Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
@bbs-birds.bsky.social
The UK Breeding Bird Survey & Waterways Breeding Bird Survey; monitoring bird species with skilled volunteers. A @btobirds.bsky.social, @jncc.bsky.social and @rspb.bsky.social partnership. https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/breeding-bird-survey
Pinned
Falling finch numbers, fading farmland birds, declining Dippers and vanishing Cuckoo calls in England are worrying findings from the 2024 Breeding Bird Survey report out now! Read the report ➡️ www.bto.org/bbs-results
@btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology
@btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology
This week, we are sharing the most widespread species recorded on BBS squares across the UK in 2024. They are all common and familiar species! Find out more about taking part in the survey here: www.bto.org/get-involved... @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology
November 13, 2025 at 7:14 AM
This week, we are sharing the most widespread species recorded on BBS squares across the UK in 2024. They are all common and familiar species! Find out more about taking part in the survey here: www.bto.org/get-involved... @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
🎶 Winter is coming – so make sure to listen out for the ‘chacking’ of Fieldfare and the high-pitched ‘tseep’ calls of night-flying Redwing (1/3)
#ornithology
#ornithology
November 12, 2025 at 3:45 PM
🎶 Winter is coming – so make sure to listen out for the ‘chacking’ of Fieldfare and the high-pitched ‘tseep’ calls of night-flying Redwing (1/3)
#ornithology
#ornithology
(1/) What’s that coming bobbing along?! It’s a Common Sandpiper! This species, which does now winter in the UK in small numbers, declined by 21% across the UK between 1995 and 2023. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology #CitizenScience
November 12, 2025 at 8:00 AM
(1/) What’s that coming bobbing along?! It’s a Common Sandpiper! This species, which does now winter in the UK in small numbers, declined by 21% across the UK between 1995 and 2023. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology #CitizenScience
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
Some good news for Friday: the new RBBP report reveals that five species of large wading bird reached record totals in 2023, including Spoonbill. See the trend since 2010 below… even the bird itself looks shocked by the increase! Read more at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... #ukbirding #ornithology
November 7, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Some good news for Friday: the new RBBP report reveals that five species of large wading bird reached record totals in 2023, including Spoonbill. See the trend since 2010 below… even the bird itself looks shocked by the increase! Read more at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... #ukbirding #ornithology
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
Worrying reports of bird flu (avian influenza) are coming in, including an outbreak in Whooper Swans in the Fens. Other waterbirds are also being affected, and cases are rising.
📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
November 6, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Worrying reports of bird flu (avian influenza) are coming in, including an outbreak in Whooper Swans in the Fens. Other waterbirds are also being affected, and cases are rising.
📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
If you live in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight and would like to find out more about how you can get involved in the BTO’s work, join us for a FREE Zoom session on Wednesday 19 November.
www.bto.org/our-work/eve...
@hosbirding.bsky.social
#UKbirding
📷 Flock of Wigeon, by Tom Cadwallendar / BTO
www.bto.org/our-work/eve...
@hosbirding.bsky.social
#UKbirding
📷 Flock of Wigeon, by Tom Cadwallendar / BTO
November 6, 2025 at 11:27 AM
If you live in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight and would like to find out more about how you can get involved in the BTO’s work, join us for a FREE Zoom session on Wednesday 19 November.
www.bto.org/our-work/eve...
@hosbirding.bsky.social
#UKbirding
📷 Flock of Wigeon, by Tom Cadwallendar / BTO
www.bto.org/our-work/eve...
@hosbirding.bsky.social
#UKbirding
📷 Flock of Wigeon, by Tom Cadwallendar / BTO
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
Another species returning to breed in 2023 was Temminck's Stint; a pair laid a clutch of four eggs in Highland, although the nest was later flooded out. This tiny wader bred regularly in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, but this was the first confirmed breeding since 1997 #ornithology #BirdingScotland
November 6, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Another species returning to breed in 2023 was Temminck's Stint; a pair laid a clutch of four eggs in Highland, although the nest was later flooded out. This tiny wader bred regularly in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, but this was the first confirmed breeding since 1997 #ornithology #BirdingScotland
The BBS Team is currently busy verifying 2025 data. For the next couple of weeks, we are going to share some species info from 2024. This week, we share the 10 most numerous species recorded on BBS squares across the UK in 2024! @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 7:31 AM
The BBS Team is currently busy verifying 2025 data. For the next couple of weeks, we are going to share some species info from 2024. This week, we share the 10 most numerous species recorded on BBS squares across the UK in 2024! @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social
(1/) The distinctive Curlew, with its evocative, bubbling calls declined by 51% between 1995 and 2023 across the UK. This decline was particularly significant in Wales, where it declined by 76%. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology
November 5, 2025 at 8:00 AM
(1/) The distinctive Curlew, with its evocative, bubbling calls declined by 51% between 1995 and 2023 across the UK. This decline was particularly significant in Wales, where it declined by 76%. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
Our report for 2023 is out now in @britishbirds.bsky.social. There's a summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... but if you prefer to watch rather than read then here's RBBP secretary @markaeaton.bsky.social with a few key points and some lovely photos! #ornithology #ukbirds youtu.be/arj1m7NfKmY
Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2023
YouTube video by Rare Breeding Birds Panel
youtu.be
November 4, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Our report for 2023 is out now in @britishbirds.bsky.social. There's a summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... but if you prefer to watch rather than read then here's RBBP secretary @markaeaton.bsky.social with a few key points and some lovely photos! #ornithology #ukbirds youtu.be/arj1m7NfKmY
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
Quite a few of the seabirds covered by the SMP share similar features!
