BTO Northern Ireland
@bto-ni.bsky.social
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is the UK’s leading bird research organisation. Discover BTO projects, news and events from across Northern Ireland right here. https://www.bto.org/about-bto/national-offices/bto-northern-ireland
Hurray! Our Annual Birdwatcher’s Conference is now underway 🪺
We’re enjoying an exciting morning of talks - we've heard from BTO's Sophie Bennett and @rspbinvestigations.bsky.social Dean Jones so far. Huge thanks to all our speakers, stand holders, raffle prize donors, and birdwatchers 🐦
We’re enjoying an exciting morning of talks - we've heard from BTO's Sophie Bennett and @rspbinvestigations.bsky.social Dean Jones so far. Huge thanks to all our speakers, stand holders, raffle prize donors, and birdwatchers 🐦
November 1, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Hurray! Our Annual Birdwatcher’s Conference is now underway 🪺
We’re enjoying an exciting morning of talks - we've heard from BTO's Sophie Bennett and @rspbinvestigations.bsky.social Dean Jones so far. Huge thanks to all our speakers, stand holders, raffle prize donors, and birdwatchers 🐦
We’re enjoying an exciting morning of talks - we've heard from BTO's Sophie Bennett and @rspbinvestigations.bsky.social Dean Jones so far. Huge thanks to all our speakers, stand holders, raffle prize donors, and birdwatchers 🐦
🔔 Final call for the BTO NI Birdwatchers’ Conference on the 1st of November!
We will be hosting a range of talks on bird conservation, birdwatching walks and a raffle
📅 Booking closes THIS SUNDAY! Book here 👇
bit.ly/BTOConferenceNI25
#ornithology
We will be hosting a range of talks on bird conservation, birdwatching walks and a raffle
📅 Booking closes THIS SUNDAY! Book here 👇
bit.ly/BTOConferenceNI25
#ornithology
October 24, 2025 at 1:02 PM
🔔 Final call for the BTO NI Birdwatchers’ Conference on the 1st of November!
We will be hosting a range of talks on bird conservation, birdwatching walks and a raffle
📅 Booking closes THIS SUNDAY! Book here 👇
bit.ly/BTOConferenceNI25
#ornithology
We will be hosting a range of talks on bird conservation, birdwatching walks and a raffle
📅 Booking closes THIS SUNDAY! Book here 👇
bit.ly/BTOConferenceNI25
#ornithology
🦆 Last Saturday the BTO NI team hosted an Autumn Wetland Birding event at Barmouth Bird Hide in Castlerock
📝 We enjoyed identifying wetland birds, counting large flocks and even some bird sketching! We recorded 31 species in total, including c600 Golden Plovers
🙌 Thanks to everyone who attended!
📝 We enjoyed identifying wetland birds, counting large flocks and even some bird sketching! We recorded 31 species in total, including c600 Golden Plovers
🙌 Thanks to everyone who attended!
October 22, 2025 at 10:32 AM
🦆 Last Saturday the BTO NI team hosted an Autumn Wetland Birding event at Barmouth Bird Hide in Castlerock
📝 We enjoyed identifying wetland birds, counting large flocks and even some bird sketching! We recorded 31 species in total, including c600 Golden Plovers
🙌 Thanks to everyone who attended!
📝 We enjoyed identifying wetland birds, counting large flocks and even some bird sketching! We recorded 31 species in total, including c600 Golden Plovers
🙌 Thanks to everyone who attended!
🐦⬛ Are you 16 to 24 and passionate about nature? Become a representative for BTO Youth and join our amazing team of volunteers!
➡️ Receive training, organise activities and attend events with all expenses paid
🔗 Find out more and apply: bit.ly/YouthRep25
🗓️ Closing date: 9th November 2025
➡️ Receive training, organise activities and attend events with all expenses paid
🔗 Find out more and apply: bit.ly/YouthRep25
🗓️ Closing date: 9th November 2025
October 20, 2025 at 1:35 PM
🐦⬛ Are you 16 to 24 and passionate about nature? Become a representative for BTO Youth and join our amazing team of volunteers!
