Publications

Publications

BTO create and publish a variety of important articles, papers, journals and other publications, independently and with our partners, for organisations, government and the private sector. Some of our publications (books, guides and atlases) are also available to buy in our online shop.

Annual report of the Seabird Monitoring Programme

Seabird Population Trends and Causes of Change: 1986–2023

This report presents the latest seabird population trends in breeding abundance and productivity using data from the Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP). 

The report documents changes in the abundance and productivity of breeding seabird species in Britain and Ireland from 1986 to 2023, and provides a detailed account of the 2021, 2022 and 2023 breeding seasons.

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Annual report of the Seabird Monitoring Programme

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SMPnews - Issue 3 - Spring 2025

Author: Harris, S., O'Hanlon, N.

Published: 2025

The spring 2025 issue of SMPnews contains a special feature about our inland colonies of Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns, alongside a small gull ID guide and an in-depth article about seabirds at inland site Rye Meads in Hertfordshire. You'll also find an update on the Our Lost Seabirds appeal ringing grants, which have been supporting new seabird ringing volunteers, species focus articles on Common Terns and Arctic Skuas, and an introduction to the BTO SMP team.

28.04.25

Newsletters SMP News

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Scientific support to the trial of Spoor AI at the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre

Author: Brighton, C.H., Clarke, J.A. & Boersch-Supan, P.H.

Published: 2025

This report assesses the capability of a Spoor AI camera system with both mono-vision (single-camera) and stereo-vision capabilities for bird monitoring deployed at the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre in Aberdeen Bay using both theoretical considerations and onshore and offshore field trials.

25.04.25

BTO Research Reports

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Framework for assessing species vulnerability whilst on migration to a spatially explicit anthropogenic pressure

Author: Green, R.M.W., Cook, A.S.C.P., Burton, N.H.K., Franks, S.E. & Green, J.A.

Published: 2025

Migration is a critical component of animal lifecycles, and human development globally is increasingly interfering with animal migration routes. There is not a generally accepted approach to assess impacts of development on migratory species. This study showcases a framework to enable impacts to be assessed comparatively. It uses UK ducks, geese and swans as a case study to illustrate the variation between species.

17.04.25

Papers

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A review of existing methods to collect data on seabird flight height distributions and their use in offshore wind farm impact assessments

Author: Feather, A.P., Burton, N.H.K., Johnston, D.T. & Boersch-Supan, P.H.

Published: 2025

This document presents a review of existing methods for collecting seabird flight height data and their potential to produce flight height distributions that might be used in CRMs. The strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of different methods are identified and sources of measurement and sampling error, uncertainty and bias assessed. Best practice recommendations are provided for prominent methods and how data might be best utilised to inform stakeholders is considered.

15.04.25

BTO Research Reports

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