UK Seabird Monitoring Programme

Graphic displays three images of Great Black-backed Gulls, one standing on a rock, one with a large fish it has caught, and one in flight. Text and labels highlight the species' bulbous bill and black back, which contrast with their surrounding white feathers. Caption reads: With a wingspan up to 1.66 meters, Great Black-backed Gulls are the largest species of gull globally. They're also the most predatory, often eating crustaceans, fish, and birds. Head to the coast for the best chance of sightings! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

With a wingspan up to 1.66 meters, Great Black-backed Gulls are the largest species of gull globally. They're also the most predatory, often eating crustaceans, fish, and birds.

Head to the coast for the best chance of sightings!
#seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Black Guillemot by Daniel Johnston / BTO

Would you like to contribute to important science work on one of our most iconic seabirds? Get involved in the All Island Black Guillemot survey this spring, a partnership survey between BTO NI & @npwsireland.bsky.social!
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#ornithology #ConservationScience🌍 #seabirds

A pair of Black Guillemots perching in the Bangor harbour by Katherine Booth Jones / BTO

Three Black Guillemots by Daniel Johnston / BTO

Black Guillemots (also known as Tysties) are a species of Auk found in urban coastal areas & offshore islands

Find out how you can help increase our understanding of Black Guillemots through the document below 👇
drive.google.com/file/d/19zjb...

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A deceased Puffin lies on its back on the ground. Wording above reads: Please report sightings of all dead birds. A graphic showing an exclamation mark in a triangle features.

⚠️ We've had reports of seabirds washing up. Please report ALL species of dead birds ⬇️

📍 In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/...
📍 In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/...
📍 In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.serv...

#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland

📝 Please also report to BirdTrack through www.birdtrack.net.

If the bird has a ring, you can find information about how to safely report this here ➡️ www.bto.org/learn/he...

If you find a sick or injured bird please contact a wildlife rescue centre. Thank you.

The image contains a header at the top reading "Wanted: Shag resightings". Below this is a picture of a Shag weraing a blue colour ring with the code "UXE" and a text box of the information needed if you see a colour ringed Shag. This information is: date, location, colour of the ring, three letter code, and a photo if possible. All the information can be emailed to shags@ceh.ac.uk

Lots of reports of dead seabirds in the aftermath of recent storms. Please keep an eye out for any dead colour ringed Shags and send details to shags@ceh.ac.uk

#seabirds #ornithology #winterstorm

The graphic displays a fact file for a Black Guillemot, with arrows pointing to its scarlet legs, distinct white wing patch, and sleek black plumage. A fact box reveals more facts: their weight range (360g-480g), average age (11 years), diet (fish), number of eggs laid (1-2), when to see in the UK (year-round), and number of pairs in the UK (20k). The caption reads: Where would you rank the appearance of Black Guillemots alongside other UK seabirds? Their distinct black, white, and scarlet features certainly catch the eye! More Black Guillemot facts in the post below ⬇️ #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Where would you rank the appearance of Black Guillemots amongst other UK seabirds? Their characteristic black, white, and scarlet features certainly catch the eye!

More Black Guillemot facts in the post below ⬇️
#seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Graphic displays an image of two Black Guillemots by Edmund Fellowes/BTO. Caption reads: '3/3 - Breeding Black Guillemots are distinct, with their smart black and white plumage and rich red legs! Read about the appropriate survey methods and timings here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nBbuAMPa7er18hx3Ag8JlR9RT7qWywzl/view?usp=sharing and get prepared by downloading your own recording sheet here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pIWgtU_MCraZN5qSDfIUSaSXHRc9Kn9j/view'

3/3 - Black Guillemots are distinct, with smart black and white plumage and rich red legs!
Read about survey methods and timings here: drive.google.com/file/d/1nBbu...
and get ready by downloading your own recording form here: drive.google.com/file/d/1pIWg...

Email smp@bto.org with any enquiries!

Graphic displays an image of distant Black Guillemots on rocks by Katherine Booth Jones/BTO. Caption reads: '2/3 - Many survey sites in Northern Ireland are in need of participants. Available sites are viewable in SMP Online: https://www.bto.org/get-involved/volunteer/projects/seabird-monitoring-programme/taking-part#toc-resources or via the map in the following link: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1rosNRSE6ru0Y73wUGrMVacqMaRHf0cZ3&usp=sharing. Read on to find out about survey methods and timings!'

2/3 - Many survey sites in Northern Ireland are in need of participants. Available sites can be viewed and requested in SMP Online: www.bto.org/get-involved...
or (viewed) via the map in the following link: www.google.com/maps/d/edit?....

Read on to find out about survey methods and timings!

