A world inspired by birds and informed by science.

Making birdwatching count

We empower 60,000 bird-enthusiasts to gather vital data, develop their skills and be part of a vibrant community.

Championing impartial science

We answer the most pressing questions about birds, through our thorough and impartial scientific research.

Sharing our bird knowledge

We communicate our knowledge and expertise to increase the value of birds and other wildlife for all.
Toby with binoculars - Rob Read
Article

BTO Equipment Donation Scheme

BTO is supporting young people across the UK by supplying them with unused or unwanted birdwatching equipment. Share your passion for birdwatching with the next generation.
Herring Gull. John Harding
Publication

Herring Gulls aren't after your chips

New BTO research using GPS tracking reveals that declining Herring Gulls are more likely to be foraging on Mussels than pilfering chips.
Agricultural land, Cambridgeshire. Ailidh Barnes
Blog

The importance of habitat data

Habitat information is vital for understanding how birds use their environment. BTO's Ailidh Barnes explains why in this blog post.
Arctic Tern Photographer Jeremy Moore

Find a project

POPULAR: BirdTrack Garden BirdWatch Bird Ringing Scheme Breeding Bird Survey Waterways Breeding Bird Survey

Use our project finder to find the project that matches your level of bird expertise and the time you have available.

Start

WeBS counting. Photograph by Teresa Frost

Wetland Bird Survey

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) monitors non-breeding waterbirds in the UK.

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Garden Birds and Other Wildlife book cover

Join BTO today

Support BTO by becoming a member, and receive a wonderful welcome gift - our handy guide to Garden Birds & Other Wildlife.

Gift memberships are also available.

Join BTO
Bird surveyors. Photograph by Jamie Murray-Grant

Develop your skills

Let us help you to improve your birding, fieldcraft and surveying skills. Browse our range of helpful guides and programme of training courses.

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More ways we work

Scottish mountain scenes. Andy Wilson

National offices

Representing BTO in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Andy Clements meeting with Westland Horticulture

BTO partnerships

The organisations we work with to achieve our charitable aims.
Fitting a Goshawk with a GPS tracking device

BTO Consulting

Bringing our expertise and advice to industry, within the UK and abroad.
Kittiwake. Richard Jackson (Background image by Philip Croft)

Our Lost Seabirds

Our internationally important seabird colonies are under threat. We must act now to protect them for the future.
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Blog

Migration blog (17th - 23rd September)

Many of our summer visitors will be well on their way by now with Swallow, Willow Warbler, and Swift sightings rapidly falling in the last couple of weeks.

 Create Blog _ BTO - British Trust for Ornithology.html
Blog

Migration blog (10th – 16th September)

With the past week seeing a rise in temperatures across much of Britain and Ireland the pace of migration continued to grow, with the settled conditions providing migrant birds with clear skies and favourable winds.

 Clouded Yellow. Scott Mayson
News

New taxa added to BirdTrack

You can now record butterflies, reptiles, amphibians, and orchids in BirdTrack