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btobirds.bsky.social
BTO | British Trust for Ornithology
@btobirds.bsky.social
11K followers 400 following 970 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
Are the BTO Cuckoos still moving across Africa? Yes they are! ⬇️🌍

Cleeve has headed further south, leaving Cameroon and flying into the Republic of the Congo. He moved around 500 miles over five days! #Ornithology
Two headshot images of Cuckoos Cleeve and Frederic feature in a circular frame in the centre of the image. Underneath is their name and the words, tagged: Norfolk. Above in large writing are the words Cuckoo update. In the background is a half transparent map of the world showing BTO tagged Cuckoos locations in Africa.
November 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
Hear from our Director of Science James Pearce-Higgins in this article from @theguardian.com looking at pesticide bans and bird population recovery ➡️ www.theguardian.com/environment/...
A male blackbird, with black plumage and orange bill with mud on, stands on grassy ground.
November 17, 2025 at 5:13 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
Birdsong is not only beautiful, it’s also full of information. This is where Acoustic Monitoring comes in. Will you support the development of this new and important work? Find out more and donate today ➡️ www.bto.org/acoustic... #bioacoustics #ornithology
A cut out image of a Curlew on a green background alongside the wording: Discover the power of Acoustic monitoring.
November 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
Give the gift of nature this Christmas! 🎄🐦 With a BTO gift membership, your loved one can discover the curiosities of birds and their world with a full year of BTO membership, plus a book and a BTO beanie. 😀 Order today ➡️ www.bto.org/GiftMembership
Cut out images of BTO News magazine, Collins BTO Guide to British Birds book, a BTO 2026 Calendar and a BTO beanie hat layered together over a teal coloured background. Wording to the left reads: Give the gift of nature this Christmas with a BTO Gift Membership. Special Offer. Free BTO Calendar!
November 12, 2025 at 5:39 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
How are hotter☀️ European summers affecting migratory birds?
Research by BTO & @Durham.ac.uk suggests that many birds are struggling to adapt to the effects of climate change.

www.bto.org/our-work/sci...
www.bto.org/our-work/new...

#ornithology #climatechange

📷 Swallow by Edmund Fellowes / BTO
Photo of a Swallow perched on a branch, in bright sunlight
November 11, 2025 at 12:24 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
Did you know that the two Light-bellied Brent Goose populations – from Canada and Svalbard – largely winter on Strangford Lough and Lindisfarne respectively, while the birds wintering elsewhere in Britain come from the Russian Dark-bellied population?

📷 Philip Croft / BTO
A Brent Goose on saltmarsh with its head raised, while the head of another goose appears in the picture on the right hand side foraging.
November 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
If you're out doing your @webs-gsmp.bsky.social counts this weekend, remember to record & report any dead or sick birds you find (info in the link). Bird flu cases are rising.

www.bto.org/our-work/new...

📷 Dead Whooper Swan, by Kane Brides

#UKbirding
Dead Whooper Swan on the bank of a watercourse. Photo by Kane Brides.
November 7, 2025 at 7:43 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
Autumn migration is coming to a close, so here's our final weekly Migration Blog for now. As always let us know what you spot when you're out and about, and don't forget to log your records on @birdtrack.bsky.social.

www.bto.org/our-work/new...

#UKbirding

📷 Iceland Gull, by Scott Mayson / BTO
Sub-adult Iceland Gull on a beach, by Scott Mayson / BTO.
November 7, 2025 at 12:21 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
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
Whooper Swan sick with bird flu in a field, photograph by Kane Brides
November 6, 2025 at 8:08 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
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
A flock of Wigeons feeding on the ground, by Tom Cadwallender / BTO
November 6, 2025 at 11:27 AM
btobirds.bsky.social
How long do you think Wigeon can live for? 🤔⬇️

The longevity record for this species for Britain & Ireland is 34 years and 7 months! 😮

📷 John Harding / BTO
A male Wigeon on water.
November 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
Join BTO Youth and the Essex Birdwatching Society for a brilliant and FREE bird ringing demonstration at Wat Tyler Country Park on 15 November.

www.bto.org/our-work/eve...

#ornithology #ukbirds

📷Robin by Alice Marlow / BTO (bird handled under licence)
A Robin held in the ringers' grip, by Alice Marlow / BTO.
November 4, 2025 at 2:21 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
Last week to apply to be a BTO Youth Rep ➡️ bit.ly/YouthRep25

We're looking for volunteers aged 16-24 to share their passion for nature!🐦🌿Training and support are provided, and expenses will be paid.

📝 Closing date: Sunday 9th November 2025.
A group of young people are crouching down to look at an insect on the woodland floor. Wording below reads: BTO Youth. Become a BTO Youth Rep! Scan the QR code to find out more and apply. A QR code is located in the bottom right corner of the image.
November 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
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
Woodcock in the snow, by Liz Cutting / BTO
November 3, 2025 at 12:41 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
Join BTO Youth and @bournemouthuni.bsky.social for this nature conference in Dorset!

Secure a space ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work...

