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btobirds.bsky.social
BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
@btobirds.bsky.social
11K followers 400 following 1.2K posts
BTO is the UK's leading Registered Charity working with volunteers to improve our knowledge of birds through monitoring and research. www.bto.org
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btobirds.bsky.social
1/2 Discover how BTO CEO Juliet Vickery inspired & encouraged Dr Antje Steinfurth in this article for @nhbs.bsky.social for International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

📖 Read the feature here ➡️ www.nhbs.com/blog/interna... #WomenInScience

📷 Anthony Sajdler
BTO CEO Juliet giving a speech at the Marsh Awards.
February 11, 2026 at 4:45 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
1/ A research paper involving our Head of Ringing & Nest Recording Ellie Leech looked at the importance of increasing inclusivity in biological recording. Discover more in this thread ⬇️🧵

📖 www.bto.org/UKInclusivit...

#WomenInScience #CitizenScience
A group of people gather round looking at birds on a lake. Wording to the left of the image reads: New work. Increasing inclusivity in biological recording in the United Kingdom: progress to date and future priorities. www.bto.org/UKInclusivityBiologicalRecording
February 11, 2026 at 10:31 AM
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
smp-seabirds.bsky.social
1/3 - Would you like to contribute to an Ireland-wide Black Guillemot survey partnered between @bto-ni.bsky.social & @npwsireland.bsky.social this spring? If so, have a look through this thread to find out more! #seabirds #ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
Graphic displays an image of a Black Guillemot by Sarah Kelman/BTO, with a speech bubble from its mouth containing the text 'Can you help?!'. Caption reads: '1/3 - Would you like to contribute to an Ireland-wide Black Guillemot survey partnered between @bto-ni.bsky.social & @npwsireland.bsky.social this spring? If so, have a look through this thread to find out more! #seabirds #ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'
February 10, 2026 at 3:30 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
1/ We need you to make sure your local Greenspace is included on our map ready for the Birds in Greenspaces survey! ➡️ app.bto.org/birds-in...

You can use the map to search for mapped greenspaces near you, suggest new sites and changes to existing ones if there's something we've missed!
The image features an illustration of an unfolded map showing greenspaces and birds. Above this wording reads: Add your local greenspace to the Birds in Greenspaces Map.
February 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
j-dunning.net
Our article, a birder’s guide to HPAI, was published today in @britishbirds.bsky.social - it’s open access this month.

We explain how bird-flu infected seabirds in 2021/22 and the importance of citizen science to montoring future outbreaks in the wild. 🪶🧪

britishbirds.co.uk/journal/arti...
BB eye: A birder’s guide to High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza
High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI, bird flu) virus infections have historically been most commonly associated with wild Eurasian waterfowl with...
britishbirds.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 9:50 AM
btobirds.bsky.social
Join us for FREE events introducing you to the Breeding Bird Survey @bbs-birds.bsky.social 🐦 Book now ➡️ www.bto.org/events

These events are taking place across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and are run by our expert teams. #Ornithology
A Linnet perches on a branch. Text over the image reads: Free in person events. Introduction to the Breeding Bird Survey. Book a space at www.bto.org/events. Image credit bottom right reads: Linnet by Liz Cutting/BTO. The BTO logo is top right.
February 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
We're hiring Field Ornithologists and Surveyors! Apply now ➡️ www.bto.org/jobs

📝 Full and part time opportunities.
📆 Closing date: Tuesday 17 February.

#Ornithology
A Yellowhammer perches on a branch with its bill open as it sings. Wording over the image reads: We're hiring. Field Ornithologist/Survey Mentor (BBS Surveys) - Northern Ireland. Field Ornithologists (EFS Surveys) - Northern Ireland. Field Surveyors (LandSpAES Project) - England. The logo for the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and BTO feature at the bottom of the image.
February 7, 2026 at 8:00 AM
btobirds.bsky.social
⚠️ Please report sightings of dead birds for possible testing for Avian Influenza. ⬇️

📌 In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/...
📌 In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/...
📌 In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.serv...

