BTO Annual Review 2014

2014

September-October 2014/ Issue 311 A look at the work and strategy of the British Trust for Ornithology

CONSERVATION HABITATS SURVEY

raptors

ETLAND

WOODLAND

SEA CITIZEN LOCAL

VOLUNTEERS

AGRICULTURE

CLIMATE

PARTNERSHIP

ORNITHOLOGY

Bird RESEA

TRAC

Annual Review

2014

BTO News 311/September–October 2014

WELCOME From Andy clements, CEO

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

“Through structured surveys, and fieldwork targeted to answer specific questions, we are able to collect high quality data that can then be turned into policy-relevant products.”

The BTO’s influence comes from partnering enthusiastic

the development process, enabling them to determine the

and skilled volunteers with our professional scientists. Through

likelihood of success or failure of their plans.

structured surveys, and fieldwork targeted to answer specific questions, we are able to collect high quality data that can then be turned into policy-relevant products. Two recent pieces of work, both relating to the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS), provide good examples of how this approach can deliver independent and objective outputs.

Making the findings of our monitoring and research more generally available as easily accessible and useful products is equally important. We recently launched WeBS Report Online, a stunning new interface providing access to a wealth of information on waterbirds (see pages 10–11). The interface delivers a broad range of

Earlier this year, the BTO presented a report in

information to decision-makers, NGOs, birdwatchers and

Westminster to inform the Airports Commission’s evidence-

Government, enabling users to extract the information

based approach to a decision on future UK airport capacity

they want on the status and populations of UK

– specifically the proposed Thames Estuary Airport. Data from

waterbirds.

WeBS and other sources were used to assess the numbers and distribution of birds within the area of the proposed development. BTO scientists also reviewed the ability of bird populations to respond to the loss of habitat associated with such a large-scale development. Our impartial evidence made it clear that, should the development go ahead, compensatory habitat sufficient in scale and quality would be unlikely to be delivered. Our independent report was widely welcomed by all sides of the debate. It is, for example, important that industry should have access to impartial information early in

What these two examples show very clearly is the power of BTO’s contribution to decision-making, which in turn can help to ensure a more wildlife-rich and healthy environment for all. It is our collective contribution, as skilled volunteers in the field and researchers back at our offices, that makes the difference. This Annual Review contains many more examples of our recent achievements, geared to the best use of our scientific knowledge of birds and other wildlife.

Annual Review of the British Trust for Ornithology CONTACT US

BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU

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When you have finished with this magazine, pass it to a friend or recycle it.

ISSN 0005 – 3392 BTO PRODUCTION Editors Su Gough & Mike Toms Editorial Board Ieuan Evans, Viola Ross-Smith

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All membership subscriptions due 1st January and run for the calendar year.

BTO Annual Review | 2 014

Contents Inside this special issue of BTO News

luke delve/Davidtipling.com/StevenRound-birdphotography.com/William Skellorn

pg30

pg8

pg4 pg32

pg28

Separating the ‘hoo-weet’ from the Chiff

The BTO in numbers

21 22 24 26 28 30 32 34

Special pull-out summarising the BTO’s work

36

Acknowledgements & BTO partners

02

Making a difference

04 06 08 10 12 14 16 17

Eagle eyes Monitoring birds of prey in Scotland

Making data work How Bird Atlas 2007–11 data are reaching new audiences

Scientific research in 2013 & 2014 Three fascinating findings from recent BTO papers

Wetland bird populations come alive Fantastic new resources as WeBS report goes online

Northern Ireland’s seabirds Bringing together seabird research around Northern Ireland

It’s all about the weather Climate change consequences can be unexpected

Training: what’s it all about?

The who, where and why of coming on a training event

2 014 | BTO Annual Review

Mentoring new nest recorders

People power Volunteers make key projects possible

Scientific research in 2013 & 2014 More insights into the breadth of BTO climate change work

BTO Accounts 2013/14 How your support makes our work possible

Partnerships Working with other organisations brings new opportunities

Corporate support Businesses and BTO come together to stimulate new research

A year in BTO Cymru 2013–14 News from one of the regional offices

The BTO in print Snippets from recent research papers

3

Eagle eyes If there is one group of birds that deserves the term ‘iconic’ it is surely raptors.

Their power and majesty have firmly embedded their imagery in popular culture and, for many people, a glimpse of a bird of prey makes their day.

Unfortunately raptors are far from

Coverage is currently patchy, particularly

universally popular and have a long,

for species such as Buzzard, Sparrowhawk

chequered and ongoing history of

and Kestrel, which are widespread but

‘conflict’ with man. Many raptor species

have recently undergone substantial

remain scarce or vulnerable to ongoing

population changes. Improvements in our

environmental change and illegal human

understanding of survey coverage would

activities. This makes BTO’s contributions to

allow us to define more clearly the causes

raptor monitoring, and the objective advice

and consequences of these changes. There

that we provide, all the more important.

are other developments in the pipeline

In the 2012 Annual Review we reported

too. An online recording system will make

on the BTO-led work to develop methods

it easier for raptor surveyors to submit

for producing population and breeding

records and log their survey effort, while

performance trends for Scottish raptors

enhanced training opportunities will help

as part of our role in the Scottish Raptor

volunteers who are keen to develop their

Monitoring Scheme (SRMS; see box). Since

raptor monitoring skills. The SRMS also

its launch in 2002, the SRMS has produced

aims to broaden the types of monitoring

a manual of good practice, published annual

currently being undertaken, building on

reports, and contributed data to underpin

initiatives like the Hen Harrier Winter Roost

planning decisions, nature conservation

Survey (currently administered by BTO

management, research studies and raptor

Scotland, in partnership with the Hawk &

conservation frameworks. Despite these

Owl Trust, and by Chris Rollie of Dumfries

successes, and the massive contributions

and Galloway RSG for Scotland). Monitoring

from the Scottish raptor monitoring

raptor populations in winter is more difficult

community, the SRMS still faces substantial

than during the breeding season. However,

challenges if it is to realise its full potential

increased winter monitoring would inform us

statutory conservation agencies. These

for raptor conservation. During 2014, funding

about bird numbers and distributions during

surveys provide enhanced estimates

was secured to allow the Scheme’s first

a season in which survival and condition

of population size and change, to

full-time coordinator to be appointed. Part

can strongly influence population trends.

complement the information from annual

of the coordinator’s role will be to improve

Together with existing elements of the SRMS,

monitoring. In 2014 it was the turn of

knowledge of how survey coverage varies

these new initiatives will hopefully contribute

the Peregrine, following the last UK-wide

between areas and years. This will allow

to the development of coordinated raptor

survey in 2002. Since the post-war decline

more rigorous population information to be

monitoring in other parts of the UK.

to around 350 pairs, caused principally by

produced and will ensure that real changes

Periodic national surveys of individual

organochlorine pesticides, the UK Peregrine

in raptor populations can be distinguished

raptor species are valued by conservation

population has recovered substantially. The

from changes in monitoring effort.

practitioners, including RSPB and the

species has colonised many lowland areas,

The Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme (SRMS) The eight SRMS partners are: Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH); the Scottish Raptor Study Group (SRSG); British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Scotland; Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB Scotland); the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC); the Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP); the

4

Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC); and Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS). The SRMS is currently funded

by SNH, BTO, RSPB and FCS, with additional in-kind support from all eight partners. After supporting the SRMS for more than 10 years, its first Raptor Monitoring Officer, Brian Etheridge,

retired in 2014, and the Scheme now has a full-time Scottish Raptor Monitoring Coordinator, Amy Challis, employed by BTO Scotland on behalf of the partners. More information on the SRMS and its outputs can be found at: www.scottishraptorstudygroup.org/ srms.html

BTO Annual Review | 2 014

Raptors

&

Facts Figures

The breeding distribution of Goshawk has increased over the last 40 years, but high levels of illegal killing in some areas have had a major impact.

helped by an increasing tendency to nest

programmes and help to inform Peregrine

on man-made structures. However, Bird

conservation strategies.

Atlas 2007–11 shows that these lowland

So, with the help of many hundreds of

gains contrast with declines in some

volunteers and in close collaboration with a

upland areas. The 2014 survey set out to

range of partners, BTO is working in a number

improve understanding of these regional

of ways to ensure that the highest quality

differences and to provide robust, up-to-

information is available on raptors to inform

date population estimates. To carry out the

conservation. Why does that matter? Raptors

survey, BTO worked closely with the SRSG

can undoubtedly be of value as indicators of

branches, BTO RRs, RSPB and hundreds of

ecosystem health and for the opportunities

dedicated volunteers. As well as monitoring

they present for wildlife tourism. Many

known breeding sites, a new study design

people, however, simply enjoy having

was introduced, with participants also

birds of prey above and around them.

looking for Peregrines in randomly selected

Keeping tabs on their populations will

5-km x 5-km squares. This will help to

help to ensure that they continue

reduce the distorting effects of regional

to grace our skies.

variation in survey effort and will ensure that population estimates are scientifically robust. In total, at least 1,200 random squares were surveyed across the UK, representing between 10 and 20% of each survey country or contributing region.

The final results of the survey will be submitted as a peer-reviewed paper and will inform the design of future monitoring 2 014 | BTO Annual Review

Acknowledgements We are extremely grateful to the hundreds of volunteers who contribute to the raptor monitoring projects mentioned in this article and to all our partners in raptor work across the UK. We thank in particular our partners in the SRMS for their funding and support (see box), and funding contributors to the 2014 Peregrine Survey: SNH, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

david tipling www.davidtipling.com/Davidkjaer.com/steven round www.stevenround-birdphotography.com

Sparrowhawk nest

5,000

The number of nest sites or home ranges of raptors checked each year by more than 300 (mainly) volunteer raptor observers for the Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme. The main contributors are members of the 12 branches of the Scottish Raptor Study Group. The scheme regularly receives information on 17 species (raptors, owls and Raven).

30,000 km2

The land area covered by the 5-km x 5-km random squares surveyed for the Peregrine Survey across the UK. In 2002, 1,530 Peregrine nesting ranges were estimated as occupied. The 2014 estimates are in preparation.

22

The number of birds of prey (16 Red Kites and six Buzzards) found in one of the worst single cases of illegal raptor killing revealed in recent years (in Ross-shire in 2014).

Post-mortems have suggested ‘ingestion of an illegally-held poisonous substance’.

5

Opening up the atlas The publication in 2013 of Bird Atlas 2007–11 was the culmination of a huge amount of effort to deliver the 720 page book. But this wasn’t the only output; as this article reveals, the legacy of Bird Atlas 2007–11 reaches far more widely.

A DATASET OF GREAT VALUE

statutory conservation agencies ensure that

The individual records that make up the

atlas data support policy discussions and

Bird Atlas 2007–11 dataset, coupled

help to inform the decision-making process.

with the summary detail on distribution

Our academic partners can utilise atlas data

and abundance, provide an incredible

in their own research, and there is also

resource for researchers, birdwatchers,

a range of ‘data products’ – summarised

conservationists and policy-makers. The

outputs from the atlas – that are now

data will prove invaluable for a whole suite

appearing more widely.

of research work, much of it carried out by BTO, and will help to steer conservation

DELIVERING DATA PRODUCTS

priorities for many years to come. For

The Collins Bird Guide is the field guide

example, atlas data have a particular role

of choice for most British and Irish

to play in research looking at range shifts

birdwatchers. The development of an

and in efforts to understand and model

electronic version – the Collins Bird Guide

the impacts of a changing climate. Much

App – brings the guide into the digital age.

of the BTO research being supported by

Initially launched on the Apple platform

the ‘Beyond the Maps’ Appeal will focus on

through developers Touchpress, the app

climate change impacts, but we will also

contains the text, maps and artwork from

be looking at the drivers behind declines

the original publication. In addition, it

in upland bird populations and at how

brings in sound clips of bird songs and

birds use urban areas, the latter delivering

calls, videos and the distribution maps

evidence-based recommendations for

from Bird Atlas 2007–11. These last two

improved management of urban areas for

features are offered as ‘in-app’ purchases,

wild birds.

allowing users to add all of the breeding and winter distribution maps for just £1.99.

Bird Atlas 2007–11 partners that will

The addition of the maps also delivers

be making use of the data (see BTO

functionality that enables the user to refine

News 310 for an article on how this

the list of species presented based on the

research is progressing). A data sharing

underlying atlas data. Delivering the data

agreement with RSPB means that atlas

from Bird Atlas 2007–11 into a product

data are already being used for ‘frontline’

like the Collins Bird Guide App, extends the

conservation activities, like site and species

reach of the project and provides additional

safeguarding, species recovery and reserve

income for the research work that is being

management. Similar agreements with the

undertaken on the wider atlas dataset.

2.

6

1.

3.

BTO Annual Review | 2 014

Laurie Campbell naturephotographers.co.uk/William Skellorn

It is not just BTO researchers and our

“Much of the BTO research being supported by the ‘Beyond the Maps’ Appeal will focus on climate change impacts.”

The Collins Bird Guide App is not the only place where the maps from Bird Atlas 2007–11 feature. All of the maps from the book, plus others that did not make it in because of space constraints, are available on the Bird Atlas Mapstore (www.bto.org/mapstore). This free resource also holds all of the maps from previous breeding atlases and the previous winter atlas. These maps, which should be used in conjunction with the published books to bring in vital detail on methods and interpretation, provide a one-stop shop for anyone interested in where our birds occur and how patterns of distribution and abundance have changed over time.