➡️ Receive training, organise activities and attend events with all expenses paid
🔗 Find out more and apply: bit.ly/YouthRep25
🗓️ Closing date: 9th November 2025
➡️ Receive training, organise activities and attend events with all expenses paid
🔗 Find out more and apply: bit.ly/YouthRep25
🗓️ Closing date: 9th November 2025
🪶 Join us for a day of bird talks, birdwatching, and socialising at the BTO NI Birdwatchers' Conference!
📍 1st Nov 2025 | Oxford Island, Co. Armagh
🎁 Enter the raffle for a chance to win a Sea Safari Trip among other exciting prizes!
Book your ticket 👇
bit.ly/BTOConferenceNI25
#ornithology
📍 1st Nov 2025 | Oxford Island, Co. Armagh
🎁 Enter the raffle for a chance to win a Sea Safari Trip among other exciting prizes!
Book your ticket 👇
bit.ly/BTOConferenceNI25
#ornithology
October 15, 2025 at 11:03 AM
🪶 Join us for a day of bird talks, birdwatching, and socialising at the BTO NI Birdwatchers' Conference!
📍 1st Nov 2025 | Oxford Island, Co. Armagh
🎁 Enter the raffle for a chance to win a Sea Safari Trip among other exciting prizes!
Book your ticket 👇
bit.ly/BTOConferenceNI25
#ornithology
📍 1st Nov 2025 | Oxford Island, Co. Armagh
🎁 Enter the raffle for a chance to win a Sea Safari Trip among other exciting prizes!
Book your ticket 👇
bit.ly/BTOConferenceNI25
#ornithology
Spot birds and insects & enjoy the new colours that autumn brings: join our Wildlife Wander at Kiltonga Nature Reserve this Sunday 12th October from 2-4pm
🌿 Kim from @bsbibotany.bsky.social will be along to help us explore the world of plants
Register ➡️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wildlife-w...
🌿 Kim from @bsbibotany.bsky.social will be along to help us explore the world of plants
Register ➡️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wildlife-w...
October 9, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Spot birds and insects & enjoy the new colours that autumn brings: join our Wildlife Wander at Kiltonga Nature Reserve this Sunday 12th October from 2-4pm
🌿 Kim from @bsbibotany.bsky.social will be along to help us explore the world of plants
Register ➡️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wildlife-w...
🌿 Kim from @bsbibotany.bsky.social will be along to help us explore the world of plants
Register ➡️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wildlife-w...
🌿Their diet is primarily made up of Eelgrass, which they feed on in large (very loud!) flocks.
Find out more at BTO BirdFacts: www.bto.org/learn/about-...
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Find out more at BTO BirdFacts: www.bto.org/learn/about-...
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October 6, 2025 at 8:51 AM
🌿Their diet is primarily made up of Eelgrass, which they feed on in large (very loud!) flocks.
Find out more at BTO BirdFacts: www.bto.org/learn/about-...
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Find out more at BTO BirdFacts: www.bto.org/learn/about-...
(4/4)
✈️They undertake a mammoth journey to reach us here, travelling from their breeding grounds in north-eastern Canada – that’s over 4,000 km (or 2,500 miles)!
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October 6, 2025 at 8:51 AM
✈️They undertake a mammoth journey to reach us here, travelling from their breeding grounds in north-eastern Canada – that’s over 4,000 km (or 2,500 miles)!
(3/4)
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🪿Northern Ireland hosts around 30,000 Canadian Pale-bellied Brents each winter, with around 25,000 alone on Strangford Lough!
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October 6, 2025 at 8:51 AM
🪿Northern Ireland hosts around 30,000 Canadian Pale-bellied Brents each winter, with around 25,000 alone on Strangford Lough!