#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
Image of a deceased Puffin lying on the ground. White wording on an orange background reads: Please report sightings of dead birds.
February 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
We're delighted to be welcoming 10 new BTO Youth Reps! 😀 Read all about their passion for nature and connect with your local rep at www.bto.org/our-work...
A collage of 10 portrait pictures of BTO's new Youth Reps. An orange banner at the top of the image reads: Meet our new Youth Reps. BTO Youth logo is top right.
February 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
sambayley.bsky.social
I caught this bird the day the day it arrived (17th) and it stayed until 25th. It was then seen on 28th 289km away in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. It would seem that the regular wintering bird at both locations is actually the same bird….🤯 🪶📷 Ronan Owens @birdguides.bsky.social @btobirds.bsky.social
February 4, 2026 at 3:47 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
We're looking for an intern in our @bto-ni.bsky.social team to focus on Science and Engagement! Apply at www.bto.org/jobs

📆 Full time, Temporary (6 months)
📝 £25,888 per annum pro rata
📌 Deadline for applications: Sunday 15 February
Two Black Guillemots perch on rocks. White wording on a purple background reads: Work with us! Science & Engagement Intern in Northern Ireland. www.bto.org/jobs. The BTO Northern Ireland logo is in the top right corner.
February 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
It's such a tough choice! Vote for your favourite icon for our Birds in Greenspaces app. Cast your vote here ➡️ bit.ly/VoteBiGsIcon
February 4, 2026 at 9:06 AM
btobirds.bsky.social
New blog from BTO Senior Research Ecologist Ian Woodward for @ukrbbp.bsky.social delves into a new method for estimating breeding populations of Little Egrets. It discovered they were higher than previously thought – likely exceeding 2,000 pairs in the UK! #Ornithology

📖
Little Egret Population Estimates
Visit the post for more.
rbbp.org.uk
February 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
smp-seabirds.bsky.social
Manx Shearwaters winter in the South Atlantic Ocean, predominantly off Brazil and Argentina. These birds begin returning to oceans surrounding the UK by late February, so start keeping an eye out for them 'shearing' over the sea! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
Graphic displays an image of a Manx Shearwater in flight by Liz Cutting/BTO next to a map showing a hypothetical migration route from their UK breeding grounds to their wintering grounds off the coast of South America. Caption reads: 'Manx Shearwaters winter in the South Atlantic Ocean, predominantly off Brazil and Argentina. These birds begin returning to oceans surrounding the UK by late February, so start keeping an eye out for them 'shearing' over the sea! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'
February 3, 2026 at 10:25 AM
btobirds.bsky.social
Great free birding walk for young people aged 16-25 ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/eve... #YorkshireBirding
btoengland.bsky.social BTO England @btoengland.bsky.social · 9d
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.
February 2, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
webs-gsmp.bsky.social
Today is #WorldWetlandsDay!

Thank you to all of our WeBS volunteers, contributing to our knowledge on wetlands and the birds they comprise of, providing essential data for decision makers.

📷 Brent Goose by Philip Croft/BTO
#Ornithology
February 2, 2026 at 10:07 AM
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
willrose.bsky.social
Which is your favourite? Have you voted for your favourite bird ?

Loved designing these for the really lovely ‘Birds in Greenspaces’ app coming out in spring !
I’m very fond of the wood pigeon 🐦
btobirds.bsky.social BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · 12d
✨ Vote for your favourite bird image! ✨ We need you to pick our new Birds in Greenspaces icon for our brand-new mobile phone app!