A WIDER LEGACY One of the big features of the Bird Atlas 2007–11 project was the online system developed for data capture and validation.

The development of this system by the BTO’s Information Services team not only provided a web-based tool for this British and Irish study but it also delivered a tool for the 45 county atlas projects taking place over a similar period. In fact this component of the online system is still active; fieldwork for the Clyde Tetrad Atlas 2007–14 project – the last of those still collating and validating records – finished this summer. In excess of 300,000 records have been collected by the Clyde team and these are being validated through the tools built into the Bird Atlas

Behind the Images…

1. richly coloured The vast amount of information collected through Bird Atlas 2007–11 for species such as Goldfinch provides a unique perspective on the distribution and abundance of Britain and Ireland’s birds. This information is being used in many different ways, highlighting the power of volunteers to deliver data to a much broader audience.

2. a new way of looking The Collins Bird Guide App sets a new standard and is likely to become a defining product, used by birdwatchers and others wanting to access key informationon Britain and Ireland’s birds.

3. aLl mapped out Making Bird Atlas 2007–11 data available to apps like the Collins Bird Guide is just one way in which your data are being made available to those who wish to use them.

2 014 | BTO Annual Review

2007–11 online system.

The uses to which data from the atlas will be put are likely to be many and varied.

From academic research, through ‘frontline’ conservation outputs and on to the maps that will appear in field guides and books over the coming years, data from Bird Atlas 2007–11 will have tremendous reach. This will be a truly fitting legacy for the efforts of our volunteers, staff and partners.

Acknowledgements Bird Atlas 2007–11 was a partnership between BTO, BirdWatch Ireland and the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club.

7

Scientific Research in 2013 & 2014 Here are three of the fascinating stories that have emerged from papers published by BTO scientists over the past year. Together they demonstrate some of the breadth of our work.

1. House Sparrow decline

2. ALL AT SEA

BTO data sets are being used to investigate sparrow productivity

Understanding seabird breeding failures

House Sparrows are conspicuous birds

post-fledging survival did not differ between

Research led by BTO and funded by JNCC

that are still numerous enough to be found

areas, so are not thought to contribute to the

shows that the UK’s internationally important

chirruping away in many areas of the United

regional variation in population trends.

seabird populations are being affected

Northeastwildlife.co.uk/david tipling davidtipling.com/Luke delve

Kingdom, but their numbers have fallen sharply

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The results suggest that the processes

by North Sea fishing. Sandeels, which are

in recent decades, leading to their inclusion

driving regional differences in House

typically fished for use in animal feed and

on the Birds of Conservation Concern Red

Sparrow productivity are likely to be complex,

fertilizer, are an important prey species

List. Declines are greater in urban than in rural

operating over large spatial scales (e.g.

and the large fishery on Dogger Bank is

areas, and in eastern and south-eastern Britain

climatic processes or regional landscape

within the foraging range of many seabirds

than in other parts of the country (where the

changes) but interacting with local factors

breeding along our North Sea coast.

population is stable or increasing). In early

(e.g. habitat changes). The absence of

Under the European Marine Strategy

2014, scientists from the BTO’s Demography

productivity differences between rural and

Framework Directive, the UK is legally bound

and Garden Ecology teams published a

urban areas suggests other factors contribute

to ensure that human activities are kept at

paper in the journal Bird Study, analysing data

to the varying population trends between

levels consistent with ‘clean, healthy and

collected by volunteers participating in Garden

these habitats, for instance differences in

productive’ seas. Since many seabirds are top

Birdwatch (GBW), the Nest Record Scheme

food availability affecting adult survival. This

predators, monitoring their populations can

(NRS) and the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS),

work demonstrates the role that large-scale

give insights into the state of the wider marine

to investigate possible reasons underpinning

data sets, collected through citizen science

environment. As seabirds are long-lived and

these trends.

projects, can play in understanding the

can skip breeding seasons altogether when

drivers of population change. In this instance

conditions are poor, monitoring breeding

breeding performance. In keeping with

the data collected by GBW volunteers

success can provide an effective and quick

population trends, GBW data showed that

provide a measure of annual productivity,

way of assessing the impacts associated with

annual productivity was highest in Wales (1.45

complementary to a measure derived per

environmental pressures.

fledglings per adult) and lowest in the east of

nesting attempt from NRS. Such information

England (1.30 fledglings per adult), but that

is vital for determining and implementing

Scientists at BTO and JNCC explored the

there was no significant difference between

effective conservation measures.

large-scale patterns present within the

The research focused on measures of

rural and urban areas. The regional difference in GBW productivity was mirrored by NRS data, which revealed that House Sparrow clutch and brood sizes were significantly lower in the east of Britain than in the west. The number of breeding attempts per year and

Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP) Find out more Full citation: Morrison, C.A., Robinson, R.A., Leech, D.I., Dadam, D. & Toms, M. 2014. Using citizen science to investigate the role of productivity in House Sparrow Passer domesticus population trends. Bird Study 61, 91–100. doi: 10.1080/00063657.2013.874975

data sets, using these long-term data to develop indicators of breeding failure and seabird abundance at breeding colonies.

The two indicators were significantly and strongly correlated with each other, with the BTO Annual Review | 2 014

Behind the Images…

1. house sparrow declines Data collated by ‘citizen scientists’ have highlighted regional differences in House Sparrow breeding performance, which may help explain population trends for this red-listed bird.

2. kittiwake Measures of breeding failure can provide an early warning of problems linked to fisheries operating in the North Sea. The SMP annually assesses both breeding numbers and success of the UK’s seabirds.

3. MOOrland Management prescriptions are widely used to maintain, restore or enhance particular habitats, but it is important to assess how effective such measures are.

3. Managing the uplands Working to halt the continued decline of moorland birds

abundance indicator typically lagging behind

British moorland habitats are a result of

was being actively removed as part of predation

that for breeding failure by two to three years.

management, in particular for sheep grazing

control measures. Most species showed no

Investigating how sensitive these indicators were

and the sport shooting of Red Grouse.

change or actually declined, and these decreases

to the impacts of fishing, the team found that

Moorland conservation may additionally be

were common across species with different

species with the greatest increases in breeding

shaped by financial payments made through

habitat associations, so a causal relationship with

failure over the study period were those most

agri-environment schemes, using management

the management changes appeared unlikely;

sensitive to fisheries pressure. Levels of seabird

prescriptions to maintain, restore or enhance

similarly an effect of disturbance was unlikely. It

breeding failure were higher in years when a

particular components. While a suite of such

is possible that the failure to effectively control

greater proportion of the North Sea’s sandeels

prescriptions has been widely taken up, there

predators could have contributed to the inability

was commercially fished. The study also found

has been an ongoing decline in moorland bird

to achieve the principal objective of increasing

that seabirds breeding on the UK’s western

populations.

breeding bird populations.

colonies were faring better than those on the

BTO ecologists worked with ADAS UK and the former Scottish Coal to examine the effectiveness

Although this work was based on monitoring

of moorland management over 10 years at a site

the effects of management prescriptions

breeding performance can reveal how these

within the Muirkirk and North Lowther Uplands

rather than a controlled experimental design, it

species are responding to environmental

Special Protection Area in south-west Scotland.

highlights the difficulties in establishing effective

pressures before such changes become

Management prescriptions advocated widely as

management regimes to benefit moorland

evident at the population level. Detecting such

best practice for moorland birds were assessed,

birds. It also underlines a need to improve

impacts as early as possible is vital, as the

including muirburn and cutting, grazing, legal

our understanding of the factors that shape

management of the marine environment is

predator control and the restoration of hydrological

moorland bird communities. Additionally, it raises

undergoing rapid change, with expansion of

features.

an important question about whether moorland

North Sea coast.

The results confirm that monitoring seabird

offshore developments, the introduction of

Annual surveys were carried out and

Marine Protected Areas and modification of

compared against bird population trends for

remain vulnerable to predation, and therefore

fishing discards policy.

moorlands derived from the BBS, additionally

contributes to the wider debate on the future of

accounting for factors such as weather. The

British uplands.

Find out more Full citation: Cook, A.S.C.P., Dadam, D., Mitchell, I., Ross-Smith, V.H. & Robinson, R.A. 2014. Indicators of seabird reproductive performance demonstrate the impact of commercial fisheries on seabird populations in the North Sea. Ecological Indicators 38, 1–11. doi: 10.1016/j. ecolind.2013.10.027

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study’s authors expected that the breeding bird community would increase in response to the management prescriptions adopted, but this was not fulfilled. Only two species increased relative to the general trend for moorland and one of these was Carrion Crow, a species that

bird conservation can be effective where species

Find out more Calladine, J., Critchley, C.N.R., Baker, D., Towers, J. & Thiel, A. 2014. Conservation management of moorland: a case study of the effectiveness of a combined suite of management prescriptions which aim to enhance breeding bird populations. Bird Study 61, 56–72. doi: 10.1080/00063657.2013.876615

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Wetland bird populations come alive Do you know which of our estuaries support the most diverse communities of wetland birds, or which of our wintering wader populations have declined by at least a third over the last 25 years? As CHAS HOLT reveals, such information is now available through an online WeBS report, a new resource that opens up a wealth of data to a wider audience.

The UK’s position on the western edge of Europe places it on the major flyways for a number of Arctic-nesting species. Large numbers of waterbirds are attracted to our shores, particularly during winter, by the relatively mild climate and the extensive areas of wetland habitat, making the UK of outstanding international importance for

“A major benefit of the WeBS reporting interface is the integration of the different elements of WeBS in one place, with separate tabs available for Numbers & Trends, WeBS Alerts and Low Tide Counts.”

needed if we were to maximise the benefits of WeBS outputs for all. Just 18 months later, with the web development work complete, WeBS now provides information on the status of the UK’s non-breeding waterbirds via an interactive interface (www.bto.org/webs), driven dynamically from the underlying database of waterbird records.

A major benefit of the WeBS reporting interface is the integration of the different

waterbirds. Keeping tabs on the numbers of birds using these wetland habitats supports

over 75 million waterbirds – and with

elements of WeBS in one place, with separate

conservation action and informs policy,

several different components sitting within

tabs available for Numbers & Trends, WeBS

fulfilling our obligations under the Agreement

the wider WeBS project, there has been a

Alerts and Low Tide Counts. The functionality

on the Conservation of African–Eurasian

desire to use emerging web technologies

of the report is further enhanced by the

Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), which is part of

to open the data set up in ways that allow

ability to sort species taxonomically or

the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of

different audiences to explore and utilise

alphabetically, to arrange data columns in

Migratory Species of Wild Animals.

the wealth of information available.

ascending or descending order and to access supplementary non-WeBS data at the click of

None of this would be possible without

your mouse. The online interface features a

in WeBS and who contribute their records

The development of WeBS Online

to this partnership survey. Interpreting the

In September 2012, a WeBS stakeholder

navigate the portal and make best use of the

data that have been collected and making

workshop was held at the BTO

information available.

them available to stakeholders are core

headquarters in Norfolk. By bringing

aims of the project. With so many data

stakeholders together it was possible

Numbers and Trends

available – WeBS started in 1947 and the

to assess how different groups and

The main tab of the report, Numbers & Trends,

database contains counts amounting to

organisations made use of WeBS data,

can be used to search by species or by site.

the efforts of the volunteers who participate

search by species

The Oystercatcher page from the ‘Numbers & Trends’ section of the report.

10

highlighting the sorts of developments

series of tutorials providing help for users to

search by site

A site-focused page, here The Wash, from the online report.

BTO Annual Review | 2 014

steven round www.stevenround-birdphotography.com

Monitoring waterbirds through the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS)

A shake-up for WeBS: Oystercatcher numbers in the UK have fallen by 14% since 1986/87 and there are 12 sites with internationally important numbers: all the detail is now available online. A paper report summarising the results and associated research is also produced.

There are separate pages for each species and,

of the report

Ireland Environment Agency) and can help

whereas annual WeBS reports were formerly

Most of the information provided under

to direct research and investigations into

restricted to showing only the most important

Numbers & Trends is based on WeBS Core

potential causes of population change

sites for each species over the course of the

Counts, which, at coastal sites, involve

at different sites. Comparing site trends

most recent five years, the new interface

counting birds close to high tide. However,

with those at the regional and national

allows the user to scroll back and forth in time

all the UK’s major estuaries are also

scales can identify local issues; these

and to view historical data – generating a more

covered every few years at low tide as part

comparisons are available within the Alerts

interactive experience. All sites that surpass

of the WeBS Low Tide Counts scheme.

tab of the online report.

thresholds for international and national

The new report provides the facility to view

importance are denoted, and there are also

low-tide distributions and densities of all

very positive. The new format will reduce

links to relevant external content. The species

waterbirds on these estuaries. Planned

future costs, speed up the reporting

pages offer the facility to filter the sites that are

developments to the system will increase

of WeBS results and also provide the

shown by county and/or habitat. The county

the interactive nature of this low-tide count

opportunity to integrate further non-

filter represents a significant advance for county

resource.

breeding waterbird information in the

bird clubs, many of which include WeBS

Every three years, WeBS assesses the

Feedback on the new report has been

future. For example, we envisage that

data within their annual county bird reports.

short-, medium- and long-term trends of

the next Non-Estuarine Waterbird Survey

Separate graphs showing species’ population

waterbirds at sites within the UK’s network

(NEWS), planned for winter 2015/16, will

trends in each county are also included.

of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and

be integrated into the system.

