A parasitic disease is responsible for the severe declines seen in both UK Greenfinch and Chaffinch populations, say scientists in a new open-access paper in Scientific Reports, a Nature Publishing journal. The research was carried out by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL)’s Institute of Zoology (IoZ). Chaffinch...
Hope for endangered British bird as head-started young fly the nest
The fortunes of 37 young Curlews, rescued as eggs from RAF airfields and reared in captivity, are being followed by scientists from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). These birds were released on the Norfolk coast over the last few weeks as part of an attempt to boost internationally important UK Curlew population. Thirty individuals have...
Link revealed between climate change and decline of a threatened UK migrant bird
Researchers from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) have used data gathered by volunteers to uncover how the decline in one Red-listed species is linked to climate-induced changes in its breeding behaviour. The open-access findings of their study have now been published in the journal Biology Letters. Willow Warblers are small, tuneful birds that breed across Europe...
Find a feather – a seaside treasure hunt
Off to the seaside this summer? Scientists from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) want people to help protect one of our most colourful ducks by looking out for their distinctive feathers on beaches around UK estuaries. At this time of year, most British Shelduck migrate across the North Sea to find a safe place to...