Vote here ➡️ bit.ly/VoteBiGsIcon

Will it be the Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Green Woodpecker or Chaffinch? 🤔

Voting closes on 15 February.
Six individual bird illustrations focusing on the head of the bird are lined up in a collage. Species depicted include the Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Green Woodpecker and Chaffinch. Artwork by Will Rose.
February 2, 2026 at 8:17 AM
btobirds.bsky.social
Want to learn what birds are singing? Join our Bird Sound ID in Early Spring training course ➡️ www.bto.org/training #Ornithology
A Dunnock has its bill open in song as it perches on the top of a bush. Wording to the left reads: Bird Sound ID Training Course. When. Tuesdays at 7pm & Wednesdays at 10am or 7pm for set dates in March. Where. Two online sessions. www.bto.org/training. Image credit bottom right reads: Dunnock by Allan Drewitt / BTO.
January 31, 2026 at 7:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
✨ Vote for your favourite bird image! ✨ We need you to pick our new Birds in Greenspaces icon for our brand-new mobile phone app!

Vote here ➡️ bit.ly/VoteBiGsIcon

Will it be the Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Green Woodpecker or Chaffinch? 🤔

Voting closes on 15 February.
Six individual bird illustrations focusing on the head of the bird are lined up in a collage. Species depicted include the Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Green Woodpecker and Chaffinch. Artwork by Will Rose.
January 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
1/ Spotted Flycatchers are in trouble, declining by 92% in the UK between 1967 and 2020. New work led by @cateden91.bsky.social & involving BTO has revealed the importance of rivers for the survival of this Red-listed migratory species. ⬇️ #Ornithology

📖 www.bto.org/Spotted-Flyc...
A Spotted Flycatcher perches on a piece of wood. White writing over the green background reads: Rivers vital for Spotted Flycatchers according to new research. Image credit bottom left reads: Spotted Flycatcher by Edmund Fellowes/BTO.
January 29, 2026 at 8:42 AM
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
birdguides.bsky.social
Britain's Little Egret population is bigger than thought, according to a fascinating new BTO study:
Little Egret numbers higher than thought, new BTO study reveals
New analysis by the BTO suggests the UK breeding population of Little Egret is significantly larger than previously estimated, highlighting the rapid success of one of Britain's most prominent recent colonists.
bit.ly
January 27, 2026 at 9:56 AM
btobirds.bsky.social
1/ Survey! 📝 How are automated species identifications from passive acoustic monitoring verified and quality-assured in practice? #bioacoustics

Take part here ➡️ forms.gle/Ak3eYgZivUPa...
Verification and quality assurance in Passive Acoustic Monitoring
This survey explores how automated acoustic species identifications are verified and quality‑assured in practice, and how uncertainty is communicated and used. The survey takes approximately 20 minut...
forms.gle
January 28, 2026 at 11:12 AM
btobirds.bsky.social
1/ Arctic Skuas are on the UK Birds of Conservation Concern Red List. But new BTO-led research reveals just how much we don’t know about their numbers globally. Discover more. ⬇️ #Ornithology #Seabirds

📖 www.bto.org/Arctic-Skua-...
Image of an Arctic Skua with wording at the bottom that reads: New Study. Global population status of the migratory Holarctic species Arctic Skua. www.bto.org/Arctic-Skua-Populations. BTO logo top right.
January 27, 2026 at 11:59 AM
btobirds.bsky.social
Bird Camps are back! 🙌 Apply for a FREE place now ➡️ www.bto.org/birdcamps

If you’re a nature lover aged 11-17 (12-16 in Scotland) join us and fellow nature enthusiasts for a weekend of birding, exploring and nature-based activities. 🐦🦋 @scottishbirding.bsky.social
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.
January 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Reposted by BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
smp-seabirds.bsky.social
East or west? Tracking work from 2017-2020 by BTO staff provided the first evidence of Scottish breeding Arctic Skuas wintering off South America! Other individuals wintered along the western and southern African coast. #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
Graphic displays an image of an Arctic Skua by Edmund Fellowes/BTO and a map showing rough migration routes to their south American and west to south African coast wintering grounds. Caption reads: 'East or west? Tracking work from 2017-2020 by BTO staff provided the first evidence of Scottish breeding Arctic Skuas wintering off South America! Other individuals wintered along the western and southern African coast. #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'
January 26, 2026 at 12:09 PM