Welcome to the BTO

Looking out for birds? Share your interest in birds with others by being part of the British Trust for Ornithology. Volunteer surveyors, members and staff work in partnership to provide unbiased information about birds and their habitats. Join or volunteer today and make birds count.

Migfest 2017

Celebrating the natural spectacle that is bird migration, the Spurn Migration Festival 2017 will take place 8–10 September and once again BTO will be there. Don’t miss Professor Ian Newton talking about migration, the various walks and workshops, and migration in action. Tickets for the event are on sale and selling fast, get yours here.

Tracking the wonders of bird migration

Flight Lines, due to be published in late August, brings together the latest research and stunning artwork to tell the stories of our summer migrants. The book, which is being offered as a new joiner gift, is available at a special pre-publication price. Find out more about the book.

New Cuckoo and Nightingale Appeal

Both Cuckoo and Nightingale populations have suffered staggering declines in the last 40 years. It’s more vital than ever that we push on with the ground-breaking research we have begun on Cuckoos and pull out all the stops to unearth as much as we can from the information we hold in our archives about the Nightingale. Support our new appeal here.

Oystercatcher. Photograph by John Proudlock

Help fill the gaps for the European Atlas

With the breeding season in full swing, can your birdwatching help fill important gaps in the European Breeding Bird Atlas? Submit your records with breeding evidence to BirdTrack to help this project.

Other recent news

Walk for wildlife this summer

Announcing the Cuckoo Class of 2017

Waterbirds in the UK 2015/16