Welcome to the British Trust for Ornithology | BTO - British Trust for Ornithology

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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.

Bird Atlas 2007-11 cover

Open access atlases

BTO has been working with volunteer-sourced atlas data for many decades. Now we are taking the bold step of making the full archive of distribution data freely available for anyone to use.

Black Kite. Jill Pakenham

Climate change in a warming world

BTO science contributes to our understanding of future scenarios, and informing policies and conservation management strategies to help species adapt.

Tagged Lesser Black-backed Gull. Gary Clewley

Bird tracking - a masterclass

Phil Atkinson explains the technology behind tracking.

Arctic Tern Photographer Jeremy Moore

Find a project

POPULAR: BirdTrack Nest Record Scheme Cuckoo Tracking Project Garden BirdWatch Breeding Bird Survey

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

Gardenwatch

Take part in citizen science in the UK's biggest nature reserve - our gardens. Help us understand how gardens can help our wildlife thrive.

Goldfinch. Paul Newton

Is bird feeding changing Britain's garden bird communities?

Newly published research from BTO shows how the popular pastime of feeding the birds is significantly shaping garden bird communities in Britain.

Migfest 2019

Migfest 2019

Tickets are now on sale for Spurn Migration Festival 2019. The festival runs from 6-8 September and will celebrate the autumn migration of birds.

revised bto.org homepage

Key changes to the new BTO website

Get a quick round-up of the key changes to the relaunched BTO website.

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.

Join BTO today

Support BTO by becoming a member, and receive a wonderful welcome gift -

our great BTO guide to Common British Birds

Gift memberships are also available.