Graphic displays an image of a Black Guillemot by Sarah Kelman/BTO, with a speech bubble from its mouth containing the text 'Can you help?!'. Caption reads: '1/3 - Would you like to contribute to an Ireland-wide Black Guillemot survey partnered between @bto-ni.bsky.social & @npwsireland.bsky.social this spring? If so, have a look through this thread to find out more! #seabirds #ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'

1/3 - Would you like to contribute to an Ireland-wide Black Guillemot survey partnered between @bto-ni.bsky.social & @npwsireland.bsky.social this spring? If so, have a look through this thread to find out more! #seabirds #ornithology @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Image of a deceased Puffin lying on the ground. White wording on an orange background reads: Please report sightings of dead birds.

⚠️ Please report sightings of dead birds for possible testing for Avian Influenza. ⬇️

📌 In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/...
📌 In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/...
📌 In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.serv...

#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland

Graphic displays an image of a Manx Shearwater in flight by Liz Cutting/BTO next to a map showing a hypothetical migration route from their UK breeding grounds to their wintering grounds off the coast of South America. Caption reads: 'Manx Shearwaters winter in the South Atlantic Ocean, predominantly off Brazil and Argentina. These birds begin returning to oceans surrounding the UK by late February, so start keeping an eye out for them 'shearing' over the sea! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'

Manx Shearwaters winter in the South Atlantic Ocean, predominantly off Brazil and Argentina. These birds begin returning to oceans surrounding the UK by late February, so start keeping an eye out for them 'shearing' over the sea! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Graphic displays an image of an Arctic Skua by Edmund Fellowes/BTO and a map showing rough migration routes to their south American and west to south African coast wintering grounds. Caption reads: 'East or west? Tracking work from 2017-2020 by BTO staff provided the first evidence of Scottish breeding Arctic Skuas wintering off South America! Other individuals wintered along the western and southern African coast. #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'

East or west? Tracking work from 2017-2020 by BTO staff provided the first evidence of Scottish breeding Arctic Skuas wintering off South America! Other individuals wintered along the western and southern African coast. #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Graphic Displays: An image on an Arctic Tern by Sarah Kelman/BTO next to a map with lines depicting their migration route from the UK to the Antarctic. Caption Reads: Imagine flying from the Antarctic to the UK and back every year for the best part of 30 years. With the longest migration of any Tern and a possible lifespan of over three decades, Arctic Terns can really cover some distance! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Imagine flying from the Antarctic to the UK and back every year for the best part of 30 years. With the longest migration of any Tern and a possible lifespan of over three decades, Arctic Terns can really cover some distance! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

A new year means more breeding seabird monitoring!
Watch our recap video for a reminder of the SMP's aims, Key Sites, and how you can find out more/get involved.
We look forward to working with you to benefit seabirds this year! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

An exciting opportunity for anyone looking to contribute to the amazing data set generated on the Isle of May every year.

A beautiful island and brilliant team!

Graphic displays and image of terns in flight by Tom Cadwallender/BTO Caption reads: 'The answers to our final Christmas Quiz are: A - Shag, B - Guillemot, C - Herring Gull, and D - Kittiwake! Well done to anyone who got any right! #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'

The answers to our final Christmas Quiz are:
A - Shag, B - Guillemot, C - Herring Gull, and D - Kittiwake!
Well done to anyone who got any right! #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Graphic displays the final Christmas Seabird Quiz with four images of Seabirds obscured by Christmas objects. Caption Reads: 'Who can you spot in our final Christmas quiz?! Answers to come next week. Yesterday's answers: A - Puffins, B - Great Skua, C - Great Black-backed Gull, D - Black Guillemot #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'

Who can you spot in our final Christmas quiz?! Answers to come next week.

Yesterday's answers: A - Puffins, B - Great Skua, C - Great Black-backed Gull, D - Black Guillemot
#seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Graphic displays a Christmas seabird quiz with four images of seabirds obscured by Christmas objects, the caption prompting viewers to guess which species they are. Caption reads: 'Different species are hiding in our second Christmas quiz! Let us know who they are in the comments. Answers and our final quiz tomorrow! Yesterday's answers are: A - Fulmar, B - Razorbill, C - Cormorant, D - Common Gull #birds #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'

Different species are hiding in our second Christmas quiz! Let us know who they are in the comments. Answers and our final quiz tomorrow!

Yesterday's answers are: A - Fulmar, B - Razorbill, C - Cormorant, D - Common Gull #birds #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Graphic displays a Christmas quiz with 4 seabirds obscured by Christmas related items. Caption reads: 'Fancy some seabird Christmas quizzes over the next few days?! Let us know who you think these individuals are hiding amongst (or just reacting to) some festive objects in the comments. Answers and a new quiz tomorrow! #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'

Fancy some seabird Christmas quizzes over the next few days?! Let us know who you think these individuals are hiding amongst (or just reacting to) some festive objects in the comments.
Answers and a new quiz tomorrow!
#seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Graphic displays two images of Sandwich Terns by Philip Croft/BTO which are labelled with the English and Latin names (Thalasseus sandvicensis). In the right hand half of the image is a map showing the wintering location of this species, along the west coast of Africa. The SMP logo is in the top right hand corner. Caption reads: 'With their distinctive call, yellow-tipped bill, and large size, Sandwich Terns are an unmistakable UK breeding seabird—but by late summer they migrate to West Africa, where they'll spend the winter! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'