Selecting by site provides access to non-

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

breeding waterbird information for all locations,

to deliver WeBS Alerts. Declines of 50%

from large sites such as The Wash to smaller,

generate a High Alert, while declines of

more unfamiliar wetlands. Until recently, the

25% generate a Medium Alert. These

latter tended not to feature within annual WeBS

serve as warnings, providing an extremely

reports; now all WeBS counters can now view

useful resource for the Country Agencies

the annual maxima for the sites that they visit.

(Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage,

Other features

Natural Resources Wales and Northern

2 014 | BTO Annual Review

Acknowledgements WeBS is a partnership between BTO, RSPB and JNCC, in association with WWT. We are particularly grateful for the investment provided by JNCC, which enabled the necessary IS developments for WeBS to deliver an online report, and for the efforts of the volunteers who collect the data on which the report is based.

11

Northern Ireland’s Seabirds The first Northern Ireland Seabird Report, for 2013, has just been published, bringing together a summary of what we know about our seabirds, as well as reports from seabird research being undertaken around the province.

The coastline and loughs of Northern Ireland provide important sites for breeding seabirds. Rathlin Island, for example, situated some 4 km from the north Antrim coast and famous for its formidable basalt and chalk

Why monitor seabirds?

The Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP), a partnership of 19 organisations coordinated

by JNCC, enables its partners to monitor the health of the marine environment and inform seabird conservation issues. Monitoring seabirds is important for a number of reasons:

cliffs, is designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) because of its seabird populations; the numbers of breeding Guillemots and Razorbills are of particular importance.

Interest in the marine environment, whether driven by commercial or societal factors, has seen the development of

seabirds are an important component of marine biodiversity in the UK, with approximately seven million individuals breeding; seabirds are top predators and act as useful indicators of the state of marine ecosystems; seabirds are protected by European law and the UK has obligations to monitor and protect populations; monitoring provides data which underpin targeted conservation policy development and action; the UK is internationally important for seabirds.

legislative frameworks, such as the European Commission’s Marine Framework Strategy Directive, and national legislation, such as

2.

the Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013.

Such frameworks require high quality political or legislative decisions and this is where the monitoring of breeding seabirds becomes important.

In February 2013, BTO appointed Kerry Leonard to the role of Northern Ireland Seabird Coordinator, a post funded by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. This role provides a focus for the volunteers working on Northern Ireland’s breeding seabirds, bringing together the information needed to support the assessment and designation of Marine Protection Areas (MPAs) and SPAs, and the consideration of planning and development interests.

Just 12 months later the first Northern Ireland Seabird Report (2013) was published

paul sterry NPL/david tipling www.davidtipling.com/jill pakenham

biodiversity data to inform and support

by BTO and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, where volunteer-collected data were presented alongside those from a number of environmental NGOs. The report also provides the opportunity to highlight current seabird research being undertaken in Northern Ireland by both professionals and volunteers.

These initiatives, operating under the banner of the Northern Ireland Seabird Network, are about building the capacity to collect the information needed and to then share it with a wider community. New volunteers are encouraged to get involved in data gathering, and are given training and guidance on seabird colony survey

12

Manx Shearwaters on Lighthouse Island TABLE 1. The breeding success of Manx Shearwaters on Lighthouse Island has been monitored by Copeland Bird Observatory since 2007, by using study burrows. These consist of natural burrows which have been excavated outside of the breeding season and a concrete slab placed over the nesting chamber to allow easy access.

Year Nests sampled

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

71 67 76 65 60 50 54

Chicks hatched per pair – 0.70 0.83 0.88 0.86 0.78 0.82

Chicks fledged per pair 0.38 0.67 0.82 0.88 0.86 0.76 0.80 BTO Annual Review | 2 014

1.

Behind the Images…

1. fulmar Although still a commonly seen breeding species around most of Northern Ireland’s coastline, as well as on the inland cliffs of Binevanagh, monitoring work reveals a decline.

2. manx shearwaters The sole Northern Ireland colony has been studied since 1954.

Recently, however, work by the Oxford Navigation Group has extended our knowledge through tracking technology.

3. sandwich tern Birds from the inland, freshwater, colony breeding on Lower Lough Erne make long-distance foraging trips to secure food for growing chicks.

3.

pairs recorded in 2013.

The decline and near-extinction of Roseate Terns in Northern Ireland is also evident; from the highs of 60–70 pairs in the late 1980s to just two pairs in 2013, this is a species that could be lost altogether.

However, a number of organisations are working hard to try to increase the numbers breeding in Northern Ireland by trying to attract some of the Rockabill population (near Dublin) northwards.

The 2013 report is also important for highlighting the things we do not know.

Whilst some species are rather wellmonitored each year, others are not,

methodologies, to ensure that the data

bird around the Antrim and Down coast,

with real gaps in our knowledge of the

collected are compatible with JNCC-led

giving the impression that all is well and yet,

numbers breeding. The big gap that the

datasets. Considerable effort has also gone

across the sites surveyed in both 2000 and

report highlights though is information

into ensuring that all seabird sites surveyed

2013, the Fulmar has shown a 59% decline.

on productivity. Far too few of our seabird

are consistent with SMP (Seabird Monitoring

The volatile nature of our Sandwich Tern

species are monitored for productivity, and

Programme) sites, and are registered with

population is also dramatically revealed by

we have learnt from this and other surveys

JNCC – a useful exercise leading up to the next

the report. Population swings from 2,500

that we cannot assume that national data

national seabird census, planned for 2016.

pairs to 100 pairs from one year to the next

accurately reflect regional fact. The collection

paint an erratic picture; the highest ever

of more regional productivity data will

together it has been possible to see some

number of breeding Sandwich Terns was

therefore be a priority over the next year or

interesting (even alarming) changes. The

in 2005, at just over 3,000 pairs. This has

two. Something for our volunteers to get

Fulmar is a case in point. This is a ubiquitous

since reduced to the approximately 1,000

their teeth into!

By bringing so many regional data

2 014 | BTO Annual Review

13

It’s all about the weather Weather events and longer-term changes in weather patterns can have profound consequences for bird populations, so it is essential that we understand their impacts. As James Pearce-Higgins and Dave Leech explain, there is much we can learn from BTO datasets.

In recent years meteorological records

mechanisms-underpinning-impact-climate-

Closer to home research has emphasised

have tumbled. Last winter, for example,

change-natural-populations), indicate that the

how the impacts of climate change on

was the stormiest for 20 years; the spring

main way in which climate change will affect

prey populations can indirectly affect the

and early summer period of 2012 were the

populations is not through the direct impact

birds that feed on them. This has been

wettest on record for England and Wales,

of weather, but through indirect effects

demonstrated for certain upland birds, like

and the 2011 spring was the warmest seen

resulting from altered species interactions.

Golden Plover, where the soil invertebrates

across the UK for 100 years. Such weather

What do we mean by this? These species

(e.g. cranefly larvae) that they feed on

events can have significant, one-off impacts

interactions can include changes in predator

are vulnerable to drought. Hot summer

upon bird populations. For example, bird

or prey populations, the impacts of disease,

weather impacts on the invertebrates,

ringers operating Constant Effort Scheme

or changes in the habitat which may make

reducing the food available to the plovers

sites demonstrated that 2012 was the

species more or less vulnerable to predation.

and lowering the survival prospects of

worst breeding season on record for many

A great example of this last mechanism

their chicks. Our globally important seabird

migrants, including declining species such as Willow Warbler and Garden Warbler. BBS trends show that the exceptionally cold winters of 2009/10 and 2010/11 resulted

1.

in significant declines in a number of small, insectivorous passerines, notably Wren and Stonechat, sensitive to cold winter weather.

Historically, many of the fluctuations in our bird populations result from the impacts of weather events of this type; think about the declines that occurred in the mid-1960s following the 1962/63 winter.

Longer-term changes in weather patterns, such as those associated with human activities, may have more profound consequences for bird populations. The examination of some of the BTO’s long-term datasets (e.g. www.bto.org/birdtrends) shows how, during the 1990s and 2000s, many cold-sensitive species increased significantly in abundance; Wren and Grey Heron are two examples.

While the direct effects of changing

14

has been described by Thomas Martin in

weather patterns (e.g. change in the severity

the montane forests of the Sierra Nevada,

or frequency of unusual weather events)

USA, where reductions in winter snow cover

can have significant long-term impacts on

have reduced the protection of understorey

population trends, recent research led by

woodland vegetation from winter browsing

BTO suggests that the impacts of climate

by Elk. Increased levels of browsing have

change on birds and other biodiversity will

removed understorey vegetation and

be about much more than this. The results

reduced the cover available to breeding birds.

of a review of the mechanisms underpinning

With nests now more exposed, or restricted

the impacts of climate change upon animal

to smaller areas of suitable cover, there have

and plant populations from around the

been increases in the rates of nest predation,

world, funded through the Cambridge

resulting in significant long-term reductions

Conservation Initiative and involving a

in many long-distance migrants, including

range of collaborative partners (see www.

Orange-crowned Warbler and Virginia’s

conservation.cam.ac.uk/collaboration/

Warbler, which favour these habitats.

Looking at some weather impacts…

1. Virginia’s Warbler: Virginia’s Warblers have declined in montane Arizona, as less snowfall has increased Elk browsing of vegetation, leading to greater nest predation rates and reduced breeding densities.

2. Grey Heron: Grey Herons are particularly sensitive to cold weather, as their food becomes difficult to find when water and mud freeze over. Note the recent dip following the 2009/10 and 2010/11 winters.

BTO Annual Review | 2 014

2. populations are also affected, for example,

understanding of climate change impacts

Find out more

where warming seas negatively affect sand-

continues to develop. Linked to this, we

eel abundance, quality and availability,

are also analysing BBS data to understand

reducing Kittiwake survival and breeding

more about the long-term impacts of

success. We are actively working to uncover

climate change on the assemblages of

other examples such as these, additionally

species at particular locations.

Ockendon, N. et al. (2014). Mechanisms underpinning climatic impacts on natural populations: altered species interactions are more important than direct effects. Global Change Biology 20: 2221–2229 Pearce-Higgins, J.W. & Green, R.E. (2014). Birds and Climate Change. Impacts and Conservation Responses. CUP.

collaborating with others in order to understand in more detail how climate change might affect the abundance and availability of the different resources that are so important to birds.

Table 1. Grey Heron Population trend (with confidence intervals) 18000 16000

through time these impacts lead to changes in species distributions and the restructuring of ecological communities.

One of the strongest signals of climate change is that of poleward range shifts.

This has been particularly exemplified by birds like Little Egret, Dartford Warbler and Nuthatch, whose range shifts are evident in Bird Atlas 2007--11 data. New analyses, funded through BTO’s ‘Beyond the Maps’ Appeal, are set to investigate these patterns in more detail. The work may also enable

Numbers of individuals

Brian E Small naturephotographers.co.uk/Edmund Fellowes

Although we’ve focused on the impacts of climate change on individual species,

14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 1920

1930

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

2020

Year

Dips in breeding population caused by severe winters have been followed by recovery within a few seasons.

us to predict future changes, as our 2 014 | BTO Annual Review

15

Training: what’s it all about?

You have probably heard about BTO training but, unless you have already had the pleasure of joining us on a course, you are possibly not sure what it entails, who it is aimed at and what you can get out of it. Su Gough explains further.

We have been offering training courses of one sort or another for more than 15 years, and the number and variety is ever-increasing, but who comes on the courses, and why? A wide range of people come, is the answer. Everyone is looking for something different and each leaves with new skills, increased confidence and an understanding of the various BTO surveys.

Spoilt for choice The ever-popular residential courses are David Tipling davidtipling.com

available in either Bird Survey Techniques: an introduction to all the current BTO surveys and Bird Identification: which covers identifying birds by sight and by sound. Our one-day workshops are almost bewildering in their variety! Some offer a day of surveyspecific help or a more general introduction to bird surveying whilst others take on an element of bird Identification.

Outdoor practical sessions are a vital and fun part of every training event – be it one-day workshops or residential courses. Putting into practice what you have learnt is the easiest way to gain confidence.

Who are the courses aimed at?

Help, there’s no course near me…

BTO only charges enough to cover venue hire

Often people are put off getting involved with

We run courses around the country but

(not the trainer’s time or course admin). Why?

surveys because they fear they are not ‘up to’

there is a limit to how many we can deliver

Simply, we need volunteers to take part in our

the challenge. This is far from the truth and

each year. We have run courses and

surveys. If we encourage, inspire and motivate

one of the main purposes of the courses is to

workshops at a large number of different

new participants, then we have done our job!

showcase each of the surveys, show what’s

venues and the best are the ones that

If, in the process, we have improved collection

involved and help everyone to choose the

offer good accommodation and facilities

of information, or increased the confidence

survey best suited to them. Existing surveyors

for the participants and direct access to

and accuracy with which species are

can also benefit greatly from learning about

great habitats and birds for the all-important

identified, that helps to ensure the continued

the background to their survey, answering

practical sessions. We stick with venues that

high quality of the data that we rely on from

questions they may have about any aspect of

offer this. Consider travelling to a venue

our volunteers to power the vital research BTO

the fieldwork and discovering other schemes

which appeals for its range of species.

scientists do.