We previously covered Shags and Cormorants, and today we're looking at distinguishing Mediterranean Gulls from Black-headed Gulls #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
We previously covered Shags and Cormorants, and today we're looking at distinguishing Mediterranean Gulls from Black-headed Gulls #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Quite a few of the seabirds covered by the SMP share similar features!
We previously covered Shags and Cormorants, and today we're looking at distinguishing Mediterranean Gulls from Black-headed Gulls #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
We previously covered Shags and Cormorants, and today we're looking at distinguishing Mediterranean Gulls from Black-headed Gulls #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
The latest report from the RBBP, Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2023, is out now in British Birds. It reports on the 104 species and races of rare breeding birds recording breeding, or showing signs of breeding, in 2023. Read the summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... #ornithology #ukbirds 🧵[1/15]
November 4, 2025 at 10:51 AM
The latest report from the RBBP, Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2023, is out now in British Birds. It reports on the 104 species and races of rare breeding birds recording breeding, or showing signs of breeding, in 2023. Read the summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... #ornithology #ukbirds 🧵[1/15]
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
This is a wonderful record to break and it's all down to our many volunteers out there helping to gather incredibly valuable data- thanks to everyone that has helped!
2025 has been a record year for BBS coverage! 4,054 visits to BBS squares have been made this year. This beats the 2018 record of 4,048. Thanks so much to all of the BBS volunteers across the UK who have contributed to this! @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 3:34 PM
This is a wonderful record to break and it's all down to our many volunteers out there helping to gather incredibly valuable data- thanks to everyone that has helped!
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
November is the peak month for wintering Woodcock arrivals.
Unfortunately, Woodcock are prone to colliding with buildings during their noctural migration. If you find a dead or injured bird, please report it via the BirdTrack App, or email woodcock@bto.org.
📷 Woodcock by Liz Cutting / BTO
Unfortunately, Woodcock are prone to colliding with buildings during their noctural migration. If you find a dead or injured bird, please report it via the BirdTrack App, or email woodcock@bto.org.
📷 Woodcock by Liz Cutting / BTO
November 3, 2025 at 12:41 PM
November is the peak month for wintering Woodcock arrivals.
Unfortunately, Woodcock are prone to colliding with buildings during their noctural migration. If you find a dead or injured bird, please report it via the BirdTrack App, or email woodcock@bto.org.
📷 Woodcock by Liz Cutting / BTO
Unfortunately, Woodcock are prone to colliding with buildings during their noctural migration. If you find a dead or injured bird, please report it via the BirdTrack App, or email woodcock@bto.org.
📷 Woodcock by Liz Cutting / BTO
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
❄️As temperatures drop, Pied Wagtails flock to urban areas: car park trees and shop roofs turned cosy roosts, warmed by the urban heat island effect. Smart little winter survivors, they are more likely to be spotted in gardens during the colder months. 🐦✨
#UKBirding
#UKBirding
November 3, 2025 at 12:24 PM
❄️As temperatures drop, Pied Wagtails flock to urban areas: car park trees and shop roofs turned cosy roosts, warmed by the urban heat island effect. Smart little winter survivors, they are more likely to be spotted in gardens during the colder months. 🐦✨
#UKBirding
#UKBirding
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
2025 has been a good year for our BBS coverage, but we can do better! 51 BBS and 7 Wetland BBS squares were surveyed, or 88% of our allocation, by 49 volunteers. A huge thank you to all of them.
There's always room for more! ➡️ www.bto.org/get-involved...
#ShropshireBirds @bbs-birds.bsky.social
There's always room for more! ➡️ www.bto.org/get-involved...
#ShropshireBirds @bbs-birds.bsky.social
November 2, 2025 at 8:38 PM
2025 has been a good year for our BBS coverage, but we can do better! 51 BBS and 7 Wetland BBS squares were surveyed, or 88% of our allocation, by 49 volunteers. A huge thank you to all of them.
There's always room for more! ➡️ www.bto.org/get-involved...
#ShropshireBirds @bbs-birds.bsky.social
There's always room for more! ➡️ www.bto.org/get-involved...
