Welcome to the BTO

Looking out for birds? Share your interest in birds with others by being part of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). 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.

Are you seeing Bullfinches in your garden?

Records from approximately 11,000 BTO Garden BirdWatchers indicate that Bullfinches are being seen in more gardens than ever this year! Bullfinches were seen by 19% of Garden BirdWatchers in April 2018, which is almost double the average (1995-2017) for this month. These figures follow on from a record high last winter, after a successful breeding season. Our Annual Results for 2017 show a 16% increase in the percentage of gardens reporting them compared to 2016. See the full Garden BirdWatch Annual Results.

Spotted Flycatcher. Photograph by John Harding

A northern powerhouse

The latest Breeding Bird Survey report, which has just been published, shows a 66% increase for Spotted Flycatcher during 2011–2016 and a 21% upturn for Willow Warbler in Scotland over the last 23 years. In England, both of these birds are in trouble. Read the full 2017 BBS report to find out more.

Three tagged Cuckoos back in the UK

We now have three of our satellite tagged Cuckoos back. Selborne in the New Forest, Hampshire and PJ and Victor in King's Forest, Suffolk. We are still waiting for Larry and Peckham. Follow the journey of our Cuckoos.

Spring Raffle winning numbers

The winning ticket numbers have now been drawn for the Spring Raffle 2018 and can be viewed here. Winners are currently in the process of being contacted. A massive thanks to everyone who took part and helped to raise almost £42,000 in ticket sales and donations to fund our work looking out for birds.

Other recent news

BTO Heronries Census - 90 not out.

Feed the birds? Scientists highlight risks of disease at garden bird feeders

Selborne is back