Our science

Topics

BTO science covers two important aspects: monitoring and research. Our integration of the two is a significant strength of the organisation.

We combine the skills and passion of birdwatchers with innovative analyses and the latest data-gathering technology. We deliver science that is impartial, impactful and relevant, informing the management of the natural world.

Collecting evidence

BTO coordinates over 60,000 dedicated volunteers to collect biological data to build robust, long-term datasets.

Innovative methods

BTO's staff of expert scientists are constantly developing better methods to capture and analyse high quality data.

Policy impacts

BTO informs sound conservation policy & practice via the production of high-impact impartial publications.

Publication

The Breeding Bird Survey Report

Read the latest Breeding Bird Survey Report, which summarises breeding bird population changes and other results from the scheme.

Publication

Utilising more data for better biodiversity assessments

From volunteer surveys to environmental DNA, how can we integrate the many different types of data to better understand birds?

Blog

Providing the evidence for policy

BTO Cymru’s Rachel Taylor and Callum Macgregor reflect on working at the interface between science and policy for their research on Cormorant and Goosander populations in Wales.

Focal research areas

Projects

Publications

BTO data

BTO Consulting

Case studies

Meet our national teams

BTO has offices based in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, providing local habitat and species expertise for our scientific research, and closer support for volunteers across the UK.

Find out more

Donate to the Avian Influenza Appeal today, and help us protect vulnerable birds in the midst of a deadly outbreak.

Featured appeal

BTO Avian Influenza Appeal

Avian influenza has devastated seabird colonies and now threatens our wintering migrant birds. Support our research - donate to our Avian Influenza Appeal today.

Learn more