BTO Research Reports

BTO Research Reports

BTO Research Reports are scientific papers that have been self-published by the BTO. The following is a full list of the published BTO research reports, which includes BBS reports, Waterbirds in the UK (WeBS) reports and SMP reports. Most are free to download, and links to Abstracts are included where possible.

Numbers missing from the list are those allocated but which were never produced or which have not been published. BTO recognises that, particularly in respect of commercially sensitive cases, a period of confidentiality is appropriate for some projects. However, in the interests of scientific development and dissemination of information, we encourage clients to permit publication as soon as it is reasonable to do so.

BTO Research Report 778

Assessment of recent Hen Harrier population trends in England through population modelling

This study uses a population modelling approach to explore the effects of changes in rates of productivity, survival, and settlement on population growth in the English population of Hen Harriers.

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BTO Research Report 778

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Northern Ireland Seabird Report 2019

Author: Booth Jones, K.

Published: 2020

There were mixed fortunes for Northern Ireland’s seabirds in 2019, but monitoring that year also confirmed the importance of the country’s coastline for its 22 breeding seabird species. Key findings of the Northern Ireland Seabird Report 2019 include promising news about Kittiwake numbers. The Red-listed Kittiwake is in long-term decline in the UK as a whole, with numbers of breeding adults standing at less than half their 1960s total. However, this decrease is happening at a much slower rate in Notherern Ireland, and some colonies are actually showing a long-term increase. In 2019, Kittiwakes in Northern Ireland had a good year, with increases at all sites. The colonies The Gobbins and Muck Island fared particularly well, with numbers increasing by 68% and 65% respectively compared to 2018. Razorbills and Guillemots also did well in 2019, the former being recorded in its highest numbers since records began at Muck Island and the latter having its best year since 2016. It is not all good news, however. Fulmar numbers continue to decline, along with Black Guillemot, at Northern Ireland’s best known seabird haven, Rathlin Island. The annual recording of seabird numbers by volunteers is vital for capturing the long-term changes in Northern Ireland's breeding seabird population, and alerting policy makers to the need for conservation action.

18.03.20

Reports Northern Ireland Seabird Report

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Assessing the habitat use of Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus from the Bowland Fells SPA in 2017 and 2018

Author: Clewley, G.D., Scragg, E.S., Green, R.M., Thaxter, C.B. & Burton, N.H.K.

Published: 2020

This report presents the results of GPS tracking of Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Larus fuscus) breeding at the Bowland Fells Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area (SPA) in 2017 and 2018. The report builds on previous results from 2016. The aims of the study were to identify potential feeding areas and to quantify the amount of time spent by the gulls within the SPA boundary.

21.01.20

BTO Research Reports

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BirdTrends 2019

Author: Massimino, D., Woodward, I.D., Hammond, M.J., Harris, S.J., Leech, D.I., Noble, D.G., Walker, R.H., Barimore, C., Dadam, D., Eglington, S.M., Marchant, J.H., Sullivan, M.J.P., Baillie, S.R. & Robinson, R.A.

Published: 2020

The BirdTrends 2019 report is a one-stop shop for authoritative information about the population status of the common breeding birds of the wider UK countryside. The report is based on data gathered by the many thousands of volunteers who contribute to BTO-led surveys.

01.01.20

Reports BirdTrends

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Desk-based revision of seabird foraging ranges used for HRA screening

Author: Woodward, I., Thaxter, C.B., Owen, E. & Cook, A.S.C.P.

Published: 2019

A key step in understanding the possible impacts of a proposed windfarm development is to identify potential interactions between seabird breeding colonies and the proposed development areas. Such interactions are typically assessed using generic information on foraging ranges, derived from academic studies. This report uses the latest data to provide updated estimates of foraging range, which will help to ensure that the best available information is available when new developments are being considered.

01.12.19

BTO Research Reports

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