Habitat quality is a central concept in species conservation. Key resources must be available if a species is to breed successfully and maintain high survival. BTO work has identified critical elements of habitat for the Nightingale, a species celebrated for its remarkable song. This information has been summarised in a Conservation Advice Note – the first of its kind for the BTO.

Bird Atlas 2007–11 is the definitive statement on breeding and winter bird distributions in Britain and Ireland. It builds on previous atlases (1968–72 Breeding Atlas, 1981–84 Winter Atlas, 1988–91 Breeding Atlas) to show how the fortunes of the birds of Britain and Ireland have changed over the last 40 years. Bird Atlas 2007–11 presents over 1,300 detailed maps for nearly 300 species, showing where each breeds and winters, where they are most and least abundant and where status is changing. The species accounts and chapters bring together the latest scientific findings to explain these patterns and highlight the major issues facing our changing bird faunas. The most complete and comprehensive overview of bird distribution and change in Britain and Ireland Over 1,300 maps describe patterns of distribution, abundance and change for nearly 300 species in one hardback volume Compiled from data collected by over 40,000 volunteer surveyors through timed visits, roving records and other sources, over four summers and winters Discover the changing fortunes of the birds of Britain and Ireland through the expert analysis and interpretation of scientists and authors Dawn Balmer, Simon Gillings, Brian Caffrey, Bob Swann, Iain Downie and Rob Fuller. Order now from NHBS Also now available as an ebook Purchase from iTunes Also available from Amazon for Kindle devices and apps.

Written and illustrated by experts, this guide contains a wealth of information for 145 British and Irish species, together with introductory sections on nest-monitoring techniques, nest identification, legislation, the BTO Nest Record Scheme and nest-finding skills. It is intended as an aid to those involved in monitoring nests for research and conservation purposes. This book is now out of print. We are looking into a new publication.

2009 sees the celebration of 100 years of bird ringing in Britain & Ireland, and this guide highlights some of the major achievements of the Scheme over that time. People have always been fascinated by the movements of birds, whether they be seasonal comings and goings of migrants, or local movements of our own breeding birds. Ringing has long been the best tool to answer many of these questions, from the first bird ringed (a Lapwing) in Aberdeen in 1909. Since then, over 35 million birds have been ringed by trained and licensed BTO volunteers, from seabirds on remote Scottish islands, to common-or-garden birds caught at standardised ringing sites. Bird Ringing is an ideal training tool for ringers, explaining how and why we ring birds. It contains numerous examples of how ringing has contributed to conservation science and research, and how it helps us understand population changes by providing information on survival and recruitment. The guide is also a great introduction to bird ringing for non-ringers, not only highlighting the Scheme's successes, but also explaining why we still need to keep ringing today. Full of facts and figures, you can find out about some of the Scheme's record-breakers: Which bird lives to over 50 years old? Which bird has travelled the furthest, found 18,000 km from home? How old is our oldest Blackbird? Which bird was found in the stomach of a crocodile in The Gambia? Which group of three birds ringed in Cambridgeshire were found together later the same day, 350 km away in France?

Gardening for BirdWatchers provides a wealth of information on wildlife-friendly gardening, bringing together the expertise of garden designers Ian and Barley Wilson (Natural Gardens) with that of the BTO to produce the definitive guide to improving your garden for birds and other wildlife. The book starts by examining the different ways in which birds use gardens, identifying elements within the garden that can be used to attract birds (and other wildlife). It then gets to grips with garden basics by examining the principles and techniques of a wildlife-friendly approach. This section covers flower forms, selecting plants, soil management, planting techniques, mulching, pruning and pests & disease. The main section of the book looks at wildlife-friendly designs for a wide range of garden types and garden elements. For example, planting plans and species lists are provided for sunny borders for insects, lawns, mini-meadows, butterfly mounds, shady areas and walls, courtyards and garden ponds. Other sections cover specific plants, covering those useful for nesting and roosting cover, those that provide fruits and seeds, those useful in attracting butterflies, moths and bumblebees. Detailed lists of suitable plants, drawn from the literature, provide you with choice in which species to establish in your own garden. Other sections cover the provision of nest boxes, bird food and roosting pouches. There are also sections on hygiene & disease at garden feeding stations and how to deal with predators, like cats and Sparrowhawks. The book has many planting schemes Many different garden components are covered

An essential reference book for all wader enthusiasts. Primarily aimed at ringers who have the opportunity to examine waders in the hand. It contains much information on identification and ageing, sexing and racial characters to aid birdwatchers in the field. Paperback reprint of 1977 edition. The geographical area covered by the guide comprises the Palaearctic and Nearctic faunal regions. All the species of the families Rostratulidae, Haematopodidae, Ibidorhynchidae, Recurvirostridae, Dromadidae, Burhinidae, Glareolidae, Charadriidae and Scolopacidae regularly breeding within the Holarctic are described in detail.

There are millions of birds on the move to, from and through Britain and Ireland in every month of the year. In August, for instance, Swifts are leaving for southeast Africa, the first Lapwings are arriving from Russia and Arctic Terns can be seen flying south, on their way from Scottish islands to Australia and the Antarctic Ocean. By September, the first Redwings and Fieldfares will have arrived, Swallows will be drifting south and Twite will be leaving Yorkshire moorland to spend the winter on east coast estuaries. In Time to Fly, the author Dr Jim Flegg OBE, former Director of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and a ringer of over 30,000 birds, captures the magic of migration among the birds in seven familiar habitats. He investigates when, why and how this frenetic activity takes place and the hazards that migrants may encounter on their often prodigious travels. Nearly one hundred maps illustrate the migratory journeys of birds as diverse as Manx Shearwaters and Chaffinches, House Martins and Cuckoos. Time to Fly is a fascinating read for birdwatchers, whether beginner or more expert, or indeed for anyone with an interest in one of the most striking marvels of nature.