What’s in it for BTO?

that appeal to them.

Find out more about BTO Making a profession out of it! BTO offers training to environmental professionals

The bird recording methods used by environmental professionals are based on protocols originally developed or regularly used by BTO. In some cases, those methods are now being used differently to their original purpose.

BTO is uniquely placed to offer an overview of all these methods and their

16

strengths and weaknesses. Understanding this is vital when, inevitably, the methods are adapted. Add in a grounding in general survey principles, survey design, learning which method works in what situation and plenty of practical opportunities and you have the basis for a great two-day course.

training opportunities

To find out more about any aspect of BTO training see the training pages on our website: www.bto/org/training Contact Su Gough, Training Officer, on 01842 750050 su.gough@ bto.org for more information or to discuss the bespoke training which we are also able to offer.

BTO Annual Review | 2 014

THE BTO’S WORK

SPECIAL PULL-OUT

The BTO in numbers Throughout this Annual Review you will find facts and figures behind the stories. In this special centre section of the review we have pulled out some of the other amazing numbers that underline the contribution that volunteers make to the BTO.

The real strength of the BTO is the partnerships that exist between our members and volunteers, and the scientists at our offices who organise the surveys and analyse the results. The sheer number of people who support BTO through fieldwork is staggering, as the infographic below illustrates. Of course, the financial support that we receive is just as important. The income that we receive through memberships, legacies, donations and other gifts allows us to carry out the research most critical to conservation. By working together in this way, we have proved just how powerful a partnership we can CATHY RYDEN

provide, delivering the impartial evidence that supports conservation action and informs policy decisions.

Adding up to something SPECIAL...

The 1,317,000 hours given by volunteers to BTO surveys during 2013 is staggering, especially as this equates to ÂŁ27.8 million of effort.

Garden Bird Feeding Survey Garden Wildlife Health

Bird Ringing

BTO Garden BirdWatch

Woodcock Survey Winter Thrushes

Wetland Bird Survey BirdTrack

Nest Record Scheme Nest Box Challenge

Heronries Survey

Waterways Breeding Bird Survey Breeding Bird Survey

2 014 | BTO Annual Review

17

THE BTO’S WORK

SPECIAL PULL-OUT

Garden BirdWatch www.bto.org/gbw Garden BirdWatch monitors the changing fortunes of birds and other garden wildlife through its network of ‘citizen scientists’. Many birdwatchers and householders already keep simple records of the birds that they see using their gardens throughout the year. The collection of such information is incredibly useful and, if carried out in a systematic manner, these weekly observations of birds (or indeed other garden wildlife) can prove very valuable for researchers.

Garden BirdWatch long-term contributions — the stronger the colour the more years of records contributed

The long-term contributions of BTO Garden BirdWatchers have been significant, with 673 individuals sending in weekly records in each of the 19 years (1995–2013) over which the scheme has been operating. Each of the male and female icons above represents 50 Garden BirdWatchers, arranged by the number of years over which they have made contributions to the scheme. The darker the colour the more years for which records have been submitted. We are extremely grateful to all of our Garden BirdWatchers, who not only send in records but also support the project financially. The figure shows that participants who were active in 2013.

Common species The most commonly recorded garden birds according to BTO Garden BirdWatch, based on the proportion of gardens from which the species was reported during January–March 2013. Colour indicates conservation status.

Greenfinch Magpie Starling

Nuthatch

Proportion of sites providing each food type in 2013 Peanuts

Seed Mix

Sunflower Seed

Carrion Crow

Jackdaw

Feral Pigeon

Song Thrush

Nyger Seed

Blackcap

Robin HouseBlackbird Sparrow Great Spotted Woodpecker

Wren

Long-tailed Tit

Fat/Suets

Coal Tit

Dunnock Blue Tit Jay

Siskin

Goldfinch Chaffinch

Collared Dove

Great Tit

Woodpigeon

Mealworms

Other taxa records from Garden BirdWatch in 2013

18

230

210

Hummingbird Hawk-moth

1,033

Hornet

Rural

2,009

Cockchafer

Suburban

34%

Dragonflies

Urban

61%

Bumblebees

5%

3,034

Butterflies

Every garden is different, so all gardens are welcome in Garden BirdWatch. We have more records from suburban gardens than rural and urban put together.

3,765

Mammals

All types of gardens

Number of gardens from which recorded

It is not just birds that BTO Garden BirdWatchers record each week.

This figure shows the number of gardens from which we received other wildlife records in 2013.

176

BTO Annual Review | 2 014

THE BTO’S WORK

SPECIAL PULL-OUT

BirdTrack www.birdtrack.net BirdTrack is a free tool for birdwatchers to store and manage their records, while allowing us to use these to look at migration, movements and distributions of birds. It’s an exciting project – run in partnership between the BTO, the RSPB, BirdWatch Ireland, the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club and the Welsh Ornithological Society – that unlocks the value of day-to-day birdwatching records for conservation at local, regional, national and international scales.

BirdTrack submissions — the stronger the colour the more submissions

Some 21,602 BirdTrack volunteers have contributed 6.9 million submissions since the project was launched a decade ago. Of these, 66% are male and 34% are female. Then there are the records received from BirdGuides, bird clubs, bird observatories and county recorders, which are not shown here. 523 individuals have contributed more than 1,000 submissions and, of these, 26 have made more than 10,000 submissions.

SPECIAL PULL-OUT:

Time spent in the field

Widespread species

At 2 hours 12 minutes, the average time spent doing a BirdTrack list in September is 26 minutes more than in January.

The most widely recorded 150 species, according to the number of 10-km squares from which they were reported; coloured by BOCC Conservation Status.

Redstart

Red-legged Partridge

Lesser Whitethroat

Sedge Warbler Stock Dove

Whooper Swan Sandwich Tern

Brambling

Woodcock

Wigeon

Dunlin

Red-throated Diver

Raven Waxwing Oystercatcher Jay Song Thrush Willow Warbler Teal Short-eared Owl

Swallow

Nov

House Martin Shelduck Meadow Pipit Woodpigeon Buzzard Grey Heron Fulmar

Rock Pipit

Pochard

Mediterranean Gull

Little Owl

Magpie Great Spotted Woodpecker Snipe Great Black-backed Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Rook Pied Wagtail Bullfinch Herring Gull Black-headed Gull Mistle Thrush Swift Chaffinch House Sparrow Jackdaw Sparrowhawk Blackbird Mallard Curlew Greenfinch Marsh Tit

Red-breasted Merganser

Hobby

Goldeneye Whinchat

Little Gull

Kittiwake

Goosander

Barn Owl

Greenshank

Chiffchaff Collared Dove Dunnock Gadwall

Little Egret

Blackcap

Hooded Crow

Lapwing

Black-tailed Godwit

In 2013, BirdTrackers logged 132,000 complete lists of birds seen. These came from every 100-km square across Britain and Ireland, the records submitted either online or through the BirdTrack App.

Top five counties — 2013

Robin

Kent

Suffolk

Hen Harrier

Eider

Merlin

Grey Wagtail

Sanderling

Blue Tit

Whitethroat Fieldfare Mute Swan Tree Sparrow

Linnet Peregrine

Siskin

Great Crested Grebe Stonechat Garden Warbler

Scoter Spotted Flycatcher Common Whimbrel Canada Goose Redshank Golden Plover Moorhen Red Kite Grey Partridge Common Tern Little Grebe

Turnstone

Yellow Wagtail

2013 rarities logged by BirdTrack observers Brünnich’s Guillemot: Portland Harbour, Dorset

Two-barred Crossbills: Lynford Arboretum, Norfolk

34

31

Little Bitterns: Ham Wall, Somerset

Parrot Crossbills: Holt Country Park, Norfolk

30 Lancashire

Bar-tailed Godwit

Dipper

Jack Snipe

Highland

Gannet Shoveler

Common Crossbill

Ring Ouzel

Osprey

Water Rail

Norfolk

Arctic Tern Grasshopper Warbler

Great Northern Diver

Turtle Dove

2 014 | BTO Annual Review

Ringed Plover

Coal Tit Treecreeper Tawny Owl

Common Gull Coot Skylark Starling Goldfinch Wren Carrion Crow Goldcrest Great Tit

Woodpecker Reed Bunting GreenShag

y Ma Jun Julug A Sep Oct

From highlands to islands

Nuthatch

Tufted Duck Cuckoo

Kestrel Lesser Redpoll Pheasant Redwing Wheatear Cormorant Kingfisher Common Sandpiper Greylag Goose

Dec

Apr

Feb Mar

Green Sandpiper

Rock Dove Yellowhammer

Sand Martin Tree Pipit

Jan

Long-tailed Tit

Reed Warbler Pink-footed Goose

25

Ivory Gull, Patrington Haven (23 observers); Two-barred Crossbills, Broomhead Reservoir (22) and Pacific Swift, Trimley Marshes (19) also featured well.

19

THE BTO’S WORK

SPECIAL PULL-OUT

Tracking Cuckoos www.bto.org/cuckoos We’ve lost over half the number of Cuckoos in the UK over the last 20 years. Since 2011, researchers at BTO have been satellite-tracking Cuckoos to find out why. We’ve already learnt lots from our tagged birds, which will to help save our Cuckoos, but there is still more to discover.

Cuckoos making the HEADLINES...

EDMUND FELLOWES

Not only has the Cuckoo project delivered cutting edge science, it has also really engaged with a wider audience. ‘Chris’ the Cuckoo, named after BTO President, Chris Packham, has attracted lots of media interest. The infographic celebrating four years of tracking Chris (below), was hugely popular on Twitter.

BTO is working to understand why populations of Cuckoos and many other summer migrants are in decline. By bringing together studies here in the UK with fieldwork in Africa and new tracking technologies that follow the birds on their migratory journeys, we hope to provide the answers needed to support conservation efforts to halt these declines. Our use of satellite-tracking has already revealed new information on the routes that our Cuckoos use during migration and identified the sites where they winter and stopover to fuel up before crossing the Sahara.

Migration provides a powerful story for wider engagement with the research needed to identify why summer migrants are being lost. While we tend to think of these summer visitors as ‘our’ birds, most of them are only here for a short part of the year. Our satellite may spend just 15% of his year in the UK, highlighting that we need to look across political boundaries if we are to understand the causes of decline.

Much of BTO’s work on migrants has been funded through the generosity of individuals – we have 1,842 Cuckoo sponsors, for example – underlining the value of engaging with a broad audience through television, magazines and social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. If we can grow this support and attract more ‘unrestricted’ funds, then we can do more of the research that is important for understanding what is happening to our birds.

20

Centre pullout designed and produced by mike toms/bto

tags have revealed that a male Cuckoo

BTO Annual Review | 2 014

Separating the ‘hoo-weet’ from the Chiff When Carl Barimore began working in the Demography Team he had never seen a Chiffchaff nest, let alone knew how to find one. Now he is one of a number of mentors helping others develop skills in finding and monitoring nests.

“Back in 2006 I wouldn’t even have known where to look for a Chiffchaff nest.

I acknowledged the data submissions of experienced nest recorders in awe, amazed at the number of finch, lark and warbler broods they located each season. How did they do it?

Could I do it? And, crucially, how long would it take me to learn?”

It was veteran recorder and Tucker Medal answers. Taking me round his local patch the following summer, he patiently explained when, where and how I should search to find the nests of different species. One of the most memorable lessons involved following a female Chiffchaff back to her clutch, located in a pouch of coarse grass a few inches from the ground. Her incessant ‘hoo-weet’ contact call ceased the minute she sat back on the

David Tipling davidtipling.com

recipient John Brook who would provide the

Having someone experienced sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm through mentoring is one of the best ways to get to the heart of nest recording. Here, Mike Toms shows how to inspect a Treecreeper nest with an endoscope.

eggs, pinpointing the location almost exactly.

I couldn’t wait to get back to my own

career hopefully illustrates two things: first,

patch at Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire to

it is possible to learn how to find nests in a

see if I could locate a nest on my own; sure

relatively short period of time and, second,

enough, by putting John’s advice into practice

it’s all a heck of a lot easier if you’re shown

I was successful on the very first attempt.

the ropes by an experienced nester. With

Fast forward to 2014 and I’m now running

this in mind, the 75th Anniversary of the

my own training courses, introducing new

NRS seemed like the ideal opportunity to

Nest Record Scheme (NRS) participants

launch a formal mentoring scheme, whereby

to the fascinating world of avian breeding

existing recorders offer to accompany new

biology.

recruits in the field as they develop the skills

This abridged story of my own nesting

necessary for locating and safely monitoring nests. Thus far, over 50 volunteers across

“Me and my good friends Mark Penney and Dave Scott have amassed many thousands of nest finding and monitoring hours together on Dartmoor. It would be a great shame to take this nest finding skill to the grave and so we, as a group, like nothing more than to meet, teach and encourage new nest recorders.”

the country have signed up as mentors,

Mark Lawrence, NRS mentor from Devon

their locations visible to all on an online

“In 2012 I met Mark Lawrence and the Dartmoor team for some expert tuition on finding nests of Stonechat and other bird species that breed on the ground.

