Better for birds
The Breeding Bird Survey helps us to monitor over 100 of the UK’s land-based breeding species and the Wetland Bird Survey does the same for several key species in the winter. But what about the other 150 or more species that appear in Bird Atlas 2007-11 but which are not widespread enough for annual monitoring? Our Monitoring Strategy has highlighted the gaps in our understanding, towards which we can direct future research and monitoring.
All at sea?
Which patches of the sea around our shores are important? BTO scientists are advising on issues such as where not to place wind turbines but what else can we do? Are there new ways for shore-based observations of birds and detailed tracking studies to inform those making decisions about wind energy, Marine Protected Areas or sub-tidal harvesting of seaweeds? And what about the range of threats that our internationally important seabird populations face? We now lead on the Seabird Monitoring Programme, have played a central role in our response to Avian Influenza, and are advising industry and regulators on the design of marine renewables.
Engaging with new people
In the last 10 years, BTO volunteers and staff have worked more and more closely with BBC television and radio to tell stories about the UK’s birds. By taking presenters to find Golden Pheasants, to see a newly-hatched Cuckoo, to listen to bird song or to track the movements of Lesser Black-backed Gulls, we can share a sense of discovery and appreciation with millions of people. One of the major threats to biodiversity is ignorance so BTO will continue to act as a PR firm for UK BIRDS plc. We are also working hard to reach underserved communities, through new training, engagement and citizen science opportunities.
The next Atlas
Bird Atlas 2007–11 set a new standard in surveying; the technologies behind its data-input and mapping facilities are already being used in other BTO-led projects and with partners working on other taxa. Within 20 years, we shall have finished the next Bird Atlas project. Meanwhile, we shall use annual surveys and BirdTrack to keep an eye on the way numbers and distributions might be changing. Perhaps the next Atlas will have pages for Black-shouldered Kite and Red-billed Leiothrix – new species to be recorded and submitted by yet another generation of BTO volunteers, carrying a torch that was lit 90 years ago.