banner
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland
@bto-ni.bsky.social
640 followers 400 following 92 posts
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is the UK’s leading bird research organisation. Discover BTO projects, news and events from across Northern Ireland right here. https://www.bto.org/about-bto/national-offices/bto-northern-ireland
www.bto.org
Posts Media Videos Starter Packs
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · 2d
🌿Their diet is primarily made up of Eelgrass, which they feed on in large (very loud!) flocks.

Find out more at BTO BirdFacts: www.bto.org/learn/about-...

(4/4)
Pale-bellied Brent Geese foraging on the shore by Tom Cadwallender / BTO
2
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · 2d
✈️They undertake a mammoth journey to reach us here, travelling from their breeding grounds in north-eastern Canada – that’s over 4,000 km (or 2,500 miles)!

(3/4)
A flying flock of Pale-bellied Brent Geese by Nia Potapova / BTO
1 1
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · 2d
🪿Northern Ireland hosts around 30,000 Canadian Pale-bellied Brents each winter, with around 25,000 alone on Strangford Lough!

(2/4)
A flock of Pale-bellied Brent Geese by Tom Cadwallender / BTO
1
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · 2d
🍁 Autumn is upon us, and that means it’s time for Pale-bellied Brent Geese to return to Northern Ireland’s coastal estuaries

Have you seen any yet?

#ukbirding

(1/4)
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · Apr 11
It's time to say goodbye until next winter to some of Northern Ireland's wetland wonders.

Find out why NI is so special for this winter waterbird ⬇️

#ukbirding
1 3
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · 8d
🐏 Last week the BTO NI team and staff from the National Trust retrieved cameras monitoring a Cormorant colony on Sheep Island

📸 This footage will be vital for understanding coastal-breeding Cormorants, which lack consistent productivity data in Northern Ireland

#seabirds #ConservationScience🌍
Sheep Island. Photo by Sorrel Lyall / BTO Camera trap set up on Sheep Island. Photo by Sorrel Lyall / BTO Members of the BTO Northern Ireland team retrieving camera traps from Sheep Island. Photo by Nia Potapova / BTO Cormorants by Edmund Fellowes / BTO
9 41
Reposted by BTO Northern Ireland
webs-gsmp.bsky.social
Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) | Goose & Swan Monitoring (GSMP) @webs-gsmp.bsky.social · 28d
Are you a birder in Northern Ireland who can count this small pond in County Tyrone, which hasn’t been counted since 1992? If you think you can help please contact us via the "Contact the Local Organiser" button at
app.bto.org/websonline/s...

#WeBSSiteInsight #YourWeBSJourney

@bto-ni.bsky.social
Underneath the headline 'WeBS Site Insight: Augher Lough, County Tyrone’ is an image of a Great Crested Grebe swimming in a pool, with a map of the site boundary and location within the UK. The WeBS logo is beneath with the text ‘ Join WeBS - Can you help count waterbirds here?’
3 6
Reposted by BTO Northern Ireland
bsbiireland.bsky.social
BSBI Ireland @bsbiireland.bsky.social · 20d
Last few days to apply for this great post in #NorthernIreland! Please spread the word to the botanists and ecologists you know. @organicbotanic.bsky.social @bitheolaidhe.bsky.social @martinebrennan.bsky.social @donnarainey4.bsky.social @bto-ni.bsky.social @ulsterwildlife.bsky.social #Irishbotany
bsbibotany.bsky.social
BSBI Botany @bsbibotany.bsky.social · 20d
We're hiring!
Could you help us support & grow the community of botanists across Northern Ireland?
Manage our @daera-ni.gov.uk-funded Botanical Skills Training Project?
Help boost participation in @npms.bsky.social across NI?
Please apply by midnight this Sunday, 21 Sept:
bsbi.org/botanical-sk...
bsbi.org
8 6
Reposted by BTO Northern Ireland
irishbirds.bsky.social
Irish Birds @irishbirds.bsky.social · 19d
The latest issue of Irish Birds has just been published and is available from the BirdWatch Ireland shop: shorturl.at/qUTBe.
@birdwatchireland.bsky.social @npwsireland.bsky.social @bto-ni.bsky.social @rspbni.bsky.social
2 6 7
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · Jul 14
Discover what it's like completing a @bbs-birds.bsky.social survey in an urban area as Mary takes us through her site in Belfast for @theguardian.com Country Diary ➡️ www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Close up view of a Swift flying through the blue sky. Image by Philip Croft/BTO.
4 27
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · Jul 3
Big thanks to our first NI Science & Engagement Intern, Lois, who wraps up her time with BTO this July! 🐣 She says: “I’ve loved being part of BTO NI and meeting our amazing volunteers. Thanks for this opportunity!” 💚🐦
#ukbirding
Lois Clements, Richard Gray (DAERA/NIEA) and Steven Fyffe (NIEA/BTO Regional Representative Tyrone) outside of the BTO NI office in Lisburn.
8
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · Jun 11
🌸 Wildlife Wander in Victoria Park 🌿
Sun 15 June | 2–4PM