The skills I learned gave me the grounding to begin my own Tree Pipit study on Dartmoor the next year, which resulted in nine nest records for BTO, almost 20% of the national total.”

Josh Marshall, new nest recorder from Devon

map hosted on the BTO website which also allows interested parties to get in touch with

displaying photographs of breeding attempts

them via email.

that they were monitoring, including, you’ve

Of course, provision of training is only

guessed it, several Chiffchaffs. I wonder how

useful if people want to get involved, and

many decades it’s been since a teenager

signs are positive. A Focus On Nature, an

located and monitored a warbler nest?

organisation providing networking and other

Ensuring this vital skill, which makes a huge

opportunities for young conservationists, held

contribution to our understanding of the factors

a conference at BTO this spring which included

driving population trends, not only persists but

a short workshop on nest finding. Within a

proliferates is a priority for the NRS over the

few days Twitter was alive with tweets from

next decade and, as ever, our volunteers are

delegates, most in their early teens, proudly

key to helping us achieve it.

Find out more about the Nest Record Scheme: Visit www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/nrs/taking-part/nrs-mentoring for information

about the possibility of mentoring in your area. Go to www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/nrs/taking-part for a free NRS starter pack.

2 014 | BTO Annual Review

21

People power Collecting information on the wildlife that lives alongside us isn’t always straightforward but many of the gaps in our knowledge can be filled through the partnerships established between scientists and volunteers.

KEEPING CHECK ON WILDLIFE DISEASE Research into wildlife disease has

can be achieved by bringing together

largely been driven by recognition of

experts from different fields and by

the threats to public health, livestock

drawing on the support of wider

production and species conservation from

stakeholders and volunteers.

emerging infectious diseases. The work

Central to Garden Wildlife Health is

carried out around species conservation

a web application, built by BTO staff,

has tended to focus on rare species,

that allows observers to submit reports,

typically restricted in terms of geographic

which are then reviewed by veterinary

range or population size, rather than on

researchers based at the Institute of

species perceived to be common and

Zoology. Where a report indicates that

widespread. We know, however, that

a carcass is available the researcher can

emerging infectious diseases can have

make a decision on whether or not to

going BATTY

a pronounced impact on apparently

request the carcass for post-mortem

Another area where our understanding

common species. Finch trichomonosis, for

examination, a process that makes

has really benefited from the partnership

example, first seen in British Greenfinches

use of the interactive features of the

between volunteers and researchers is

and Chaffinches in 2005, is known to

web application to alert the participant

that of bat conservation. Being nocturnal

have reduced our breeding Greenfinch

to the request. Details from the post-

in habits, bats are usually monitored by

population from c. 4.3 million birds to c.

mortem (including photographs and

experienced recorders using handheld

2.8 million over just a few years.

diagnostics) are then stored in the same

detectors to identify the bats present at

database that sits behind the online

a site. The lack of experienced surveyors,

mortality causes seen in familiar birds is

system, allowing results to be passed

coupled with the high cost of the

often collected opportunistically, when

back to the participant. Participants in

specialist detectors needed to identify

members of the public report animals that

BTO Garden BirdWatch also contribute

the bats, has limited our ability to collect

appear unwell or which have been found

information on the presence and

information on the distribution and

dead under suspicious circumstances.

absence of diseased wildlife from their

habitat use of bats at wider spatial scales.

While useful in their own right, such

gardens on a weekly basis, information

The launch of a new project – the

reports do not provide information on

that provides a systematic framework

Norfolk Bat Project, brainchild of BTO

the incidence of disease among wider

around the opportunistic reports that

Research Ecologist, Dr Stuart Newson –

populations, something that can only

come in from a wider audience. The

has recently overcome these difficulties

come from systematic monitoring and a

scheme will highlight the emergence of

by establishing a network of Bat

network of observers drawn from across

new diseases, chart the incidence and

Monitoring Centres. Local volunteers

the country. Establishing such networks

distribution of others and, additionally,

borrow passive bat detectors from these

can be problematic but Garden Wildlife

provide information on other mortality

centres, which they then deploy in a

Health, launched in 2013, shows what

agents affecting our wildlife.

standardised manner at sites across the

Information on the diseases and other

Garden Wildlife Health Managed by ZSL’s Institute of Zoology (IoZ), Garden Wildlife Health is a collaborative project between ZSL, BTO, Froglife and the RSPB. An evolution of the Garden Bird Health initiative (GBHi) and the Frog Mortality Project (FMP), it consists of a continuous survey

22

of the health of British amphibians, birds, hedgehogs and reptiles in garden habitats, contributing to better management of their conservation and the health of proximate people and domestic animals. The project is funded by the AHVLA Great Britain Wildlife

Disease Surveillance Partnership, which receives funding from Defra through the Scanning Surveillance Programme, and by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Defra’s Strategic Evidence Fund and in-kind contributions from the project partners.

BTO Annual Review | 2 014

people power

&

finch trichomonosis: Chaffinch and Greenfinch were the two species whose populations were most affected by the 2006 outbreak of trichomonosis, as BTO GBW and BBS data revealed

northeastwildlife.co.uk/Davidtipling.com/Luke delve

Facts Figures

county. Bats passing within range of the

sustainable over the next few years, which

detector are recorded on a memory card,

needs investment. As a start, funding has

which is returned to Stuart’s research

been secured (thanks to Essex and Suffolk

team to be analysed. A report detailing

Water) to develop an online system for

the bats recorded is then sent back to

coordinating detector bookings. Increasing

the participants, while the raw data are

coverage and carrying out core analyses will

added to a database that now holds over

also be important areas for development as

half a million recordings (the project only

the project moves forward.

1.5million

At least 1.5 million Greenfinches have been lost since finch trichomonosis was first recognised in 2005, returning the British Greenfinch population to levels last seen in the mid-1980s and halting a 20-year period of population growth.

launched in April 2013). The Norfolk Bat Project is already delivering a huge amount of new information, revolutionising our understanding of bat distributions within Norfolk. The project has been recognised for its achievements within the county and it looks set to provide a model for what could be achieved countrywide.

What we want now is to make this project

Acknowledgements Norfolk Bat Survey is led by BTO in partnership with those organisations hosting Bat Monitoring Centres. We are extremely grateful to the People’s Trust for Endangered Species and Natural England (Defra Fund for Biodiversity Recording in the Voluntary Sector) for providing start-up funding for this project and for the additional support given by the Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership, the Geoffrey Watling Charity and the many individual donors and supporters.

3,637

Barbastelle: This red-listed species now appears to be localised, but widespread, in Norfolk, occuring at low density. The 1,033 recordings of this species captured through this project represent just 0.2% of the total recordings received in 2013.

1,757 volunteers have contributed 2,459 reports to Garden Wildlife Health since its launch in 2013.

In addition, 3,637 existing BTO Garden BirdWatchers have submitted information on disease incidence through their weekly counts.

S. c. bisserot/npl

1,019

2 014 | BTO Annual Review

The Norfolk Bat Survey has logged 1,019 recordings of Barbastelle, a bat species formerly thought to be highly localised within Norfolk.

These recordings come from 162 1-km squares, representing 36% of the county’s land area.

23

Scientific Research in 2013 & 2014 In the triptych below we review some more of the fascinating and diverse papers that have emerged from BTO work in the past year. These three papers cover different aspects of the Trust’s work on climate change.

1. Climate change and diving ducks

2. Migration in a ch

Collaboration is the key to studying the effects of climate change across Europe

Climate change impacts across years

Data collected by WeBS volunteers make an

104,000 wintering birds. Similarly, Goldeneye

Migratory birds are likely to be particularly

important contribution to research looking at

numbers decreased significantly in Ireland and

vulnerable to climate change because they

effects of climate change on waterbirds. Counts

Switzerland over the 30 years, amounting to a

can be affected by changing conditions on the

from across Europe, spanning 1980 to 2010,

loss of 12,000 birds from those two countries

breeding grounds, wintering grounds or the

were used to examine the responses of diving

alone. Recent shorter-term declines have also

passage areas in between. Many long-distance

ducks to changing winter temperatures. The

occurred in Britain, France, and the Netherlands.

migrant birds that breed in the UK and winter

results of this collaborative work, which focused

At the south-west end of the flyway used by

in Africa are in severe decline; previous BTO

on Goldeneye, Tufted Duck and Goosander,

Goosanders, the wintering population has

work has shown this can be related to changing

were published in Global Change Biology.

declined markedly in the Netherlands, Denmark

conditions in Africa, which affect overwinter

and southern Sweden.

survival, and to conditions on British breeding

The work was led by researchers in Finland,

steven round www.stevenround-birdphotography.com/Luke delve

where effects of climate change have been felt

24

grounds. Research by the BTO’s Population

particularly strongly. Early winter temperatures in

These findings are directly relevant to

Ecology and Modelling Team took this further

parts of Fennoscandia have risen by nearly 4°C

conservation. Waterbird abundance is used as

and considered the potential for changing

during the study period. Prior to recent decades,

designation criteria for wetland protection, for

conditions in Africa to ‘carry over’ and affect

wetlands in northern latitudes of Europe remained

example as Ramsar sites. New areas becoming

birds during the following breeding season.

frozen throughout the winter. However, during the

important for non-breeding birds risk not falling

period examined in this study they have become

into existing protected area networks. Conversely,

is incredibly important for migrants that

increasingly available to diving waterfowl in winter.

wintering waterbirds may increasingly retract

winter south of the Sahara, as precipitation

Tufted Duck, Goldeneye and Goosander have

from sites further south and west in their ranges,

controls vegetation growth and, therefore, the

all increased exponentially in Finland, while in

some of which were designated to protect them.

abundance of herbivorous insects. Species

northern Sweden the total for all three species

Protection throughout the entire flyway is vital

such as warblers, flycatchers and chats

combined has risen by over 80,000 birds.

however; recent colder winters, particularly that of

rely heavily on berries and invertebrates to

Goldeneye numbers have increased by 4,320%

2010/11, have demonstrated the importance of

survive through the winter and to fuel their

in Finland and 269% in southern Sweden.

ensuring protection of these sites as cold weather

journeys back to the breeding grounds the

refuges.

following spring. Using a unique dataset,

However, a striking contrast is apparent at the opposite end of the migratory flyway. Although in Britain numbers of Tufted Ducks appear relatively stable, neighbouring regions towards the southwest end of the flyway have seen declines, with decreases of 46% in France, 43% in Ireland and 39% in Switzerland, amounting to a net shift of

Find out more Lehikoinen A., Jaatinen K., Vahatalo A.V., Clausen P., Crowe O., Deceuninck B., Hearn R., Holt C.A., Hornman M., Keller V., Nilsson L., Langendoen T., Wahl J. & Fox A.D. 2013. Rapid climate driven shifts in wintering distribution of three waterbird species.

Global Change Biology 19, 2071–2081.

Rainfall during the African growing season

collected by volunteers contributing to the Nest Record Scheme over a 46-year period, BTO ecologists demonstrated that the impact of African rainfall can indeed carry over and influence the subsequent timing of nesting in 19 migrant species, including Sand Martin, BTO Annual Review | 2 014

Behind the Images…

1. diving ducks Goldeneye and other diving ducks are utilising new sites at northerly latitudes as the climate changes and waterbodies become available.

hanging climate

2. migrants Winter rainfall in Africa can affect migrant birds many months and many miles later as BTO research demonstrates.

3. protected areas An ambitious collaborative study showed that Europe’s network of sites designated for species protection will be resilient to climate change.

3. Do protected areas work?

Protected areas for bird conservation

Swallow and Redstart. In general, species laid

Protected area networks, where several

average rise of 4°C in global temperatures,

their eggs earlier after wetter Sahel growing

sites are legally protected because of their

and predicted population declines of at least

seasons, suggesting that individuals were in

importance for particular species or habitats,

25% for more than half of species considered.

better condition and therefore able to leave

are one of the main conservation tools for

In some cases falls of more than 50%

earlier, travel faster or produce clutches more

reducing biodiversity loss. However, it is unclear

were predicted. Species such as Arctic Tern,

rapidly on arrival.

how effective these networks might be as

Guillemot, Eider and Bar-tailed Godwit were

the species and habitats for which they are

particularly badly affected. However, other

is relatively small when compared to the

designated respond to climate change. This

species, like Avocet and Common Tern, were

impact of spring temperature on the breeding

question was tackled by BTO scientists and

projected to increase in numbers.

grounds. This suggests that increasing

published in the prestigious journal Nature

temperatures in the UK are largely responsible

Climate Change, the result of an ambitious

These gains and losses have implications for

for the observed trend towards earlier

project involving collaborators from universities,

the designation of SPAs. However, although

breeding, even in long-distance migrants.

government bodies and NGOs. The study

many sites were predicted to lose qualifying

Warm springs are likely to stimulate early

provided the most compelling evidence to date

species as numbers dropped below the

laying as they advance leaf growth and,

that, while British bird populations are being,

necessary threshold, they were also expected

therefore, the emergence of insects that birds

and will continue to be, affected by climate

to gain other species, resulting in an overall

depend on to provision offspring; studies

change, the network of sites established to

change in the composition of species protected

have shown that a failure to track these

protect them under European law is resilient to

by a particular area. Such alterations highlight

advances can have serious implications

these changes and will remain so.

the need for efficient administration and regular

However, the importance of this effect

for breeding success. Overall, this research

The UK is home to internationally important

highlights the many factors determining how

populations of breeding seabirds and wintering

migrant species are responding to climate

waterbirds. Sites holding particular numbers

change, an understanding of which is vital

of these species are designated as Special

if we are to protect these birds and address

Protection Areas (SPAs) under the EU Birds

population declines.

