BTO create and publish a variety of important articles, papers, journals and other publications, independently and with our partners, for organisations, government and the private sector. Some of our publications (books, guides and atlases) are also available to buy in our online shop.
Annual report of the Seabird Monitoring Programme
Seabird Population Trends and Causes of Change: 1986–2023
This report presents the latest seabird population trends in breeding abundance and productivity using data from the Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP).
The report documents changes in the abundance and productivity of breeding seabird species in Britain and Ireland from 1986 to 2023, and provides a detailed account of the 2021, 2022 and 2023 breeding seasons.

Search settings
Ecology and Conservation of Forest Birds
Author: MIKUSIŃSKI, G., ROBERGE, J.M. & FULLER, R.J.
Published: 2018
Ecology and Conservation of Forest Birds is a unique review of current understanding of the relationships between forest birds and their changing environments. Large ecological changes are being driven by forest management, climate change, introduced pests and pathogens, abiotic disturbances, and overbrowsing. Many forest bird species have suffered population declines, with the situation being particularly severe for birds dependent on attributes such as dead wood, old trees and structurally complex forests. With a focus on the non-tropical parts of the northern hemisphere, the text addresses the fundamental evolutionary and ecological aspects of forest birds using original data analyses and synthesising reviews. The characteristics of bird assemblages and their habitats in different European forest types are explored, together with the macroecological patterns of bird diversity and conservation issues. Ecology and Conservation of Forest Birds provides a valuable reference for ecologists, ornithologists, conservation professionals, forest industry employees, and those interested in birds and nature.
01.03.18
Papers
Northern Ireland Seabird Report 2017
Author: Wolsey, S. & Booth Jones, K.
Published: 2018
Since 1986, seabird populations in the UK and Ireland have been monitored through the Seabird Monitoring Programme coordinated on behalf of partnership organisations by JNCC. Sample data on breeding abundance and breeding success of seabirds are collected from a large network of sites, both regionally and nationally, to enable species’ conservation status to be assessed. To examine trends at individual colonies, at country level and across the whole UK, it is essential that individual sites can be monitored consistently for many years.
01.03.18
Reports Northern Ireland Seabird Report

Assessing habitat use of Herring Gulls in the Morecambe Bay SPA using GPS tracking devices
Author: Chris B Thaxter, Gary Clewley, Lee Barber, Greg J Conway, Nigel A Clark, Emily S Scragg, Niall H K Burton
Published: 2018
Number of coastal Herring Gull populations have reduced markedly in recent years. The breeding gull colony of the South Walney and Piel Channel Flats Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), within the Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary potential Special Protection Area (pSPA), is of national and intermational importance for its number of Herring Gull Larus argentatus and Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus.
05.02.18
Reports
Assessing the habitat use of Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Larus fuscus) from the Bowland Fells SPA - ANNEX 1 - 2017 update
Author: Gary D Clewley, Emily E Scragg, Chris B Thaxter, Niall H K Burton
Published: 2018
This annex to BTO Research Report 694 (Clewley et al. 2016) presents a summary update for 2017 on the results of a GPS tracking study of Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus breeding in the Bowland Fells Special Protection Area (SPA).
05.02.18
Reports
Improving understanding of the possible relationship between improving freshwater and coastal water quality and bird interest on designated sites - phase 1 review
Author: Henrietta E K Pringle, Niall H K Burton
Published: 2018
Over the past 50 years there has been widespread improvement in water quality in many freshwater and coastal systems driven by domestic and European legislation, most recently the EU Water Framework Directive (EC Directive 2000/60/EC), but also including the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (EC Directive 91/271/EEC) and Bathing Water Directive (EC Directive 76/160/EEC).
05.02.18
Reports