Habitat-use influences severe disease-mediated population declines in two of the most common garden bird species in Great Britain

Infectious disease has been linked to population declines across multiple taxa, including birds, and it is important that we understand how anthropogenic factors, such as urbanisation and the provision of supplementary food at garden feeding stations, may influence its occurrence and impact.

Behavioural responses of non-breeding waterbirds to marine traffic in the near-shore environment

Marine traffic is increasing globally, but there has been little research investigating the impact of this disturbance, particularly for non-breeding populations in near-shore environments. This study observed the behaviour of 11 seabird species in response to winter ferry passage around Orkney, increasing the evidence base available to inform impact assessments, planning and policy in the marine environment.

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Differential changes in life cycle-event phenology provide a window into regional population declines

New research from BTO investigates the effects of climate change on Willow Warblers. The findings, based on volunteers’ ringing and nest recording data, help to explain why birds breeding in different parts of Britain are being affected in different ways.

The effects of a decade of agri-environment intervention in a lowland farm landscape on population trends of birds and butterflies

Food production and wildlife conservation are often thought of as incompatible goals, and it is rare that conservation studies consider both economics and long-term changes in ecology. However, a decade-long study at a commercial arable farm in Buckinghamshire has found that agri-environment schemes significantly increased local bird and butterfly populations without damaging food production, offering hope for the UK’s farmland birds and butterflies.