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
Publication

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.
Pheasant. Jill Pakenham.
Publication

Associations between gamebird releases and general predators

Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges for commercial shoots may be boosting numbers of the avian predators and scavengers.
Young Leaders Course at Spurn. Jonnie Fisk
Blog

Gen Z and the BTO

Amy Hall discusses how BTO can better provide opportunities for the next generation of ornithologists. 
WeBS counting. Photograph by Teresa Frost

Find a project

POPULAR: Wetland Bird Survey BirdTrack Cuckoo Tracking Project Bird Ringing Scheme Nest Record Scheme

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

Start

Blue Tit on garden feeder

Garden BirdWatch

Help track the changing fortunes of our garden birds alongside 12,000 other Garden BirdWatchers

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Waxwing. Photograph by John Harding
News

Put BTO on your wish list this Christmas

Ask for gift membership this Christmas and help us understand more about birds' lives in a changing world.

 The long term trends of woodland, farmland and upland birds in Scotland
News

Scottish Breeding Bird Indicator updated

The latest Scottish terrestrial breeding bird indicator reveals mixed fortunes and short-term impacts of the Beast from the East.

 Polesia sunset. Daniel Rosengren
News

Calling in the wilderness - a PhD opportunity

A call out to graduates to work on an exciting acoustic monitoring project in 2020.
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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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.

Join BTO