Wintering Thrushes

This appeal is now finished and results are currently being analysed.

During the winters’ of 2012/13 and 2013/14, thousands of volunteer birdwatchers took part in the BTO’s Wintering Thrushes Survey. BTO Corporate Members supported their efforts looking at how thrushes use the countryside throughout the winter; providing the evidence needed to assess the importance of the UK for the five wintering thrush species.

We know how and when the five thrush species, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Fieldfare and Redwing, make use of our gardens, especially when winter weather makes it hard to find food elsewhere. But, what about in Britain's wider countryside? And how could changes to our landscapes and weather patterns be affecting thrushes and their food supply?

The British countryside seems to be a haven for thrushes from as far afield as Iceland and Russia during the colder months, but there are some interesting questions, concerning both resident and migrant thrushes, cropping up which our scientists wish to investigate.

The second year of the Winter Thrushes Survey is now complete. Together the two years of data will help us understand a lot more about how thrushes use our counrtyside. Results will be published on the survey webpages when they are available.


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