Slow down & tune into nature with us on a gentle stroll exploring late-spring wildlife. Damselflies, birdsong & good company await. Wheelchair accessible.

Free but booking essential: email [email protected] to reserve your spot
Image showing BTO NI logo & Connswater Community Greenway logo in the top left. Background image with caption in top right "Common Carder by Edmund Fellowes / BTO". Text over image saying "Wildlife Wander in Victoria Park. Email wanders@bto.org to book. Free! Sunday 15th June 2-4pm"
4
Reposted by BTO Northern Ireland
btobirds.bsky.social
BTO | British Trust for Ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social · Jun 6
To all BTO volunteers, thank you for everything you do for birds and people. 💚🐦 Here's just some of the incredible volunteer contributions to our surveys in 2024. ⬇️ #VolunteersWeek
1 13 67
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · Jun 10
Job alert! We've got a great opportunity for a Science/Engagement Intern to join us at BTO Northern Ireland on a 3 or 6 month internship to learn, grow and contribute to our work to make a positive impact for birds. Find out more and apply ➡️ www.bto.org/jobs #Ornithology

Closing date: 22 June 2025
Cut out image of two Black Guillemots (credit by Edmund Fellowes/BTO) on a purple background alongside the wording: Work with us! Science & Engagement Intern in Northern Ireland. www.bto.org/jobs. BTO Northern Ireland logo top right of image.
2 6
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · May 30
6/ Lesser Redpoll is a woodland species, 60% of which have increased in Northern Ireland, resulting in an increased Bird Indicator for woodland habitats.

Redpolls are seed-eaters, so the rise could mean 2023 was a good year for woodland seed crops.

Full report 👉 www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications...
BTO Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Wild Bird Indicator 2025. The Woodland Bird Indicator has increased by 30% in Northern Ireland between 1997-2023. Image of Drumnaph Woodland in Co. Derry/Londonderry by BTO.
2
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · May 30
5/ Lesser Redpolls saw the biggest between year increase of 161% from 2022–2023. ⬆️

This tiny finch is aptly named with its red forehead, and the three species have actually been 'lumped' since these data - science in action!

Learn more about Redpolls 👉 www.bto.org/learn/about-...
#ornithology
BTO Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Wild Bird Indicator 2025. Lesser Redpoll increased by 161% in Northern Ireland between 2022-2023. Image of a Lesser Redpoll by Liz Cutting / BTO.
1 1 6
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · May 30
4/ Kestrels are one of several farmland species that have seen declines between 1997-2023.

Species trends vary but overall have resulted in a declining Farmland Bird Indicator for Northern Ireland.

#ornithology
BTO Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Wild Bird Indicator 2025. The Farmland Bird Indicator has decreased by 29% between 1997-2023. Image of farmland in South Down by Sorrel Lyall / BTO.
1 1 1
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · May 30
3/ Kestrels’ decline mirrors wider raptor declines - mainly due to reduced food availability.

Groups like @nirsg.bsky.social are working hard to study and protect these magnificent birds.

Check out BTO’s Raptors Appeal to further monitor & conserve our Raptors 👉 www.bto.org/support-us/a...
BTO Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Wild Bird Indicator 2025. Help us to monitor Kestrels by reporting your sightings! bto.org/birdtrack. Image of a Kestrel by Philip Croft / BTO.
1
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · May 30
2/ Kestrels show the steepest decline between 1997–2023 however we have very little data about Kestrels in our records.

