday 26 April, 9am-11:30am, free entry. bto.org/youth-events. BTO Youth and The Essex Birdwatching Society logo are top left of the image.
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
1/Yesterday was #WorldCurlewDay. Many posts on the subject have highlighted the huge declines in UK Curlews & most of those are @bbs-birds.bsky.social figures. Here's a look at the latest figures, just out: 👉www.bto.org/bbs-report UK Curlew are down 51% across the UK...
A curlew in a grassland setting. Overlaid are the Breeding Bird Survey indices from 1994 to 2025, with a downward arrow above showing the overall decline of 51% 1995-2024. A small map of the UK is in the bottom left.
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Another BTO Cuckoo has touched down in the UK! 🙌 To sponsor a Cuckoo and follow their migrations on our interactive map visit www.bto.org/cuckoos. Thank you. 💚 #Ornithology #UKBirding 🪶
A map showing the migration of Cuckoo Jim from the UK to Africa and back again, with his current location in the UK. A headshot of Cuckoo Jim features, alongside the wording: After making his way steadily north through France, Jim launched across The Channel from Bayeux and arrived on the coast near Worthing on 16 April! From here, he headed to West Sussex, and is just 7 miles from where he was tagged last May.
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
We've got BTO Youth events in London & Dorset, book a FREE space ➡️ www.bto.org/youth-events 📍Ecosystem in a jar – Build a terrarium. 26 April, 1pm-3.30pm, The Centre for Wildlife Gardening, London. 📍Girls Go Birding: Birding and a Brew. 2 May, 10am-12:30pm, Hengistbury Head, Dorset.
A Blue Tit perching on a stump. The BTO Youth logo is top right of the image. Wording below reads: bto.org/youth-events
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
The newly released 2025 BBS Report shows that Song Thrush is up by 26% in England in the last three decades, following a decline of over 50% from 1965 to 1995. Regionally, this species has increased in several areas, although it has declined in London. @bbs-birds.bsky.social #Ornithology
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Whether it’s a park, sports field or cemetery we want you to tell us what #birds use your local greenspace!🐦🌳 Sign up to our Birds in Greenspaces survey at www.bto.org/greenspaces Just download the app, select your greenspace and log bird records! #UKBirding #BirdingScotland #BirdingWales
Illustrated artwork by Will Rose features a greenspace scene with a pathway, pond, trees, grass, bench, and birds in the trees including Blackbird, House Sparrows and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Wording alongside reads: The Birds in Greenspaces Survey starts 1 April. Tell us what birds use your local greenspace.
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Join BTO Youth for a young birders walk at RSPB Rainham Marshes! Open to those aged 12 to 25, book a FREE space here ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/eve... Open to beginner birders, but any level is welcome to join. #EssexBirding
A Redshank amongst grassland. Wording over the image reads: Young Birders Walk. RSPB Rainham Marshes. Saturday 11th April 12:00-16:30. Open to 12-25-year-olds only. Free entry. bto.org/youth-events
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BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
A recent study looking at data from 17 small migratory bird species tracked on passage between Europe and Africa shows they shift altitude markedly when crossing deserts and marine barriers! Read more ➡️ www.bto.org/study_migrat... #Ornithology 📷 Graham Catley / BTO
A Sedge Warbler flies through the blue sky with its wings outstretched above its body and bill wide open.
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Do you live close to BTO HQ in Thetford, Norfolk? If you do and would like to find out more about the birdlife in your local area, why not sign up to take part in our ‘Meet the BTO’ Online Session on Monday 16 March? Register before Friday 13 March ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/eve... #NorfolkBirding
A short-eared Owl perches on a post. Wording alongside reads: Free Zoom Session. Meet the BTO (focusing on the geographical area around BTO HQ). Monday 16 March, 7pm - 8.45pm.
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
There's still time to apply for BTO Bird Camps if you're aged between 11-17 ➡️ www.bto.org/birdcamps This year our Southern England Bird Camp is run in collaboration with @harbourbirds.bsky.social. We are delighted to be working alongside them to make this year's camp an unforgettable experience!
A collage of photos showing BTO Bird Camp activities, including a group of young people looking at plants, a young person drawing at a table, a young person looking through binoculars and a close-up of a caterpillar. In the middle is an orange circle with white wording that reads: Bird Camps 2026. The BTO Youth logo is above this. Wording in a box at the bottom reads: Swanage. Southern England. 17-19 July. In collaboration with Birds of Poole Harbour.
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Join BTO Youth for a FREE birding and survey introduction walk at Long Lands Common in North Yorkshire. Book a space ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/eve... 📆 Sunday 15 February. 📝 Open to those aged 16-25.
A pathway runs through the middle of a woodland with trees in green leaf. Wording reads: Introductory birding & citizen science. Long Lands Common, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Sunday 15th February, 8.30-11.45. Open to those aged 16-25. Free entry! bto.org/youth-events. Long Lands Common and BTO Youth logo top right.
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
We're holding two bird camps in England this year! They will be in Lancashire, 1-3 May, and Dorset, 17-19 July. Apply now for a free space ➡️ www.bto.org/birdcamps
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Always exciting to see a Water Rail! You don't need to see them to know they are present however, just listen out for their 'pig-like squeal' call.
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Any volunteers in Norfolk who can survey this @bbs-birds.bsky.social square? #NorfolkBirding
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
A Tawny Owl sounds like a brilliant way to start the year! What birds have you seen or heard this year? Discover more about Tawny Owls on our Bird Facts page 👉 www.bto.org/learn/about-...
