Search

This is the 85th annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, incorporating the report of the Nest Record Scheme and covering work carried out and data processed in 2021. In 2021, 105 Constant Effort Sites submitted data for the year. Long-term (1984–2020) declines in abundance were observed for five migrant, one partial migrant and five resident species, while long-term increases in abundance were recorded for two short-distance migrants and seven resident species. Ten species are exhibiting significant long-term declines in productivity, while only Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs shows a significant long-term increase. Long-term trends in survival indicate increases for 12 species and declines for seven. Short-term trends, which compare the current year to the five-year mean for 2016–20, show that the abundance of seven species increased significantly in 2021, with one species, Treecreeper Certhia familiaris, being recorded in higher numbers than in any previous year of CES monitoring. Significant decreases in abundance were recorded for four species. Productivity decreased significantly for seven migrant and 11 resident species in 2021, with six species recording their lowest breeding success since CES monitoring began; no species recorded a significant short-term increase. Significant changes in survival rate were observed for two species in 2021 compared to the five-year mean, with Song Thrush Turdus philomelos increasing and Chaffinch both declining and recording its lowest survival rate ever. The Garden CES trial continued in 2021, with 60 sites submitting data. The new winter ringing project also continued in 2021, with submissions received from 126 sites. The number of Retrapping Adults for Survival projects that were able to run and submit data in 2021 was 192, with data from one more project submitted too late to be included in this report and another four active projects unable to operate. In total, 60 species were monitored, with Starling Sturnus vulgaris (21 projects), House Sparrow Passer domesticus (20 projects), Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (19 projects), Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus (nine projects) and Sand Martin Riparia riparia (nine projects) the species most studied. A total of 900 131 birds were ringed during the year, comprising 146 458 nestlings, 438 342 first-year birds, 291 127 adults (birds in their second calendar year or older) and 24 204 birds whose age could not be determined. In addition, there were 210 147 recaptures of ringed birds at or near the ringing site. In total, 42 328 recoveries (birds found dead, recaptured or resighted at least 5 km from the place of ringing) of BTO-ringed birds were reported in 2021. The Appendix highlights a selection of recoveries that have extended our knowledge of movements, as well as longevity records established during the year. A total of 41 096 NRS submissions were received in 2021. Mean laying dates for 2021 were significantly later than the average for 13 species and only one species significantly advanced its laying date. Five species displayed a significant change in fledglings per breeding attempt, with two recording increased productivity and three reduced productivity. Permits or licences to disturb breeding birds on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) were prepared and issued to 602 ringers and nest recorders in 2021. During 2021, 2588 marking endorsements, 868 sampling endorsements and 214 trapping endorsements were issued in the UK and overseas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the 84th annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, incorporating the report of the Nest Record Scheme and covering work carried out and data processed in 2020. An analysis of Curlew Numenius arquata ringing records was carried out to investigate recent declines. Results showed that survival rates are high, so current population declines are more likely to have been driven by low productivity. To reverse the recent population declines, breeding success would need to increase and effective conservation strategies will be needed to maintain the high levels of survival. We examined the potential opportunities and challenges of using winter ringing records to produce survival estimates, as well as other outputs such as age ratios and recruitment, by analysing 2 641 352 encounter records from the winters of 2007/08 to 2017/18: winter-to-winter survival analyses on adult birds were undertaken, initially on 44 species. Results indicated that fortnightly ringing sessions should yield sufficient data to produce useful survival estimates. This research identified a number of potential analytical and methodological options for future development. Covid-19 restrictions limited the amount of fieldwork carried out in 2020; consequently, only 72 CE sites submitted data for the year. Long-term (1984–2019) declines in abundance were observed for five migrant, one partial migrant and four resident species while long-term increases in abundance were recorded for two short-distance migrants and six resident species. Six species are exhibiting significant long-term declines in productivity while only Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs shows a significant long-term increase. Long-term trends in survival indicate increases for 10 species and declines for nine. Short-term trends, which compare the current year to the five-year mean (2015–19), show that the abundance of 10 species increased significantly in 2020, with three species being recorded in higher numbers than in any previous year since CES monitoring began. Significant decreases in abundance were recorded for only two species. Productivity decreased significantly for one migrant and five resident species in 2020; no species recorded a significant increase. Productivity was lower in 2020 than in any previous CES year for Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus and Great Tit Parus major. Significant changes in survival rate were observed in two species in 2020 