Once one of our most abundant raptors in NI, Kestrel sightings have decreased dramatically.

They’re known for their pointed wings, brown back, and hovering flight. #ornithology
BTO Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Wild Bird Indicator 2025. Strong Kestrel declines in Northern Ireland between 1997-2023. Image of a Kestrel by Philip Croft / BTO.
1
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · May 30
The 2025 @daera-ni.gov.uk Environmental Statistics Report is now available! It includes our Annual Wild Bird Indicator for NI plus Indicators for each habitat. 🐤🌿

We spotlight 2 species' trends below: one positive and one negative. 📈📉

Check out the report 👉 www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications...
How are Northern Ireland's bird populations faring in different habitats? Northern Ireland Wild Bird Indicator 2025. BTO Northern Ireland. Image of a Yellowhammer by Liz Cutting / BTO.
1 4 16
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · May 29
What a wonderful Bat Walk in Victoria Park last night led by Mark who's a regular at our monthly Wildlife Wander events!

You can't beat the sounds of echolocating bats on a bat detector 🦇 Turn the volume up! 🔊

www.bto.org/our-work/eve...
5
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · May 28
Booking for the Big Nature Day on Saturday 7th June closes this Sunday!

Join us for a ringing demonstration, and workshops on plants, birdsong, moths, bees, butterflies, pond life and more 🌿

See the full programme and book your spot 👉 bit.ly/BigNatureDay25
BTO Northern Ireland's Big Nature Day. Explore Oxford Island Nature Reserve with NI's nature organisations and boost your wildlife skills. Saturday 7th June at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Co. Armagh. With public transport pick ups provided. bit.ly/BigNatureDay25
7
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · May 28
What a lovely morning at Oxford Island with Dot and Eve from BBC Radio Ulster's Your Place And Mine!

Listen in at 8-9am on Saturday 7th June to hear our piece, unless you’re at the Big Nature Day with us!

Booking closes this Sunday for the Big Nature Day, get your ticket now bit.ly/BigNatureDay25
Sorrel from BTO NI is with Dot and Eve from BBC Radio Ulster's Your Place and Mine show at Oxford Island Nature Reserve. Photo by Sorrel Lyall / BTO.
1 5
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · May 27
5/ Thank you so much to the 139 volunteers who surveyed BBS squares in Northern Ireland during 2024. We really appreciate your support!
Image of two people conducting a survey, one holding a clipboard and the other binoculars (Image credit: David Tipling/BTO). The BBS logo on a white background runs down the right-hand side of the image alongside the wording: Breeding Bird Survey 2024 report. To the left on a blue-grey background wording in white lettering reads: Thank you to all of our BBS volunteer surveyors! If you’d like to volunteer, visit www.bto.org/bbs-taking-part
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · May 27
4/ The brightly coloured Greenfinch has unfortunately declined by 82% across Northern Ireland since the mid-1990s. This is thought to be linked to the disease Trichomonosis. You can find out more about it here: www.gardenwildlifehealth.org/portfolio/tr...
Image of a Greenfinch perched on a branch (image credit by John Proudlock/BTO). The BBS logo on a white background runs down the right-hand side of the image alongside the wording: Breeding Bird Survey 2024 report. To the left on a blue-grey background wording in white lettering reads: Greenfinch population. 82% decline across Northern Ireland since the mid-1990s. Below this a BBS Index for Northern Ireland 1994-2024 graph shows a decrease in Greenfinch numbers.
1 1
bto-ni.bsky.social
BTO Northern Ireland @bto-ni.bsky.social · May 27
3/ Raven is a species of corvid that has really increased across the UK in recent years. It has risen by 43% across Northern Ireland over the last five years.
Image of a Raven in flight against a blue sky (image credit by Edmund Fellowes/BTO). The BBS logo on a white background runs down the right-hand side of the image alongside the wording: Breeding Bird Survey 2024 report. Wording at the bottom left of the image reads: Raven population. 43% increase across Northern Ireland over the last five years.
1