With their distinctive call, yellow-tipped bill, and large size, Sandwich Terns are an unmistakable UK breeding seabird—but by late summer they migrate to West Africa, where they'll spend the winter! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Graphic displays and image of a Storm Petrel by Joe Pender/BTO with the English and Latin names above it. To the right of the image is a map showing the UK and Africa. An arrow shows where the species breeds and winters, conveying the large distance between the two areas. Caption reads: 'Where to now?! A number of seabirds covered by the SMP are migratory, wintering away from the UK. Storm Petrels are a great example, wintering off the coast of southern Africa in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'

Where to now?!
A number of seabirds covered by the SMP are migratory, spending the winter away from the UK.
Storm Petrels are a great example, wintering off the coast of southern Africa in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

A Tree Sparrow perches on a branch. Wording above reads: UK Biodiversity Indicators 2025. Out now!

1/ The UK Biodiversity Indicators, some using BTO data, have been updated by Defra and @jncc.bsky.social ➡️ jncc.gov.uk/our-work/uk-...

Here’s how BTO contributes to these indicators, which show the state of #biodiversity, its pressures and conservation responses. ⬇️

Graphic displays three images of Kittiwakes, one of a chick, one a juvenile, and the third an adult. Arrows are used to show the cycle from chick to adult. Text reads the species' English and Latin name (Rissa trydactyla) and the SMP logo is in the top left hand corner. The caption reads: 'From much to minimal black - take a look at the graphic below to see how Kittiwakes change in appearance from chick to adult! #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'

From much to minimal black - take a look at the graphic below to see how Kittiwakes change in appearance from chick to adult! #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Graphic displays an amalgamated image of three Arctic Skuas by Alex Penn/BTO. On the left is a pale morph individual, in the centre a juvenile, and a dark morph individual on the right. In the top right hand corner is the SMP logo. The caption reads: 'The Arctic Skua, one of two Skua species covered by the SMP. Look out for the adult's prominent 'pointed tail spike' and their variable colour gradations, caused by mixed breeding pairs of pale and dark morph individuals! #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'

The Arctic Skua, one of two Skua species covered by the SMP.
Look out for the adult's prominent 'pointed tail spike' and their variable colour gradations, caused by mixed breeding pairs of pale and dark morph individuals! #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Last week, we looked at separating Black-headed and Mediterranean gulls. Can you use that post to work out who's who in their non-breeding plumage below?! #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Whooper Swan sick with bird flu in a field, photograph by Kane Brides

Worrying reports of bird flu (avian influenza) are coming in, including an outbreak in Whooper Swans in the Fens. Other waterbirds are also being affected, and cases are rising.

📷 Sick Whooper Swan by Kane Brides

#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland

Graphic displays four images, two of Black-headed Gulls by Allan Drewitt/BTO and two of Mediterranean Gulls, one by Allan Drewitt and the other by Liz Cutting/BTO. Text lists the species' English and Latin names (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) and (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus) respectively. The following key features are labelled for BH Gulls: Outer primary feathers have black tips, head is chocolate brown, and bill is fine and dull. For Med Gull, these are: Tips of primary feathers are white, head is pure black, and bill is heavy and bright. The SMP logo is in the top right hand corner. The caption reads: Quite a few of the seabirds covered by the SMP share similar features! We previously covered Shags and Cormorants, and today we're looking at distinguishing Mediterranean Gulls from Black-headed Gulls #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Quite a few of the seabirds covered by the SMP share similar features!
We previously covered Shags and Cormorants, and today we're looking at distinguishing Mediterranean Gulls from Black-headed Gulls #seabirds #birds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Graphic displays an image of a Razorbill by Ben Darvill/BTO. A speech bubble with the text 'Your data is important!' extends from its mouth and there is text which reads 'SMP DATA ENTRY DAYS REMAINING: <1' to its left. In the top right hand corner is the Seabird Monitoring Programme logo. The caption reads: 'Today, October 31st, is the final day to submit your breeding seabird data to the Seabird Monitoring Programme! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'

Today, October 31st, is the final day to submit your breeding seabird data to the Seabird Monitoring Programme! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

Graphic displays and image of a Lesser Black-backed Gull by Edmund Fellowes/BTO. A speech bubble extends from its mouth with the text 'Your data is important!'. To the right is text which reads 'SMP DATA ENTRY DAYS REMAINING: <2'. The SMP logo is in the top left hand corner. Caption reads: 'Less than 2 days to submit your breeding seabird data now! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social'

Less than 2 days to submit your breeding seabird data now! #seabirds @btobirds.bsky.social @jncc.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social