compared to the five-year mean, with Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula increasing and Blackbird Turdus merula decreasing. A new habitat was added to the suite of standard CES habitats in 2020 in the first year of a Garden CES trial. Submissions were received from 92 sites. A new winter ringing project was also launched in 2020, following a similar methodology to CES. Submissions were received from 111 sites. The number of Retrapping Adults for Survival projects that were able to run and submit data in 2020 was 146, from 200 that were registered. In total, 60 species were monitored, with Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (20 projects), Starling Sturnus vulgaris (19), House Sparrow Passer domesticus (18), Sand Martin Riparia riparia (10) and Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus (eight) the species most studied. A total of 930 091 birds were ringed during the year, comprising 98 500 nestlings, 523 777 first-year birds, 278 157 adults (birds in their second calendar year or older) and 29 657 birds whose age could not be determined. In addition, there were 212 414 recaptures of ringed birds at or near the ringing site. In total, 42 987 recoveries (birds found dead, recaptured or resighted at least 5 km from the place of ringing) of BTO-ringed birds were reported in 2020. The Appendix highlights a selection of recoveries that have extended our knowledge of movements, as well as longevity records established during the year. A total of 23 928 NRS submissions were received in 2020, far fewer than usual due to Covid-19 restrictions being in place during the height of the nesting season. As the seasonality of nest records was biased towards the end of the breeding season, after Covid-19 restrictions had lifted, it was not possible to generate meaningful NRS trends for 2020. Permits or licences to disturb breeding birds on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) were prepared and issued to 611 ringers and nest recorders in 2020. During 2020, the use of special methods was authorised for 1182 marking projects and 146 trapping projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the 83rd annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, incorporating the report of the Nest Record Scheme and covering work carried out and data processed in 2019. In 2019, 130 CE sites submitted data. Long-term (1984–2018) declines in abundance were observed for five migrant, one partial migrant and four resident species while long-term increases in abundance continue to be recorded for two short-distance migrants and four resident species. Seven species are exhibiting significant long-term declines in productivity while only Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs is exhibiting a significant long-term increase. Long-term trends in survival indicate increases for 14 species and declines for six. Compared to the five-year mean (2014–18), the abundance of eight species decreased significantly in 2019, with five species being recorded in lower numbers than in any previous year since CES monitoring began. Significant increases in abundance were recorded for six species. Productivity increased significantly for two migrant and six resident species in 2019 and decreased for only one species; Productivity rates were higher in 2019 than in any previous year for Chaffinch. Significant declines in survival rate were observed in one species in 2019 compared to the five-year mean; no species exhibited a significant increase. The number of Retrapping Adults for Survival submissions increased slightly in 2019 to 195. In total, 59 species were monitored, with Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (22 projects), Starling Sturnus vulgaris (17), House Sparrow Passer domesticus (16), Sand Martin Riparia riparia (11) and Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus (10) the species most studied. A total of 1 050 520 birds were ringed during the year, comprising 181 766 nestlings, 518 575 first-year birds, 318 390 adults (birds in their second calendar year or older) and 31 789 birds whose age could not be determined. In addition, there were 243 775 recaptures of ringed birds at or near the ringing site. In total, 45 610 recoveries (birds found dead, recaptured or resighted at least 5 km from the place of ringing) of BTO-ringed birds were reported in 2019. The Appendix highlights a selection of recoveries that have extended our knowledge of movements, as well as longevity records established during the year. A total of 41 367 NRS submissions were received in 2019, higher than the previous season but otherwise the lowest annual total since 2013. Mean laying dates for 2019 were significantly earlier than the five-year mean (2014–18) for 12 of 52 species analysed and five species displayed a significant increase in breeding success (fledglings per breeding attempt). Permits or licences to disturb breeding birds on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), were prepared and issued to 547 ringers and nest recorders in 2019. During 2019, the use of special methods was authorised for 613 marking projects and 158 trapping projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the 82nd annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, incorporating the report of the Nest Record Scheme and covering work carried out and data processed in 2018. We reviewed the literature on tracking devices to assess the impact of their use on individual birds. More than 3400 studies were identified, the first dating back to the early 1960s. The ecological questions being studied varied, with migration being the most common study subject. The frequency of effects was significantly related to attachment type and the likelihood of adverse effects was related to device weight. The proportion of studies reporting adverse effects has declined over time and the research highlighted the need for systematic documentation of potential effects. NRS and CES data were used in a collaborative study which investigated mismatches between the timing of breeding for 21 British