BTO Scotland publications
Changing migration patterns of the Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus in Europe: an analysis of ringing recoveries
Short-eared Owls: ringing reveals mysterious migration
A century of Short-eared Owl ringing has shown differences in this species’ migration over space and time, providing clues about how population sizes may have changed during that period. A candidate for red-listing (based on declines apparent from the Atlas) analyses of ringing recoveries have found that birds originating from Scandinavia and Central Europe travelled the furthest on migration, while those from Britain and the North Sea area made the shortest journeys. More surprisingly, distances travelled tended to increase from the 1920s through to the 1960s and 1970s, but have since fallen. These patterns might be associated with changing population sizes. Further, these trends may have contributed to breeding declines in more southern and isolated parts of this species’ range, where populations are compromised without periodic immigration. The analyses also highlight the particular potential of Britain, with its shorter distances between breeding and wintering grounds, to facilitate the conservation of this vulnerable species.
Developing methods for the field survey and monitoring of breeding Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus) in the UK: an interim report from pilot fieldwork in 2006
The importance of altitude and aspect for breeding Whinchat Saxicola rubetra in the uplands: Limitations of the uplands as a refuge for a declining, formerly widespread species?
Are uplands a good refuge for declining farmland birds?
Like several species, the Whinchat was once common across lowland Europe, but has recently suffered substantial declines as agricultural practices have intensified. Populations are now increasingly concentrated in more upland areas, where agriculture is of a lower intensity, but where environmental constraints, such as low ambient temperatures, may limit habitat suitability. Recent research by BTO Scotland has explored the habitat requirements of Whinchats breeding in British uplands. As these areas represent a refuge for a number of declining bird species, this work has important conservation implications.
Ornithological Technical Report for the Proposed Dogger Bank Creyke Beck Offshore Wind Farm Projects.
2010 Review of Goose Management Policy in Scotland. BTO and CJC Consulting report to the Scottish Government
Developing our Understanding of Biodiversity in Scotland's Gardens: the Role of the BTO's Garden Birdwatch
Seasonal variation in the apparent abundance of breeding birds in arctic-alpine habitats of Scotland: implications for their survey and monitoring
A survey of population changes in breeding waders on machair in Benbecula and North Uist: annual surveys in 2008-2010 and changes since the mid-1980s
Third year of ornithological surveys at House of Water, East Ayrshire: breeding season 2010 and winter season 2010-11
Variation in the diurnal activity of breeding Short-eared Owls Asio flammeus: implications for their survey and monitoring
The ranging behaviour and habitat selection by three Hawfinches Coccothraustes coccothraustes in late winter in Scotland
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