#ShropshireBirds @bbs-birds.bsky.social
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
Today, October 31st, is the final day to submit your breeding seabird data to the Seabird Monitoring Programme! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 5:47 AM
Today, October 31st, is the final day to submit your breeding seabird data to the Seabird Monitoring Programme! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
2025 has been a record year for BBS coverage! 4,054 visits to BBS squares have been made this year. This beats the 2018 record of 4,048. Thanks so much to all of the BBS volunteers across the UK who have contributed to this! @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 8:18 AM
2025 has been a record year for BBS coverage! 4,054 visits to BBS squares have been made this year. This beats the 2018 record of 4,048. Thanks so much to all of the BBS volunteers across the UK who have contributed to this! @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
Less than 2 days to submit your breeding seabird data now! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
October 30, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Less than 2 days to submit your breeding seabird data now! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
It’s great to see this video celebrating 50 years of the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme! The Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey is part of this, which BBS volunteers can take part in on their squares as an optional extra. There is also a small cameo from David W from the BBS Team in this video.
We're thrilled to share this film featuring some of the dedicated volunteers who monitor butterflies for the UKBMS
A huge thank you to them, and everyone who's supported the scheme over the last 50 years.
#UKBMS50
youtu.be/OrF5AgseX1U?...
A huge thank you to them, and everyone who's supported the scheme over the last 50 years.
#UKBMS50
youtu.be/OrF5AgseX1U?...
Celebrating 50 years of butterfly monitoring
YouTube video by Butterfly Conservation
youtu.be
October 30, 2025 at 10:01 AM
It’s great to see this video celebrating 50 years of the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme! The Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey is part of this, which BBS volunteers can take part in on their squares as an optional extra. There is also a small cameo from David W from the BBS Team in this video.
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
⚠️ Found a sick or dead bird?
In gardens 👉 report to Garden Wildlife Health: www.gardenwildlifehealth.org
In the countryside 👉 log on BirdTrack, and if there are several birds, notify APHA.
In gardens 👉 report to Garden Wildlife Health: www.gardenwildlifehealth.org
In the countryside 👉 log on BirdTrack, and if there are several birds, notify APHA.
Garden Wildlife Health
Garden Wildlife Health (GWH) is a collaborative project between the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Froglife and the Royal Society for the Protection of Bi...
www.gardenwildlifehealth.org
October 29, 2025 at 7:36 AM
⚠️ Found a sick or dead bird?
In gardens 👉 report to Garden Wildlife Health: www.gardenwildlifehealth.org
In the countryside 👉 log on BirdTrack, and if there are several birds, notify APHA.
In gardens 👉 report to Garden Wildlife Health: www.gardenwildlifehealth.org
In the countryside 👉 log on BirdTrack, and if there are several birds, notify APHA.
(1/) After we covered Oystercatcher last week, this week, we share the BBS trend for the aerobatic and charismatic Lapwing. This species declined by 53% across the UK between 1995 and 2023. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology #CitizenScience
October 29, 2025 at 8:00 AM
(1/) After we covered Oystercatcher last week, this week, we share the BBS trend for the aerobatic and charismatic Lapwing. This species declined by 53% across the UK between 1995 and 2023. @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspbscience.bsky.social #Ornithology #CitizenScience
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
That's right - you only have until October 31st to submit your breeding seabird data to the Seabird Monitoring Programme! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
October 27, 2025 at 8:19 AM
That's right - you only have until October 31st to submit your breeding seabird data to the Seabird Monitoring Programme! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
New @birdtrack.bsky.social migration blog!
➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/news/blog/migblog/24-oct-2025 Reports of winter thrushes continued to rise along with Brambling & Goldcrest. We’ve also seen a spike in Jack Snipe & more Short-eared & Long-eared Owls were recorded on the east coast. #Ornithology
➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/news/blog/migblog/24-oct-2025 Reports of winter thrushes continued to rise along with Brambling & Goldcrest. We’ve also seen a spike in Jack Snipe & more Short-eared & Long-eared Owls were recorded on the east coast. #Ornithology
October 27, 2025 at 2:03 PM
New @birdtrack.bsky.social migration blog!
➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/news/blog/migblog/24-oct-2025 Reports of winter thrushes continued to rise along with Brambling & Goldcrest. We’ve also seen a spike in Jack Snipe & more Short-eared & Long-eared Owls were recorded on the east coast. #Ornithology
➡️ www.bto.org/our-work/news/blog/migblog/24-oct-2025 Reports of winter thrushes continued to rise along with Brambling & Goldcrest. We’ve also seen a spike in Jack Snipe & more Short-eared & Long-eared Owls were recorded on the east coast. #Ornithology
Reposted by Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS)
The latest BTO Migration Blog looks at the cryptic Jack Snipe as it arrives in Britain for the winter, as well as more arrivals of winter thrushes, Yellow-browed Warblers and the latest rare vagrants #ukbirding
www.bto.org/our-work/new...
Photo credit: Jack Snipe by Allan Drewitt / BTO
www.bto.org/our-work/new...
Photo credit: Jack Snipe by Allan Drewitt / BTO
October 27, 2025 at 1:12 PM
The latest BTO Migration Blog looks at the cryptic Jack Snipe as it arrives in Britain for the winter, as well as more arrivals of winter thrushes, Yellow-browed Warblers and the latest rare vagrants #ukbirding
www.bto.org/our-work/new...
Photo credit: Jack Snipe by Allan Drewitt / BTO
www.bto.org/our-work/new...
Photo credit: Jack Snipe by Allan Drewitt / BTO