songbirds and the availability of food for their chicks. Results indicate that birds did breed later in warmer springs relative to the timing of spring; however, this did not have a significant impact on long-term breeding success. In 2018, 135 CE sites submitted data. Long-term (1984–2017) declines in abundance were observed in six migrant, one partial migrant and three resident species while long-term increases in abundance continue to be recorded in two short-distance migrants and four resident species. Seven species are exhibiting significant long-term declines in productivity; only two species, Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus and Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, are exhibiting a significant long-term increase in productivity. Long-term trends in survival indicate increases for 12 species and declines for eight. Compared to the five-year mean (2013–17), the abundance of 14 species decreased significantly in 2018 with five species being recorded in lower numbers than in any previous year since CES monitoring began. No significant increases in abundance were recorded. Productivity increased significantly for six migrant and four resident species in 2018 and decreased for only two species (both residents). Significant declines in survival rates were observed in 10 species in 2018 compared to the five-year mean. The number of Retrapping Adults for Survival submissions fell slightly in 2018 to 190; eight projects ran for the first time. In total, 58 species were monitored, with Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (23 projects), House Sparrow Passer domesticus (18), Starling Sturnus vulgaris (17), Sand Martin Riparia riparia (13) and Reed Warbler (10) the most-studied species. A total of 982 858 birds were ringed during the year, comprising 170 619 nestlings, 465 610 first-year birds, 319 955 adults (birds in their second calendar year or older) and 26 674 birds whose age could not be determined. In addition, there were 236 314 recaptures of ringed birds at or near the ringing site. In total, 54 324 recoveries (birds found dead, recaptured or resighted at least 5 km from the place of ringing) of BTO-ringed birds were reported in 2018. The Appendix highlights a selection of recoveries that have extended our knowledge of movements, as well as longevity records established during the year. A total of 38 269 NRS submissions were received in 2018, the lowest total since 2009. Mean laying dates for four species were significantly earlier than the five-year mean (2013–17) with eight of the 52 species analysed laying significantly later. Eight species displayed a significant increase in breeding success (fledglings per breeding attempt) in 2018 compared to the five-year mean, with one decreasing significantly. Permits or licences to disturb breeding birds on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), were prepared and issued to 502 ringers and nest recorders in 2018. During 2018, the use of special methods was authorised for 557 marking projects, 66 trapping projects and 52 sampling projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind energy generation has become an important means to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate against human‐induced climate change, but could also represent a significant human–wildlife conflict. Airborne taxa such as birds may be particularly sensitive to collision mortality with wind turbines, yet the relative vulnerability of species' populations across their annual life cycles has not been evaluated.Using GPS telemetry, we studied the movements of lesser black‐backed gulls Larus fuscus from three UK breeding colonies through their annual cycle. We modelled the distance travelled by birds at altitudes between the minimum and maximum rotor sweep zone of turbines, combined with the probability of collision, to estimate sensitivity to collision. Sensitivity was then combined with turbine density (exposure) to evaluate spatio‐temporal vulnerability.Sensitivity was highest near to colonies during the breeding season, where a greater distance travelled by birds was in concentrated areas where they were exposed to turbines.Consequently, vulnerability was high near to colonies but was also high at some migration bottlenecks and wintering sites where, despite a reduced sensitivity, exposure to turbines was greatest.Synthesis and applications. Our framework combines bird‐borne telemetry and spatial data on the location of wind turbines to identify potential areas of conflict for migratory populations throughout their annual cycle. This approach can aid the wind farm planning process by: (a) providing sensitivity maps to inform wind farm placement, helping minimize impacts; (b) identifying areas of high vulnerability where mitigation warrants exploration; (c) highlighting potential cumulative impacts of developments over international boundaries and (d) informing the conservation status of species at protected sites. Our methods can identify pressures and linkages for populations using effect‐specific metrics that are transferable and could help resolve other human–wildlife conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the 81st annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, incorporating the report of the Nest Record Scheme and covering work carried out and data collected and processed in 2017. Demographic data contributed to several research studies during the year, including a review of the conservation status of Raven Corvus corax and the impacts of licensed control. This quantified the extent to which non-breeding birds could be removed without impacting overall population sustainability, as well as the data permitted, but noted that a better understanding of age-specific survival rates was required. Nest Record Scheme data contributed to a large-scale collaborative study investigating the impact that temperature and rainfall have on the timing of events throughout the annual cycles of 10 000 animal and plant species across different trophic levels. The results indicated that the speed of response