Enjoy inspiring talks from Megan McCubbin, Paul Morton, Katiana Saleiko and Daisy Meadowcroft, browse stalls and speak to conservation mentors. @myabambrick.bsky.social
An Osprey flies through the sky with a fish in its talons. Wording over the slide reads: Be the future of nature's recovery in Dorset and beyond. Talbot Campus. Dorset. Saturday 22nd November, 13:00-18:00. Open to 13+. Free entry for 13–25-year-olds and those in full time education. bto.org/youth-events. BTO Youth and Bournemouth University logo are top right of the image.
November 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
Here's this week's not-very-spooky BTO Migration Blog for Halloween. Let us know what species you spot when you're out and about this week!

www.bto.org/our-work/new...

Photo by Tom Cadwallender / BTO

#ornithology #ukbirding
Flock of Waxings in a tree, by Tom Cadwallender / BTO
October 31, 2025 at 3:23 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
Expand your knowledge with a BTO membership! We're here to support you with all the latest research, resources and training to help you develop your understanding of birds and the challenges they face.

Join today to access exclusive member content ➡️ www.bto.org/support-... #Ornithology
A Great Spotted Woodpecker on a tree, alongside the wording: Be informed join today.
October 30, 2025 at 8:00 AM
btobirds.bsky.social
Did you know the entire Icelandic and eastern Greenlandic population of Pink-footed Geese comes to Britain in winter? This makes these islands an internationally-important destination for more than a quarter of a million birds.

📷 Chris Knights / BTO
A flock of Pink-footed Geese just taking flight from a field.
October 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
Ready to make a difference in the conservation sector? Join BTO as a Youth Rep and become a voice for UK birds and nature! Check out what our incredible Youth Reps have to say about their journeys so far! 😀

Find out more and apply by Sunday 9th November ➡️ bit.ly/YouthRep25
Image of Youth Rep Lauren smiling at the camera alongside a speech bubble with the following wording: “Through all of these experiences, I feel like I have grown in confidence and developed as a leader, realising how each conversation and every shared experience has the potential to spark real change. This journey has allowed me to grow alongside others, and it’s something I’ll carry with me for years to come.” Lauren (she/her), 19, Youth Rep for Suffolk. The BTO Youth logo and wording Become a BTO Youth Rep feature below. Headshot of Youth Rep Jose looking to the side, alongside a speech bubble with the following wording: “BTO Youth has given me the space to grow - not just as a person, but as a naturalist, a leader and a communicator. It has connected me with others who care deeply about nature and our place in it, helping me feel part of something bigger through their inclusivity, encouragement and belief in young people’s potential to shape the future.” Jose (he/him), 18, Youth Rep for Gloucestershire. The BTO Youth logo and wording Become a BTO Youth Rep feature below.
October 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
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
Photo of a Jack Snipe bird, searching for food by probing its long bill into the mud
October 27, 2025 at 2:03 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
Have you booked your place yet? Grab your ticket to our 2026 Annual Conference & join us for a full day of inspiring talks on a range of topics, from Nightjars and Curlews, to Blackbirds and seabirds. We'd love to see you there! 😀 #Ornithology

Find out more and book ➡️
www.bto.org/our-work...
Wording reads: 2026 Annual Conference. Saturday 28 February, Northampton. Image of a Nightjar (by Getty Images via Canva.com), a Black-headed Gull (by Sarah Kelman / BTO) and a Blackbird (by Sarah Kelman / BTO) feature.
October 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
New Ecologist and Research Support roles for a project in Northern Ireland! @bto-ni.bsky.social

Discover more and apply at www.bto.org/jobs

These positions are supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

#Ornithology #Ecology
Image of a Cormorant cut out on a white background. Wording reads: We're hiring! Senior Research Ecologist. Research Ecologist. Research Support Officer. www.bto.org/jobs. The PeacePlus logo is top right of the image.
October 23, 2025 at 1:41 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
What a great evening celebrating our inspirational BTO and @marshawards.bsky.social winners last week! 🎉

A huge thank you to all of the award winners for their outstanding contribution to ornithology, nature and BTO! 🐦

📷 Anthony Sajdler Photography
A group photo of BTO and Marsh Award winners with BTO staff. Behind the group of people are two BTO banners and on the wall are some of the artworks from the Society of Wildlife Artists Natural Eye exhibition.
October 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM
btobirds.bsky.social
We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Heathland Birds Survey! 🙌

All remaining survey returns are urgently required, before 30th November, to inform future conservation action. If you need any help submitting your records please email heathlandbirds@bto.org. Thank you!
A Dartford Warbler perches on top of a gorse bush. Wording above reads: Heathland Birds Survey. Submit your data. The BTO logo is top right of the image.
October 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM
btobirds.bsky.social
Join us for the BTO South West Conference in Cornwall! Book a ticket ➡️ www.bto.org/our-work...

The day is packed with talks from BTO and guest speakers, with plenty of breaks for catching up with other attendees. Light refreshments and lunch are included. #Ornithology
Two Chough on a rock alongside the wording: BTO South West Conference. Duchy College, Cornwall. Saturday 8 November, 9am-4pm.
October 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM