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

Skip to main content

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.

Adult Kittiwake and chick, by Liz Cutting / BTO

A crowded ocean: the need for demographic and movement data in seabird conservation

To implement effective conservation actions, locally and globally, we need to quantify the importance of the multiple, often interacting, threats to seabird population growth rates.

Mediterranean Long-eared Bats in the Abbots room of the monastery on Lokrum Island, Croatia.

BTO and bats: solving cryptic puzzles

A trip to a former Benedictine monastery provided our bat acoustics specialist with a unique opportunity to gather recordings of two cryptic bat species.

Kate on Bardsey Island.

My BTO journey

Kate Fox started her journey with BTO as a bird ringing trainee in her teens. Now a BTO Training Officer, she explains how her role helps her inspire the next generation of naturalists.

volunteer-with-us-june-2023-daniel-johnstone-bto.jpg

Seabird ringing volunteer. Daniel Johnstone / BTO

Volunteer

From expert ringers to garden enthusiasts, we have a range of projects to suit everyone.

bullfinch_john_harding.jpg

Bullfinch by John Harding

Garden BirdWatch

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

Osprey by Philip Croft

Join BTO today

Choose from a range of memberships including a monthly subscription, Life, Young Birder or Gift membership.

three_people_birdwatching_in_a_wood.jpg

Three people birdwatching in a wood.

Welfare and safeguarding

Learn more about BTO's approach and policy to welfare and safeguarding and how to report a concern.

More ways we work

Mount Snowdon

National offices

Representing BTO in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Partnership agreement with JNCC by Tom Stewart

BTO partnerships

The organisations we work with to achieve our charitable aims.

Wind farm

BTO Consulting

Bringing our expertise and advice to industry, within the UK and abroad.

Dead Guillemot. Royston Young

Avian influenza spreads into more threatened seabird species

Thousands of seabirds suspected to have died from avian influenza are once again washing up on UK beaches.

Bird surveyer. David Tipling

Guidance information for volunteer fieldworkers

Information about insurance, access rights, safeguarding, health and safety, and our Fieldwork Hazard Checklist.

BTO Youth Bird Camp Northern Ireland

Bird Camp Northern Ireland 2023

BTO Youth was joined by 15 young wildlife enthusiasts at 2023’s Bird Camp Northern Ireland.