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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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
Research reports Research reports
Description of the downy chicks of the Long-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus climacurus
Author: Wetherhill, A.S., Dickson A. Matthew, D.A., Mayowa, E.S. & Izang, M.S.
Published: 2025
The Long-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus climacurus is fairly common across its wide distribution in west and central Africa, south of the Sahel zone, but until this study, its downy chicks had been described only briefly.
22.04.25
Papers
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
Landscape context influences efficacy of protected areas and agri-environment scheme delivery for breeding waders
Author: Hawkes, R.W., Mason, L.R., Conway, G.J., Siriwardena, G.M., Grice, P.V., Cole, A.J. & Peach, W.J.
Published: 2025
16.04.25
Papers
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
Research reports Research reports