(2/4)
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🐏 Last week the BTO NI team and staff from the National Trust retrieved cameras monitoring a Cormorant colony on Sheep Island
📸 This footage will be vital for understanding coastal-breeding Cormorants, which lack consistent productivity data in Northern Ireland
#seabirds #ConservationScience🌍
📸 This footage will be vital for understanding coastal-breeding Cormorants, which lack consistent productivity data in Northern Ireland
#seabirds #ConservationScience🌍
September 30, 2025 at 1:34 PM
🐏 Last week the BTO NI team and staff from the National Trust retrieved cameras monitoring a Cormorant colony on Sheep Island
📸 This footage will be vital for understanding coastal-breeding Cormorants, which lack consistent productivity data in Northern Ireland
#seabirds #ConservationScience🌍
📸 This footage will be vital for understanding coastal-breeding Cormorants, which lack consistent productivity data in Northern Ireland
#seabirds #ConservationScience🌍
Discover what it's like completing a @bbs-birds.bsky.social survey in an urban area as Mary takes us through her site in Belfast for @theguardian.com Country Diary ➡️ www.theguardian.com/environment/...
July 14, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Discover what it's like completing a @bbs-birds.bsky.social survey in an urban area as Mary takes us through her site in Belfast for @theguardian.com Country Diary ➡️ www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Big thanks to our first NI Science & Engagement Intern, Lois, who wraps up her time with BTO this July! 🐣 She says: “I’ve loved being part of BTO NI and meeting our amazing volunteers. Thanks for this opportunity!” 💚🐦
#ukbirding
#ukbirding
July 3, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Big thanks to our first NI Science & Engagement Intern, Lois, who wraps up her time with BTO this July! 🐣 She says: “I’ve loved being part of BTO NI and meeting our amazing volunteers. Thanks for this opportunity!” 💚🐦
#ukbirding
#ukbirding
🌸 Wildlife Wander in Victoria Park 🌿
Sun 15 June | 2–4PM
Slow down & tune into nature with us on a gentle stroll exploring late-spring wildlife. Damselflies, birdsong & good company await. Wheelchair accessible.
Free but booking essential: email wanders@bto.org to reserve your spot
Sun 15 June | 2–4PM
Slow down & tune into nature with us on a gentle stroll exploring late-spring wildlife. Damselflies, birdsong & good company await. Wheelchair accessible.
Free but booking essential: email wanders@bto.org to reserve your spot
June 11, 2025 at 2:55 PM
🌸 Wildlife Wander in Victoria Park 🌿
Sun 15 June | 2–4PM
Slow down & tune into nature with us on a gentle stroll exploring late-spring wildlife. Damselflies, birdsong & good company await. Wheelchair accessible.
Free but booking essential: email wanders@bto.org to reserve your spot
Sun 15 June | 2–4PM
Slow down & tune into nature with us on a gentle stroll exploring late-spring wildlife. Damselflies, birdsong & good company await. Wheelchair accessible.
Free but booking essential: email wanders@bto.org to reserve your spot
Job alert! We've got a great opportunity for a Science/Engagement Intern to join us at BTO Northern Ireland on a 3 or 6 month internship to learn, grow and contribute to our work to make a positive impact for birds. Find out more and apply ➡️ www.bto.org/jobs #Ornithology
Closing date: 22 June 2025
Closing date: 22 June 2025
June 10, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Job alert! We've got a great opportunity for a Science/Engagement Intern to join us at BTO Northern Ireland on a 3 or 6 month internship to learn, grow and contribute to our work to make a positive impact for birds. Find out more and apply ➡️ www.bto.org/jobs #Ornithology
Closing date: 22 June 2025
Closing date: 22 June 2025
6/ Lesser Redpoll is a woodland species, 60% of which have increased in Northern Ireland, resulting in an increased Bird Indicator for woodland habitats.
Redpolls are seed-eaters, so the rise could mean 2023 was a good year for woodland seed crops.
Full report 👉 www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications...
Redpolls are seed-eaters, so the rise could mean 2023 was a good year for woodland seed crops.
Full report 👉 www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications...
May 30, 2025 at 2:17 PM
6/ Lesser Redpoll is a woodland species, 60% of which have increased in Northern Ireland, resulting in an increased Bird Indicator for woodland habitats.
Redpolls are seed-eaters, so the rise could mean 2023 was a good year for woodland seed crops.
Full report 👉 www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications...
Redpolls are seed-eaters, so the rise could mean 2023 was a good year for woodland seed crops.