Directive. Analysis of high quality data on the abundance of 62 species of seabird and

Find out more Ockendon, N., Leech, D. & Pearce-Higgins, J.W. 2013. Climatic effects on breeding grounds are more important drivers of breeding phenology in migrant birds than carry-over effects from wintering grounds.

Biology Letters 9, 0669. doi:10.1098/rsbl.2013.0669

2 014 | BTO Annual Review

waterbird, collected over 30 years, showed that more than half of the population trends during this time can be explained by climate change. This information was used to predict trends through to 2080, assuming an

assessment of the SPA network, so that it keeps pace with bird population trends.

Find out more Full citation: Johnston, A., Ausden, M., Dodd, A.M., Bradbury, R.B., Chamberlain, D.E., Jiguet, F., Thomas, C.D., Cook, A.S.C.P., Newson, S.E., Ockendon, N., Rehfisch, M.M., Roos, S., Thaxter, C.B., Brown, A., Crick, H.Q.P., Douse, A., McCall, R.A., Pontier, H., Stroud, D.A., Cadiou, B., Crowe, O., Deceuninck, B., Hornman, M. & Pearce-Higgins, J.W. 2013. Observed and predicted effects of climate change on species abundance in protected areas.

Nature Climate Change 3, 1055–1061. doi: 10.1038/ NCLIMATE2035

25

BTO Accounts 2013/14 Council aims to build on our successes in diversifying our income and growing unrestricted income, in order to continue to deliver relevant, independent, quality science that is synonymous with BTO.

The way in which we are funded is changing, with income from individuals playing an ever increasing role in supporting the work we undertake. Through membership, donations, appeals and legacies, individuals have contributed an amazing £2.5m to our income this year.

This represents 40% of our total income and exceeds the restricted income of £1.7m from Government/public sector contracts. The benefit of this contribution from individuals does not stop there, it also enables partnerships with other NGO’s to deliver collaborative projects like the Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey and opens doors to other sources of income. As we continue to grow our fundraising capacity this added value will grow in importance; we frequently use contributions from our supporters to access grants from a range of sources. In some circumstances this match funding has been key to securing such grants; grants from Natural Resources Wales, Environment Wales and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation enabled the setup and ongoing operation of our Welsh Office, for instance.

Summarised Accounts 2013/14 Exceptional legacy receipts and the profit on sales of Bird Atlas 2007–11 resulted in an operating surplus for the year of £643k. The principal funding sources continued to be research and surveys (£2,532k), membership and communications (£1,226k), and trading and consultancy (including BTO Services Ltd turnover) (£979k).

Appeals raised £345k, and £853k was received from legacies. A total of £4,665k was spent during the year on carrying out, supporting and communicating ornithological research. There was a gain of £30k in the market value of investments, in line with the general rise in the stock

market, but an actuarial loss of £821k in the pension scheme, due to further weakening of bond yields.

The Trustees have an unrestricted free reserves target range of 9 to 12 weeks’ operating expenditure.

These reserves are held against any unexpected falls in income or other unforeseen circumstances. Unrestricted funds excluding tangible fixed assets and the pension fund liability at 31 March 2014 totalled £1,667k, of which £53k is committed to existing BTO-funded projects, and £600k is earmarked for pension deficit repair payments, leaving free reserves equivalent to 8.9 weeks’ expenditure.

Incoming resources

2013/14 2012/13 (£'000) (£'000)

General donations

149

157

Appeals

345

400

Legacies

853

230

Trading and consultancy

979

764

Royalties and copyright

99

120

Other income Membership and communications

141

51

1,226

1,141

Research and surveys

2,532

2,183

Total incoming resources

6,324

5,046

Resources expended Costs of generating voluntary income

224

174

Costs of activities for generating funds

754

575

Membership, volunteers and communications

1,182

1,173

Research and surveys

3,483

3,039

Governance costs

Total resources expended Defined benefit pension scheme closure

Net incoming resources Other recognised losses

38

41

5,681

5,002

-

1,111

643

1,155

-791

-412

Net movement in funds

-148

743

Total funds brought forward

1,056

313

908

1,056

Fixed assets

1,737

1,684

Net current assets

1,507

1,163

Total funds carried forward

Represented by: Other creditors Pension fund liability

Our raffles are a great way of securing funding for a project. For example, £10,000 from the raffle in 2010 was used to access a grant from BBC Wildlife to kick-start our Cuckoo-tracking project.

26

TOTAL

-25

-22

-2,311

-1,769

908 1,056

BTO Annual Review | 2 014

ces (£'000)

General donations

Accounts

urces expended (£'000) ces (£'000) General donations

‘Birds are important to us and we’ve had so much pleasure from watching them it’s good to give something back.

Besides, bird surveys really are fun!’

&

Facts Figures

Appeals urces expended (£'000) General donations Appeals Legacies 0) incoming resources resources Expended urces expended (£'000) (£’000) Appeals (£’000) generating Incoming Incoming resources resources (£'000) (£'000) Costs of Resources Resources expended expended(£'000) (£'000) Legacies 0)7,0007,000 General donations General General donations donations voluntary income Trading 7,000 &7,000consultancy 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 urces expended (£'000) Appeals Appeals Legacies Costs Costsofofgenerating generating Costs of activities generating voluntary voluntary income income Costs of for Trading & consultancy 5,000 5,000 0)5,0005,000 General Legacies Legacies donations Costs Costsofofactivities activitiesforfor voluntary Appeals Royalties4,000 & generating copyright income funds generating generating funds funds We are greatly indebted to our 4,000 4,000 4,000Trading Trading & consultancy & consultancy urces expended (£'000) members and volunteers for their Membership, Membership,volunteers volunteers Trading & consultancy Costs of generating generous support.

Here are and andcommunications communications some facts 3,000 3,000Royalties Costs of activities for Royalties & copyright & copyright 0)3,0003,000 General Royalties & copyright donations to demonstrate just how important you Membership, volunteers Research Researchand andsurveys surveys Appeals Other income voluntary income are to the financial working of BTO 2,000 2,000 Legacies 2,000 2,000Other Other income income generating funds and communications Governance Governancecosts costs 40% Royalties1,000 &Membership copyright Costs of generating 1,000 0)1,0001,000 General donations Membership andand Costs of activities for Individuals contributed £2.5m to BTO communications communications Appeals Other income Membership, volunteers last year, which is 40% of our total 0 0 Legacies 0 0Research Research and surveys Research andand surveys surveys income voluntary Trading & consultancy Membership and This money is vital in enabling 2013/14 2013/14 2012/13 2012/13 generating funds 2013/14 2013/14 2012/13 2012/13 and communications income. our core surveys and our own priority Costs of of activities generating Other income General donations communications Costs for research.

Appeals Membership and Legacies Membership, volunteers Trading voluntary income Research and surveys300 Royalties&&consultancy copyright Governance costs Research and surveys generating funds communications members are extremely loyal to and communications Our our cause, we have over 300 members and of activities for who have supported Appeals MembershipCosts 13 Legacies us for over 50 Research and surveys Membership, volunteers Trading & consultancy years and a further 4,000 Royalties &communications copyright Governance Research and surveysyears’ membership. with over 20 generating funds costs Other income 13 and communications Research and surveys Legacies& consultancy Trading Membership, volunteers & copyright Research and surveys 13 Royalties Other income 2012/13 Governance costs Membership and and communications Trading &&consultancy communications Royalties copyright Research and surveys£114,000 Other income Membership 2012/13 andand By signing up to giftaid your support Research surveys Governance costs makes an even greater difference; we communications received £114,000 in the year on your Royalties & copyright subscription fees. So, if you are a UK Other income Membership and tax payer add another 25p for every Research 2012/13 and surveys Governance costs pound you give by adding giftaid. communications Other incomeand Membership £27.7m Research 2012/13 and surveys A conservative estimate of the communications monetary value of the staggering 1.36 million hours gifted by volunteers Membership and each year is £27.7m.

Research and surveys 2012/13 communications 27 Tom & Muriel Cadwallender, members and regional representatives for northumberland

7,000

7,000

6,000

6,000

5,000

5,000

4,000

4,000

3,000

3,000

2,000

2,000

1,000

1,000

0

0

2013/14

General donations Appeals Legacies Trading & consultancy Royalties & copyright

2012/13

Other income

Membership & communications

Research & surveys

2013/14

2012/13

Costs of generating voluntary income Costs of activities for generating funds Membership, volunteers & communications Research & surveys Governance costs

Independent Auditor’s Statement To The Members Of The British Trust For Ornithology

for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the summarised financial statements. In our opinion the summarised financial statements are consistent with the full annual financial statements and the Council Annual Report of The British Trust For Ornithology for the year ended 31 March 2014.

LOVEWELL BLAKE LLP Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor Bankside 300, Peachman Way, Broadland Business Park, Norwich, NR7 0LB 31 July 2014

Further Information

These summarised accounts have been extracted from the Trust’s annual accounts. They may not contain sufficient information to provide a full understanding of the financial affairs of the Trust. For further information, the full accounts, the auditor’s report and the Council (Trustees’) Report (incorporating the Strategic Report) should be consulted. These are available on the BTO website (www. bto.org/about-bto/accounts) and hard copies are available on request from the Director of Services, BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU.

The annual accounts were approved by Council on 2 July 2014 and have been submitted to the Registrar of Companies, the Charity Commission and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. The accounts include the auditor’s report which is unqualified and does not contain a statement either under section 498(2) of the Companies Act 2006 (accounting records or returns inadequate or accounts not agreeing with the records and returns) or section 498(3) (failure to obtain information and explanations).

2 014 | BTO Annual Review

Research and surveys

Edmund Fellowes/david tipling davidtipling.com

We have examined the summarised financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2014 set out above. The Council Members are responsible for preparing the summarised financial statements in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and the recommendations of the Charities SORP. Our responsibility is to report to you our opinion on the consistency of the summarised financial statements with the full annual financial statements and the Council (Trustees’) Report (incorporating the Strategic Report).

We also read other information contained in the summarised annual report and consider the implications

Partnerships Working in partnership delivers huge benefits to BTO and enables us to engage with different communities and to share our own expertise with others. As these three examples reveal, these partnerships are diverse and far-reaching.

1. BBC Springwatch and Autumnwatch

Harnessing the power of TV to bring our message to the masses

2. BESS

Quantifying the role of birds in providing ecosystem services

BTO has an active role in three of the four Biodiversity & Ecosystem Service Sustainability (BESS) projects. BESS is a major six-year Research Council initiative to assess the role of biodiversity in delivering the key ecosystem services on which we rely. Each of the projects brings together ecologists, environmental scientists, economists, social scientists and local stakeholders to consider a particular habitat or landscape, including urban centres and estuaries.

One example is BTO’s contribution to the Diversity in Upland Rivers for Ecosystem Service Sustainability project.

Led by Cardiff University, DURESS brings together a consortium of 30 researchers from a range of disciplines Chris Packham and BTO Staff Chris Hewson and Paul Stancliffe on the trail of Chris the Cuckoo in Suffolk on his return to the UK for a feature on Springwatch.

and institutions and focuses on four river ecosystem services that are biodiversitymediated: regulation of water quality;

28

Over recent years we have gathered

success through the use of social media

regulation of decomposition; fisheries

feedback from our members,

during the shows. By tweeting during

and recreational fishing; and river birds

supporters and partners through a

broadcasts we can both support the

as culturally valued biodiversity. Each

range of different surveys aimed at

programmes by providing relevant

is at risk from climate and land-use

improving our services. One of the

supplementary information and help

change. During the summer of 2013 a

areas that our supporters feel we

to answer any queries raised by

BTO field team carried out bird surveys

should continue to develop is our public

items in the programmes. By taking

along the rivers, looking at characteristic

profile. “You do great work but not

this approach, we’ve enjoyed record

riverine birds such as Dipper and Grey

enough people know about you. You

numbers of new people choosing to

Wagtail, but also species inhabiting

need to shout louder” is a typical quote

follow us on Twitter and we additionally

the riparian woodlands which may rely

from such surveys. One of the ways in

benefit from the BBC Twitter teams

on emergent aquatic insects. Over last

which we can deliver on this demand

helping to broadcast our messages

winter, we’ve collected Dipper droppings

is to grow our relationships with high

to their huge communities. This year

and feathers which will be analysed to

profile radio and television programmes,

BTO featured prominently on the

assess main sources of diet, exposure to

broadcasting our messages into the

programmes, with lead features focusing

a pathogen and genetic diversity. These

homes of millions of people at a time.

on our President, Chris Packham,

results will be considered alongside

We’ve enjoyed a particularly strong

searching for Chris the Cuckoo, and

analyses of long-term biodiversity

partnership over recent years with the

on Dave Leech’s community Blackbird

datasets, experiments manipulating, for

teams delivering BBC Springwatch and

project, which makes use of colour-

example, rates of litter decomposition

Autumnwatch.

ringing. While it is difficult to measure

in streams under different conditions,

In addition to providing ideas

the value of this exposure, we are in no

and surveys of the values that different

and advice to the excellent crew of

doubt that a close working relationship

stakeholders attribute to different

researchers, producers and presenters,

with the BBC is helping to take our work

ecosystem services. Find out more at:

we have also enjoyed considerable

to new and wider audiences.

www.nerc-bess.net BTO Annual Review | 2 014

‘In addition to providing ideas and advice to the excellent crew of researchers, producers and presenters, we have also enjoyed considerable success through the use of social media during the shows.’

