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.

Toby with binoculars - Rob Read

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.

Curlew. Liz Cutting

Raising Curlew chicks is key to their survival

By studying data from over 15,000 ringed Curlew, researchers have determined that conservation efforts for this declining species should focus on increasing breeding success.

Skylark. John Harding

Making the most of BirdTrack data

We have been working to produce useful summaries for bird reports using data from the millions of annual BirdTrack records.

WeBS counting. Photograph by Teresa Frost

Find a project

POPULAR: Wetland Bird Survey Heronries Census Cuckoo Tracking Project BirdTrack Breeding Bird Survey

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

Robin. John Harding

Garden BirdWatch

Help with research into garden wildlife by joining our Garden BirdWatch community

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.

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.

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.

Migration blog (mid July - early August)

With migration slowing to a trickle during midsummer, we now turn our thoughts to late summer and the first hints of autumn migration.

BBS volunteer. Photograph by David Tipling

BTO and COVID-19

BTO statement on participating in surveys during the Coronavirus pandemic (UPDATED 23.07.2021).

Attenborough the Cuckoo

Meet the Cuckoo class of 2021

We are pleased to announce that eleven new Cuckoos have been tagged as part of our Cuckoo Tracking Project.