Full report 👉 www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications...
5/ Lesser Redpolls saw the biggest between year increase of 161% from 2022–2023. ⬆️
This tiny finch is aptly named with its red forehead, and the three species have actually been 'lumped' since these data - science in action!
Learn more about Redpolls 👉 www.bto.org/learn/about-...
#ornithology
This tiny finch is aptly named with its red forehead, and the three species have actually been 'lumped' since these data - science in action!
Learn more about Redpolls 👉 www.bto.org/learn/about-...
#ornithology
May 30, 2025 at 2:17 PM
5/ Lesser Redpolls saw the biggest between year increase of 161% from 2022–2023. ⬆️
This tiny finch is aptly named with its red forehead, and the three species have actually been 'lumped' since these data - science in action!
Learn more about Redpolls 👉 www.bto.org/learn/about-...
#ornithology
This tiny finch is aptly named with its red forehead, and the three species have actually been 'lumped' since these data - science in action!
Learn more about Redpolls 👉 www.bto.org/learn/about-...
#ornithology
4/ Kestrels are one of several farmland species that have seen declines between 1997-2023.
Species trends vary but overall have resulted in a declining Farmland Bird Indicator for Northern Ireland.
#ornithology
Species trends vary but overall have resulted in a declining Farmland Bird Indicator for Northern Ireland.
#ornithology
May 30, 2025 at 2:17 PM
4/ Kestrels are one of several farmland species that have seen declines between 1997-2023.
Species trends vary but overall have resulted in a declining Farmland Bird Indicator for Northern Ireland.
#ornithology
Species trends vary but overall have resulted in a declining Farmland Bird Indicator for Northern Ireland.
#ornithology
3/ Kestrels’ decline mirrors wider raptor declines - mainly due to reduced food availability.
Groups like @nirsg.bsky.social are working hard to study and protect these magnificent birds.
Check out BTO’s Raptors Appeal to further monitor & conserve our Raptors 👉 www.bto.org/support-us/a...
Groups like @nirsg.bsky.social are working hard to study and protect these magnificent birds.
Check out BTO’s Raptors Appeal to further monitor & conserve our Raptors 👉 www.bto.org/support-us/a...
May 30, 2025 at 2:17 PM
3/ Kestrels’ decline mirrors wider raptor declines - mainly due to reduced food availability.
Groups like @nirsg.bsky.social are working hard to study and protect these magnificent birds.
Check out BTO’s Raptors Appeal to further monitor & conserve our Raptors 👉 www.bto.org/support-us/a...
Groups like @nirsg.bsky.social are working hard to study and protect these magnificent birds.
Check out BTO’s Raptors Appeal to further monitor & conserve our Raptors 👉 www.bto.org/support-us/a...
2/ Kestrels show the steepest decline between 1997–2023 however we have very little data about Kestrels in our records.
Once one of our most abundant raptors in NI, Kestrel sightings have decreased dramatically.
They’re known for their pointed wings, brown back, and hovering flight. #ornithology
Once one of our most abundant raptors in NI, Kestrel sightings have decreased dramatically.
They’re known for their pointed wings, brown back, and hovering flight. #ornithology
May 30, 2025 at 2:17 PM
2/ Kestrels show the steepest decline between 1997–2023 however we have very little data about Kestrels in our records.
Once one of our most abundant raptors in NI, Kestrel sightings have decreased dramatically.
They’re known for their pointed wings, brown back, and hovering flight. #ornithology
Once one of our most abundant raptors in NI, Kestrel sightings have decreased dramatically.
They’re known for their pointed wings, brown back, and hovering flight. #ornithology
The 2025 @daera-ni.gov.uk Environmental Statistics Report is now available! It includes our Annual Wild Bird Indicator for NI plus Indicators for each habitat. 🐤🌿
We spotlight 2 species' trends below: one positive and one negative. 📈📉
Check out the report 👉 www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications...
We spotlight 2 species' trends below: one positive and one negative. 📈📉
Check out the report 👉 www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications...