Partnerships

&

Facts Figures

3. Working with Opticron Long-running partnership brings in new nest recorders

857

The number of 1-km squares covered in the Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey in 2013. 374 of these were covered by BBS volunteers on their BBS 1-km squares. The scheme is run as a partnership between Butterfly Conservation, BTO and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

£37,638.25

Small groups and mentoring have been shown to be most effective in recruiting volunteers for nest recording. Our partnership with Opticron has enabled us to run more of these small events.

The optics company Opticron has been

volunteers is to deliver a smaller number

a firm friend for many years now and

of small group or 1:1 sessions with

we continue to benefit from a strong

targeted individuals. In order to deliver

working relationship with them. Over the

this across as wide a geographical area

past few years they have supported our

as possible, we have recruited a number

work primarily through contributing to

of experienced nest record mentors and

membership offers and supporting our

the support from Opticron has enabled

presence at Birdfair.

us to equip them with some essential

William Skellorn/David Tipling davidtipling.com

More recently their support has

equipment. The funding has also

enabled us to invest in more advanced

enabled us to to set up a ‘find a mentor’

camera equipment so that we can

facility on the BTO website, putting

broaden the range of videos we provide

potential new recruits in contact with a

via our YouTube channel. Opticron are

local volunteer.

particularly keen to see their contribution making a difference to the number of

A celebratory 75th anniversary meeting

people actively contributing data to

held this spring served to promote the

our long-term schemes, so in 2014

mentoring scheme to existing volunteers

we directed their support towards the

and, with everything now in place, we

Nest Record Mentoring Scheme. Our

are looking forward to a bumper year

experience with nest recording has

of nest records in 2015. We are very

taught us that rather than investing in

grateful to Opticron for their continued

a large number of introductory nest

support of our work. To find out more

recording courses, the most cost-

about Opticron and their range of optics

effective approach for recruiting new

visit www.opticron.co.uk

2 014 | BTO Annual Review

is the sum achieved in raffle ticket sales and donations for the BTO Raffle for 2013-14. Generous prizes were donated by the Bird Watching and Wildlife Club (BWWC) at the Grant Arms Hotel, by Opticron and by CJ Wildlife. Two years ago CJ Wildlife expanded their operation in Europe with Vivara and renewed their support for BTO by providing five sets of third-place raffle prizes, each worth more than £100, to the lucky winners.

128

The number of volunteer Regional Representatives, assistants and Development Officers based throughout the UK who make our surveys possible.

In addition to recruiting and managing volunteers, these super volunteers are BTO ambassadors, promoting our work across the regions.

£10,000

is the donation Essex and Suffolk Water made to the Cuckoo-tracking project for 2013, via their Branch Out fund, naming their Cuckoo in a staff vote after Ken Saul, a volunteer of more than 30 years standing at Burgh Common in Norfolk where the Cuckoo was caught . Essex and Suffolk Water have been with the BTO since the launch of the project in 2011 and have maintained their much-valued support.

29

BTO and business By working with business BTO has been able to deliver innovative research projects, many of which originate as ideas put forward by BTO’s research staff. As EMMA DOUGLAS highlights, such collaborations provide new opportunities to support and develop emerging areas of our work.

PITCH PERFECT

scientists, asking them to put forward

Research should be exciting; after all, science

project ideas that have the potential to

is about answering questions and increasing

deliver new information, either through

understanding! So it shouldn’t come as a

the collection of new data or the

surprise that BTO’s research staff have plenty

exploration of existing datasets; these

of ideas for pieces of work that might reveal

projects should align with the vision

new insights into our bird populations and

of The Sound Approach. Each of the

their ecology. Funding sources for these

project proposals is then peer reviewed

ideas are not always obvious, however, since

by colleagues to produce a shortlist of

many fall outside of the funding streams that

ideas to be presented to The Sound

support BTO’s core monitoring programmes,

Approach, and it is from this shortlist

this is where corporate support is vital. A

that a number of projects are selected

good example of how business support

for funding. This approach opens up

TRACKING SWIFTS WITH GPS TAGS – CHRIS HEWSON

can underpin innovation can be seen in the

opportunities for BTO researchers

The Common Swift is declining as a

relationship that we have been developing

from across the organisation,

breeding bird in Britain but efforts to

with Mark Constantine, founder of The

secures engagement and generates

understand the reasons for the decline

Sound Approach (soundapproach.co.uk).

a competitive buzz, reinforcing the

have been hampered by a lack of basic

message that exciting and worthwhile

knowledge about the bird and its ecology.

The Sound Approach has also delivered

science should receive support. As

Swifts spend such a small part of their

some additional benefits because of

the following examples reveal, support

year with us and we know very little

the novel process developed to identify

from The Sound Approach has helped

about their migration tracks, stopover

projects for funding. The process begins

to deliver some very different pieces of

sites and wintering areas. We also know

with an invitation to our research

work, from across the organisation.

surprisingly little about the foraging and

The work we have been doing with

“Swifts spend such a small part of their year with us and we know very little about their migration tracks, stopover sites and wintering areas.”

ranging behaviour of the birds breeding at colonies here in Britain. Funding from The Sound Approach has allowed us to use newly-developed miniature GPS tags to collect information with an unprecedented degree of spatial accuracy. Each tag, five of which were deployed in summer 2014, is able to record some 300 locations over the period of deployment. We have been able to quantify the amount of time spent over different habitats and to establish the distances travelled from the colony through short-term deployments during the breeding season. Longerterm deployments, with different tag programming, will enable us to look in much finer detail at migration tracks and the use of stopover sites in West Africa on spring migration. The accuracy of the tags is so great (within 6 m for 50% of locations) that we will be able to determine the movements of the birds in relation to frontal systems and other meteorological features. This has significant implications for their conservation, providing us with on the wing Using new technologies will reveal much about Swift ecology that has been hidden.

30

knowledge that has, until now, been lacking.

BTO Annual Review | 2 014

all ears Little Owls react more strongly to the calls of strangers than their near neighbours.

LITTLE OWL PLAYBACK TRIAL – DAVE LEECH

determined survey locations. However,

a network of box-nesting Little Owls that

in order to use this approach within the

are monitored on an annual basis and this

Over the last 40 years there has been a

context of a national survey we first need to

population provides the perfect opportunity to

significant and substantial decline in the

understand how known populations of Little

test response rates under different scenarios.

UK Little Owl population. It is difficult to

Owls respond to playback. For example, do

Intensive trials of this survey methodology

construct reliable population estimates for

birds respond more often where they occur

provide the information needed to design a

this species because of its largely nocturnal

at a higher density and are response rates

robust national survey to accurately determine

nature and relatively low population density.

influenced by weather conditions or the

the size of the UK Little Owl population.

The primary means of surveying Little Owls

type of technology used to broadcast the

This is a project that dovetails particularly

is via the use of call playbacks, noting the

calls during playback?

well with The Sound Approach’s interests in

david tipling www.davidtipling.com/john harding/klaus bjerre (nature Photograhers Ltd)

response of territorial birds to recordings broadcast from a handheld device at pre-

THE SOUND APPROACH We are very grateful to Mark Constantine who, through The Sound Approach, aims to popularise birdsong and raise standards in the use of sounds in bird identification.

Subjects of particular interest include ageing and sexing birds by their sounds, recognising hidden biodiversity and identifying ‘new species’ through songs and calls.

Their collection of bird songs and calls now exceeds 50,000 recordings of more than 1,000 species, with a particular focus on the Western

2 014 | BTO Annual Review

BTO volunteer ringers and nest recorders in the south Lincolnshire fens have established

bird vocalisations and the field techniques associated with them.

Palaearctic region, making this one of the largest archives of bird sound recordings in the world.

MARK CONSTANTINE Driven by his passion for birds and their song, Mark Constantine, founder of Lush Cosmetics, formed The Sound Approach in 2000. Mark has been a keen birder since the 1970s. During holidays to Mallorca in the 1980s he became friends with the late Peter Grant, “the best teacher a birder could have asked for.”

cory’s confusion Sound Approach recordings have helped inform discussions of Calonectris taxonomy.

31

A year in BTO Cymru 2013–14 As our office in Wales reaches its third birthday, BTO Cymru Development Officer Kelvin Jones updates us on what has been achieved to support our members, volunteers and partners in the principality.

It’s been three years since BTO decided

of the 2011 and 2012 seasons, the 2013

a professional presence in Wales was

season proved a record year with 331

desirable and necessary with the Welsh

individual 1-km squares surveyed.

Government assuming responsibility

As funding for this part of our work

for the environment in the principality.

comes to an end, an ongoing programme

Our BTO Cymru office, with its two staff

of work will build on this initiative and,

hosted at Bangor University, is now well

more importantly, retain, enthuse and

established and in regular contact with

motivate our existing volunteers to

friends and partner organisations including

continue contributing to this survey which

Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the

underpins so much of BTO’s work.

Welsh Ornithological Society, The Wildlife

chat survey The latest BBS report shows that Whinchat had a better year in 2013 but that there is still cause for concern with a 55% decline since 1995.

One of the big successes of

Trusts, RSPB Cymru, Centre for Ecology

programmes like BBC’s Springwatch

and Hydrology and Welsh bird groups.

and S4C’s Y Gwannwyn was the interest

The national media regularly contact us

they generated in bird ringing. However,

for comment and clarity on all matters

the geographical spread of ringers and

ornithological, and this regular media

ringing trainers across Wales is patchy and

presence has raised the BTO’s profile in

a factor in holding back the expansion

Wales.

of ringing here. To begin to address this issue, a ringing course was held at

Building on a strong foundation

the Welsh Wildlife Centre in Cilgerran,

One of the main objectives for BTO

Teifi Ringing Group and the Wildlife Trust

Cymru over the last three years has been

of West and South Wales. During the

to increase the number of BBS squares

weekend a number of long-established

hard work and enthusiasm of our three

surveyed across Wales in order to support

ringers attained their trainer’s permits,

ambassadors, Mick Bailey, Amanda Skull

conservation work, particularly of priority

which will hopefully help to build capacity

and David Lee. A very successful Garden

species. With financial support from NRW, a

for training ringers in the principality.

Wildlife Conference was held at Bangor

programme of mentoring and training was

BTO Garden BirdWatch is well

developed and, building on the success

Pembrokeshire in partnership with the

supported in Wales, a testimony to the

University in October, in partnership with Plantlife Cymru and the North Wales

Getting started young...

One of the unexpected successes of the BTO Cymru office has been the establishment of a BTO student ambassador programme at Welsh universities. With competition for jobs in the environmental sector continuing to be very tough, students can give themselves a head start by supplementing academic studies with hands-on experience. BTO is well placed to offer some good old-fashioned practical experience through our various surveys and schemes and peer-to-peer promotion of our work is proving to be a great way to engage students.

With a very modest investment we have been able to find student ambassadors in the four bigger universities.

Working together with Kelvin Jones, this team promotes our work to a very relevant target audience, helping them to understand more about what we do and how they can benefit from participating.

32

BTO Annual Review | 2 014

Wales

David Tipling davidtipling.com/northeastwildlife.co.uk

Wildlife Trust. The event was fully booked

during the BTO Peregrine Survey in 2014

and feedback from participants has

and highlights the need for continued

been excellent. We are grateful to the

careful monitoring of our protected

university for hosting the event and we

species.

are already planning the next one!

&

Facts Figures

‘One of the main objectives for BTO Cymru over the last three years has been to increase the number of BBS squares surveyed across Wales in order to support conservation work, particularly of priority species.’

96%

The latest BBS report shows a 96% increase in House Sparrow in Wales compared with a 2% decline in the UK as a whole.

38%

Green Woodpecker numbers are down by 38% in Wales compared with a 38% increase in the whole of the UK. Numbers are particularly low in the south-west of the country, with gaps in distribution now appearing.

The Welsh Chat Survey of 2012 was extended because of the

Founding new networks

atrocious weather the previous year.

Part of our work over the past year has

and extended and, with the Welsh

focused on building a more coherent

Ornithological Society now part of the

approach to raptor monitoring. As noted

BirdTrack partnership, BirdTrack is being

in this Annual Review (see page 4),

increasingly used by both volunteers and

BTO Scotland has had considerable

county recorders as the standard system

experience of coordinating raptor study

for collecting and disseminating bird data

groups through their work with the

in Wales.

Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme,

WeBS coverage was maintained

BTO’s decision to open an office here

and we were keen to learn from this

in Wales has proved a huge success,

expertise and deploy it in Wales. A

both for BTO and for the members and

number of very constructive meetings

volunteers who tirelessly and freely give

were held to bring together the various

their time and expertise to expand our

groups and we have established a good

knowledge of Welsh birds, and thereby

working dialogue, which we hope will

contribute so much to their conservation.

lead to a more coordinated approach

We are grateful to Environment Wales

to raptor monitoring in coming years.

(on behalf of the Welsh Government),

Suspected persecution of Peregrines at

the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and

two north Wales eyries was revealed

NRW for their support.

2 014 | BTO Annual Review

55,807

The number of birds ringed in Wales in 2013. These include a Little Tern which was ringed in its nest in Gronant in 1994 and was found freshly dead in the same area 18 years, 11 months and 3 days later, setting a new longevity record for this species.

33

The BTO in print The outputs from BTO research continue to appear in a broad range of peer-reviewed publications. Summaries of all published papers now appear on our website.

Looking at some BTO PAPERS...

Are Great White Egrets here to stay?

As this review reveals, both the numbers of Great White Egrets in Britain and their range have increased over the last 20 years. Data collected by WeBS volunteers have helped to document their spread and can be used to generate population trends. The study also reviews their ecology and habitat requirements.

Holt, C. (2013). The changing status of the Great White Egret in Britain. British Birds 106, 246–257.

Understanding disease reservoirs in wild birds Particular strains of the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium may be carried by wild birds.

A comparison of these different strains (known as phage types) provides supporting evidence that garden birds can act as a reservoir for Salmonellosis in humans.

Lawson, B., de Pinna, E., Horton, R.A., Macgregor, S.K., John, S.K., Chantrey, J., Duff, J.P., Kirkwood, J.K., Simpson, V.R., Robinson, R.A., Wain, J. & Cunningham, A.A. (2014). Epidemiological evidence that garden birds are a source of human Salmonellosis in England and Wales. PLOS ONE. doi: 10.1371/ journal.pone.0088968

Long-tailed Tits bolstered by warm springs

Does winter feeding reduce Blue Tit breeding?

Blue Tits receiving supplementary winter food had lighter, smaller offspring, with reduced survival, the following spring. This study highlights the potential population-level effects of winter feeding.

Plummer, K.E., Bearhop, S., Leech, D.I., Chamberlain, D.E. & Blount, J.D. (2013). Winter food provisioning reduces future breeding performance in a wild bird. Scientific Reports 3, article number 2002. doi: 10.1038/srep02002

Bird surveys reveal population changes… for mammals!

Volunteers taking part in the Breeding Bird Survey have been recording mammals since 1995. Analyses of these data reveal big population changes in nine common species, for example a 48% decline in Rabbits. The study highlights the value of the BTO’s volunteer network for monitoring groups other than birds.

Wright, L.J., Newson, S.E. & Noble, D.G. (2013). The value of a random sampling design for annual monitoring of national populations of larger British terrestrial mammals.

European Journal of Wildlife Research 60, 213–221. doi: 10.1007/s10344-013-0768-x

BTO science contributed to work showing that rising spring temperatures can help explain the rapid recent population growth of British Long-tailed Tits. Annual survival was higher in years with milder breeding seasons, suggesting that this species could benefit from predicted warming through climate change.

Gullet, P., Evans, K.L., Robinson, R.A. & Hatchwell, B.J. (2014). Oikos 123, 389–400.

Going with the flow?

Costs and benefits of river flow variability to riverine birds Data from the BTO’s Waterways Breeding Bird Survey demonstrate how the magnitude, timing and variation in river flows may influence bird communities. This work underlines how bird communities might respond to shifts in river flows caused by climate change and highlights those species potentially at risk.

Royan, A., Hannah, D.M., Reynolds, S.J., Noble, D.G. & Sadler, J.P. (2013). Avian community responses to variability in river hydrology. PLOS ONE. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083221

European Focus: BTO at the 9th Conference of the European Ornithologists’ Union...

Held at the University of East Anglia in August 2013, this four-day event involved an international field of scientists, who presented their work and exchanged ideas within a packed programme. As co-hosts, there was a strong BTO presence at the conference. BTO scientists convened four of the conference’s 18 symposia, and contributed to six oral and two poster presentations, all of which were well received. BTO also jointly ran a workshop for early career scientists with the British Ornithologists’ Union.

34

Oral Presentations Ausden M., Ockendon N., Beale C., Carroll M., Dodd A., Johnston A., Oliver T., Pearce-Higgins J.W. The implications of climate change for species prioritisation and site management.

Hewson C., Atkinson P., Conway G., Henderson I. Spring migration strategies of Afro-Palaearctic migrants wintering in central and southern Africa and breeding in Britain.

Plummer K.E., Bearhop S., Leech D.I., Chamberlain D.E., Blount J.D. Winter supplementary feeding alters the phenotypic structure of blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus populations.

Baillie S., Robinson R., Johnston A., Green R. Integrated modelling of bird populations – the value of direct measures of recruitment.

Henderson I., Cresswell W. Combining large-scale patterns of breeding abundance with site based ecological studies in winter and summer to identify drivers of population change in Whinchats Saxicola rubetra.

Taylor J., Henderson I., Hartley I., Ash D. Comparing variation in habitat use and productivity with estimates of survival and recruitment in a declining migrant bird: the Whinchat Saxicola rubetra on Salisbury Plain, England.

Whinchat researchers from all over Europe shared their knowledge and expertise at the Norwich meeting.

BTO Annual Review | 2 014

BTO funding in 2013/14 We are very grateful for the generous support that we have received, both in time and money, in the past year. In addition to members and other fieldworkers, there are many other individuals and companies who support the work of the BTO with financial contributions. The Trust is particularly pleased to acknowledge the following Corporate Members and other supporters.

Corporate Membership 2013/14 Anglia Sports & Schoolwear Ltd, Anglian Water, Ark Wildlife, R & E Bamford Ltd, Biotrack Ltd, BirdGuides, Birdseye, The Bird Table Ltd, Carl Zeiss Ltd, Ernest Charles, CJ Wildlife, Essex & Suffolk Water, Frontier Holidays Ltd, Gardenature, Gardman Ltd, Grant Arms Hotel, John E Haith Ltd, Jacobi Jayne & Co, JustAddBirds, Natureguides, The Nest Box Co Ltd, Northumbrian Water, Opticron, Paddocks Farm Partnership, Park Hill Nurseries & Garden Centre Ltd, Porzana, Serenata Commerce Ltd, Soar Mill Seeds, Swallowtail Print, Swarovski UK Ltd, Sykes Cottages, Syngenta, Tendley Quarries Ltd, Thames Water Utilities Ltd, Thetford Garden Centre.

Lorem dolar Nightjar ed esent iusto con ulput nim nim er se tion eumsandigna con utpat, sit eu faccum ex estrud.

Trusts 2013/14 AEB Charitable Trust, The Balmain Charitable Trust, A S Butler Charitable Trust, Charles & Caroline Barratt Charitable Trust, The Benham Charitable Settlement, The Downton Banister Trust, The Dulverton Trust, The Keith Ewart Charitable Trust, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Harris Charitable Trust, Marsh Christian Trust, Lord Medway’s Charitable Trust, The Mitchell Trust, Cecil Pilkington Charitable Trust, The Rowan Bentall Charitable Trust, The Saxham Trust, The Slater Foundation, The Emily Weircroft Charitable Trust, The Whaites Charitable Fund, The Geoffrey Watling Charity, The Valerie White Memorial Trust, The Maldwyn Williams Charitable Trust, The J & J R Wilson Trust.

Legacies 2013/14 Mary Theresa Barker, Emily J Collis, Howard Lloyd Davies, William John Farley-Hills, James Bruce Henry, Maxwell Durno Haggett, Penelope Anne Hollow, Nancy Ursula Johnson, Stephen Charles Knight, Eileen Ruth Munns, Jean Palmer, Neil Taylor, Edith Lorna Thomas, Charles John Dalglish Shackles, Anthea Isabella Webb.

In memoriam 2013/14 John Sidney Ash, Norman ‘Norrie’ Avenell, Jean Barker, Michael Rowland Barker, Kay Bennett, Pamela Blyth, Michael Carpenter, David Clarke, Simon Douglas, Jean Elizabeth (Betty) Finnimore, Pete Goodlad, Phyllis Houseman, Penelope Hollow, Roger Jsted, Jillian Mary MacGuire, Duncan Mackenzie, Christine Martin, Sally Morgan, Andrew Winston Olden, Daniel Pawsey, Betty Robinson, Arthur Henry Smith, Bruce Webster, Dr Edward Williams, Mary Grassick Woolley, Hazel Joan Wright.

luke delve/Edmund Fellowes/Robert Greenhalf

Funders of BTO Work 2013/14 Anglian Water Group, Animal Health & Veterinary Laboratories Agency, APEM Ltd, Birdlife International, Breckland Society, Broads Authority, Buro Happold, Cambridge Conservation Initiative, Cefas, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Co-operative Society, Countryside Council for Wales, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Department of Energy and Climate Change, Devon Birdwatching and Preservation Society, Environment Agency, Environment Wales, Essex & Suffolk Water, Footprint Ecology, Forewind Ltd, Forestry Commission, Forestry Commission England, Forestry Commission Scotland, Forest Research, Foster & Partners, Fugro EMU Ltd, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Gardline Environmental Ltd, Gardman Ltd, lnstinctif Partners, James Hutton Institute, Joint Nature Conservation Committee (on behalf of the statutory nature conservation agencies: Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland), Land Securities, London Borough of Bexley, Make Architects, Manchester Ornithological Society, Manx Bird Life, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Neath & Dulais Angling Club, Natural Environment Research Council, NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Norfolk Biodiversity Information Services, Normandeau Associates, Northumbrian Water Ltd., Opticron, People’s Trust for Endangered Species, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, RWE nPower Ltd, Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Raptor Study Group, Scottish Renewables, Serco Ltd, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, The Sound Approach, Sussex Ornithological Society, Stanny House Farm, State of Delaware (DNREC), Swarovski UK Ltd (Swarovski Optik), Syngenta, Tasso Leventis Foundation, University of Cambridge, University of East Anglia, University of Edinburgh, University of Exeter, US Fisheries & Wildlife, Welsh Government, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, The Wildlife Trusts, Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd, Zoological Society of London.

2 014 | BTO Annual Review

Where art can provide context for science In January 2014, a team of four artists (Robert Greenhalf, Bruce Pearson, Greg Poole and Esther Tyson) accompanied Dr Phil Atkinson, Head of BTO’s International Team, on a trip to Senegal. The trip was part of an innovative new partnership with the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA), forged to stimulate interest in bird migration and the scientific work being directed towards our migrant birds, many of which are in longterm decline.

This trip, and the wider project of which it is a part, was made possible because of a generous gift from Penny Hollow in her Will and the kindness of her executors. Penny loved birds and loved art, being a long-standing BTO member and supporter of the SWLA. Her legacy has enabled us to bring together art and science, and to raise the profile of migrant birds in ways that should capture the imagination and interest of a broader audience. Work from the trip will feature at the 2014 Natural Eye exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London, and further trips will take place during 2015, where attention will shift to stopover sites in the Mediterranean and to places within the UK, where artists will be given new opportunities to engage with migrant birds.

Penny’s legacy has provided the opportunity for the BTO and SWLA to develop something rather special.

It has enabled us to engage with the issues facing migrant birds from different viewpoints and to present our work within a wider context. It has also enabled us to realise a project idea that would have appealed to Penny, with her interest in both art and birds.

35

SEABIRD MONITORING PROGRAMME

Welsh ornithological scottish ornitholo gists’ club

thern Ireland environm

natural Englan RSPB DEFRA Cymru

JNCC

Council for Nature

Conservation

atural heritage

Annual review 2014 Partnership “The BTO has a vision of a world in which nature conservation and sustainable development are founded on evidence-based decision making, and in which society understands, values and contributes to that process.”

Much of the work referred to in the Annual Review relies on volunteers and is undertaken with other organisations, particularly through BTO’s partnership with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). JNCC delivers the UK and international responsibilities of the four country nature conservation agencies – Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland.

The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is run by BTO, and jointly funded by BTO, JNCC and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) is a partnership between BTO, RSPB and JNCC, in association with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. BirdTrack is organised by BTO for BTO, RSPB, BirdWatch Ireland, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC) and Welsh Ornithological Society (WOS).

Bird Atlas 2007–11 was a partnership between BTO, BirdWatch Ireland and the SOC. BTO Wales is supported by Natural Resources Wales, Environment Wales (on behalf of the Welsh Government), WOS and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. BTO Northern Ireland receives funding from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

We are immensely grateful for all our partners’ support.

© British Trust for Ornithology 2014. BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU. Email: info@bto.org Website: www.bto.org Registered Charity no. 216652 (England & Wales) no. SC039193 (Scotland). Cover and back cover: david kjaer davidkjaer.com