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Join BTO Youth for a Young Birders Walk at @rspbengland.bsky.social Rainham Marshes! Book a FREE space ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/eve... Enjoy a guided walk, learn bird ID tips & discover BTO surveys including @webs-gsmp.bsky.social 🪶 Open to beginner birders, but any level welcome! #EssexBirding
A flock of Wigeon. Wording over the image reads: Young Birders Walk RSPB Rainham Marshes. Saturday 17th January 11:30-15:00. Open to 12-25 year olds only. Free entry. www.bto.org/youth-events RSPB and BTO Youth logo feature top right of the image.
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Tom Cadwallender @tomcadwallender.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Tree Sparrow in our garden on the Northumberland coast. Numbers are well down in our garden this year compared to previous winters. @btobirds.bsky.social #nebirding
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
New study on Lesser Spotted Woodpecker! ⬇️ @lesserspotnet.bsky.social volunteers deployed audio recorders at over 50 sites in suitable habitat in southern England in spring 2024 and 2025. #bioacoustics
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Don't miss author James Parry's talk about Emma Turner at Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes. 📅 Thu 20 Nov, 1-3pm. Book a space ➡️ www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2025-... From 10am to 12pm our BTO Archivist can show you original material from the Emma Turner archive too. #NorfolkBirding
norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk
James Parry - The life of bird photographer Emma Turner | Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Join Norfolk Wildlife Trust and the British Trust for Ornithology for a talk by James Parry, co-author with Jeremy Greenwood of the book Emma Turner - A life looking at birds.
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Happening this weekend on 22 November, join BTO Youth, @myabambrick.bsky.social and @bournemouthuni.bsky.social for this nature conference in Dorset. Book a space ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/you...
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BTO Shropshire @btoshropshire.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
We're here as volunteers to support the work of @btobirds.bsky.social in #Shropshire. See our profile for contact info. Our updated header pic shows what may be the largest Lesser Black-backed Gull roost in the country, at #Ellesmere. So impressive, people stop their cars to enjoy the spectacle!
The Mere at Ellesmere, showing a large water body (a mere is a lake formed by the melting of glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age) with mature trees lining the far bank.

Hundreds of gulls are on the water or flying above, forming a visually striking scene. Totals when the image was taken (21 October 2025) were around 900 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, around 15 Herring Gulls, 5 Yellow-legged Gulls, and an amazing 9,380 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.A close-up of the gull roost, showing lots of Lesser Black-backed Gulls and one, much smaller, Black-headed Gull in the foreground.
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
If you have any data for the Heathland Birds Survey please submit this by 30th November! Thank you for your support with this survey.
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Jamie Everett @jamieeverett.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Best views I’ve had of Long-eared Owl near Warham Greens this evening. After 2 minutes of preening, it tried hunting around the roosting site before heading out to the salt marsh #birding #Norfolkbirding #ukbirding
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
If you're heading to the North West Bird Watching Festival this weekend, come and say hi! We're looking forward to chatting birds and BTO surveys. 🦢 #lancsbirding @wwtworldwide.bsky.social Find out more ➡️ www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-cent... 📷 Pink-footed Geese by Chris Knights/BTO
Five Pink-footed Geese fly through the sky.
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Mya Bambrick @myabambrick.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
Announcing an exciting new event 🤩 🌿 Be the Future of Nature’s Recovery in Dorset & Beyond 📍 Bournemouth Uni 🗓️ Sat 22 Nov 1–6pm A free @btobirds.bsky.social x @bournemouthuni.bsky.social conference with Megan McCubbin, Paul Morton, Katiana Saleiko & more! 🙌🏻 More info👉🏻 www.bto.org/our-work/eve...
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RareBirdAlert @rarebirder.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
MEGA - White-throated Needletail earlier this pm at Tophill Low, E.Yorks First mainland record since 1991 😲 No sign at the moment but make sure you have the BirdAlertPRO app if its re-found. Get a 30-day free trial here rarebirdalert.co.uk/realdata/bir... 📷 via tophilllow.blogspot.com
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Birds of Poole Harbour @harbourbirds.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
A Poole Harbour record smashed today with 93 Spoonbill, plus 1 at Swineham logged, breaking the previous record of 85. Poole Harbour seems to the most important staging site in the country, with the peak not expected until later in Oct. Some stay but most move off into Southern Europe, even Senegal!
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Pechora Pipit! The last sighting in northern England was in 1995 on the Farne Islands. Discover more from BTO's Nick Moran in this BBC article ➡️ www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
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BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Join BTO Youth and @essexbirdnews.bsky.social for a Wetland Bird Survey walk on 4 October. ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/eve... The event is FREE and open to young people between the ages of 12 and 25. #EssexBirding @webs-gsmp.bsky.social
A Black-tailed Godwit wades in shallow water. Wording reads: WeBS & Waders Walk. Two Tree Island Essex. Saturday 4th October. 10:00 - 14:00. Open to 12-25 year olds. Free entry. www.bto.org/youth-events
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Essex Birdwatching Society @essexbirdnews.bsky.social · 13/09/2025
BTO Youth and Essex Birdwatching Society are running a WeBS training & Wader ID event for people aged 12-25 at Two Tree Island on Saturday 4th October. It's free to attend but places are limited, for full details and to book visit www.bto.org/our-work/eve... @btobirds.bsky.social #essexbirding
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Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) @bbs-birds.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
David from the BBS Team attended this meeting. It was great to meet up with several BBS Regional Organisers from across England, and also some members of the wider BTO Regional Network. It was really inspiring to hear the time and effort that they put in! Find out more: 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 role is largely administrativ...
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