May 30, 2025 at 2:17 PM
The 2025 @daera-ni.gov.uk Environmental Statistics Report is now available! It includes our Annual Wild Bird Indicator for NI plus Indicators for each habitat. 🐤🌿
We spotlight 2 species' trends below: one positive and one negative. 📈📉
Check out the report 👉 www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications...
We spotlight 2 species' trends below: one positive and one negative. 📈📉
Check out the report 👉 www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications...
What a wonderful Bat Walk in Victoria Park last night led by Mark who's a regular at our monthly Wildlife Wander events!
You can't beat the sounds of echolocating bats on a bat detector 🦇 Turn the volume up! 🔊
www.bto.org/our-work/eve...
You can't beat the sounds of echolocating bats on a bat detector 🦇 Turn the volume up! 🔊
www.bto.org/our-work/eve...
May 29, 2025 at 2:43 PM
What a wonderful Bat Walk in Victoria Park last night led by Mark who's a regular at our monthly Wildlife Wander events!
You can't beat the sounds of echolocating bats on a bat detector 🦇 Turn the volume up! 🔊
www.bto.org/our-work/eve...
You can't beat the sounds of echolocating bats on a bat detector 🦇 Turn the volume up! 🔊
www.bto.org/our-work/eve...
Booking for the Big Nature Day on Saturday 7th June closes this Sunday!
Join us for a ringing demonstration, and workshops on plants, birdsong, moths, bees, butterflies, pond life and more 🌿
See the full programme and book your spot 👉 bit.ly/BigNatureDay25
Join us for a ringing demonstration, and workshops on plants, birdsong, moths, bees, butterflies, pond life and more 🌿
See the full programme and book your spot 👉 bit.ly/BigNatureDay25
May 28, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Booking for the Big Nature Day on Saturday 7th June closes this Sunday!
Join us for a ringing demonstration, and workshops on plants, birdsong, moths, bees, butterflies, pond life and more 🌿
See the full programme and book your spot 👉 bit.ly/BigNatureDay25
Join us for a ringing demonstration, and workshops on plants, birdsong, moths, bees, butterflies, pond life and more 🌿
See the full programme and book your spot 👉 bit.ly/BigNatureDay25
What a lovely morning at Oxford Island with Dot and Eve from BBC Radio Ulster's Your Place And Mine!
Listen in at 8-9am on Saturday 7th June to hear our piece, unless you’re at the Big Nature Day with us!
Booking closes this Sunday for the Big Nature Day, get your ticket now bit.ly/BigNatureDay25
Listen in at 8-9am on Saturday 7th June to hear our piece, unless you’re at the Big Nature Day with us!
Booking closes this Sunday for the Big Nature Day, get your ticket now bit.ly/BigNatureDay25
May 28, 2025 at 10:43 AM
What a lovely morning at Oxford Island with Dot and Eve from BBC Radio Ulster's Your Place And Mine!
Listen in at 8-9am on Saturday 7th June to hear our piece, unless you’re at the Big Nature Day with us!
Booking closes this Sunday for the Big Nature Day, get your ticket now bit.ly/BigNatureDay25
Listen in at 8-9am on Saturday 7th June to hear our piece, unless you’re at the Big Nature Day with us!
Booking closes this Sunday for the Big Nature Day, get your ticket now bit.ly/BigNatureDay25
5/ Thank you so much to the 139 volunteers who surveyed BBS squares in Northern Ireland during 2024. We really appreciate your support!
May 27, 2025 at 1:34 PM
5/ Thank you so much to the 139 volunteers who surveyed BBS squares in Northern Ireland during 2024. We really appreciate your support!
4/ The brightly coloured Greenfinch has unfortunately declined by 82% across Northern Ireland since the mid-1990s. This is thought to be linked to the disease Trichomonosis. You can find out more about it here: www.gardenwildlifehealth.org/portfolio/tr...
May 27, 2025 at 1:34 PM
4/ The brightly coloured Greenfinch has unfortunately declined by 82% across Northern Ireland since the mid-1990s. This is thought to be linked to the disease Trichomonosis. You can find out more about it here: www.gardenwildlifehealth.org/portfolio/tr...