New research from BTO has used GPS tracking to investigate the feeding preferences of breeding Herring Gulls at a declining colony, and found that these birds are more likely to be foraging on Mussels than pilfering your lunch. Despite their fearsome reputation, breeding Herring Gull numbers are declining at many formerly important sites and this species has been on the Birds of Conservation Concern Red List since 2009. New research by BTO has used GPS tracking to investigate the movements of Herring Gulls breeding at South Walney, Cumbria. Declines at this well-studied colony mean breeding numbers are currently approximately a tenth of those counted in the late 1980s, when the colony peaked at approximately 11,000 apparently occupied nests. Approximately 75% of fixes from the GPS tags attached to the 24 individuals tracked came from intertidal and near-shore habitats, and in particular Mussel beds, when birds were away from the breeding colony. It is likely that birds were visiting these areas to feed. Previous studies of Herring Gulls breeding at South Walney had shown the importance of landfill as a food source, but local tips have since closed, likely contributing to the reduction in the colony's size. Interestingly, none of the tracked birds specialised in foraging in urban habitats, so are not likely to come into conflict with humans in this environment, where they can be perceived as a pest. However, the birds' specialisation on Mussel beds shows the importance of managing shellfisheries in a way that meets the needs of both humans and Herring Gulls in order to mitigate further declines at this colony.

Population trends are estimated for the first time for twelve species based on Shetland Breeding Bird Survey data collected between 2002 and 2019.

In a new paper for the School Science Review (SSR), a themed journal for science teachers, BTO’s Director of Science describes how schools can contribute to long-term biodiversity monitoring schemes, and the benefits to schools and students of them doing so.

Populations of Short-eared Owls are declining across many parts of their range, including here in Britain, where their breeding range contracted between 1990 and 2010. The relationships between a species’ breeding distribution and population trends with environmental variables can provide valuable information to conservation planners. By understanding these relationships it is possible to use Habitat Suitability Models to identify areas of habitat that are suitable for a species, which in turn can be useful when designating protected areas or nature reserves, or when highlighting areas where new planning developments would have an adverse effect.