was greatest at low trophic levels. Future changes under a range of emission scenarios were estimated; these results indicated that advances in timing would be greatest for primary consumers. A statistical method was developed, using nest record data, to quantify nest failure, taking into account uncertainties generated during data collection. The method was applied to Blackbird Turdus merula records to compare survival rates of nests in gardens with those in the wider countryside. Survival in suburban areas was found to be higher than in urban or rural areas, and nests survived better in wetter conditions across all habitats. In order to quantify any welfare impacts of capturing wild birds, we examined the frequency with which passerines were reported to have died either whilst in the net or during handling. Analyses of capture data submitted from 2005 to 2013 indicated that the average mortality rate is around 0.1%, and that this is consistent between years. Most fatalities occurred before individuals had been extracted from the nets and juveniles appeared to be at greater risk than adults. In 2017, 135 CE sites submitted data. Long-term (1984–2016) declines in abundance were observed in four migrant, one partial migrant and one resident species and concurrent increases in abundance continued to be recorded in two short-distance migrants and four resident species. There was no change to the 10 species which exhibited significant long-term declines in productivity; only one species, Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, exhibited a significant long-term increase in productivity. Compared to the five-year mean (2012–16), the abundance of six species increased significantly in 2017; Treecreepers Certhia familiaris were seen in greater numbers in 2017 than in any other year since CES monitoring began. Conversely, the abundance of six species fell significantly in 2017, with Chaffinch and Greenfinch Chloris chloris numbers at their lowest since CES monitoring began. Productivity increased significantly for three species in 2017 and decreased for eight species. The only significant change in survival rates between 2017 and the five-year mean was for Wren Troglodytes troglodytes, although the survival rate for Song Thrush Turdus philomelos was at its highest. The number of Retrapping Adults for Survival submissions fell slightly in 2017 to 195; 11 projects ran for the first time. In total, 58 species were monitored, with Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (20 projects), House Sparrow Passer domesticus (16), Starling Sturnus vulgaris (15) and Sand Martin Riparia riparia (11) continuing to be the most-studied species. Once again, over a million birds (1 020 356) were ringed during the year, comprising 165 565 nestlings, 500 580 first-year birds, 321 945 adults (birds in their second calendar year or older) and 32 266 birds where the age could not be determined. In addition, there were 242 719 recaptures of ringed birds at or near the ringing site. In total, 41 049 recoveries (birds found dead, recaptured or resighted at least 5 km from the place of ringing) of BTO-ringed birds were reported in 2017. The Appendix highlights a selection of recoveries that have extended our knowledge of movements, as well as longevity records established during the year. NRS submissions in 2017 exceeded 4 0 000 for the eighth consecutive year, with a total of 43 570 records received. Mean laying dates for 22 species were significantly earlier than the five-year mean (2012–16) with none of the 52 species analysed laying significantly later. There was a significant increase in breeding success (fledglings per breeding attempt) for two species in 2017, compared to the five-year mean, with one decreasing significantly. Permits or licences to disturb breeding birds on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), were prepared and issued to 580 ringers and nest recorders in 2017. During 2017, the use of special methods was authorised for 584 marking projects and 67 trapping projects, a 4% decrease from 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the 80th annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, incorporating the report of the Nest Record Scheme and covering work carried out and data processed in 2016. BTO and JNCC have used seabird population data to investigate how demographic processes drive population changes, enabling improved population models to be produced. These population models were used to help quantify the risks associated with large-scale infrastructure projects (e.g. windfarms) and recommendations were made concerning approaches to be used in particular circumstances. Density dependence in seabirds, and its potential impact on population models, was also reviewed but little evidence of significant effects was found. Research on the demographic causes of declines in migratory species, undertaken in collaboration with the University of East Anglia, focused on population changes in Willow Warblers Phylloscopus trochilus. Data from the Nest Record Scheme (NRS), Constant Effort Sites scheme (CES) and the Breeding Bird Survey were combined; the results showed that reduced productivity levels in Willow Warblers in the south of Britain were driving the decline. In 2016, 134 CE sites submitted data. Five migrant and two resident species exhibited long-term (1984-2015) declines in abundance while four migrant and six resident species showed declines in productivity. Compared to the five-year mean (2011-15), the abundance of 10 species increased significantly in 2016 with Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti, Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita, Wren Troglodytes troglodytes and Robin Erithacus rubecula abundance at its highest since CES monitoring began. The abundance of three species fell significantly in 2016. Productivity increased for one species in 2016 and decreased significantly for 16 species. Survival rates increased significantly for three species and fell significantly for one. For the first time, the number of Retrapping Adults for Survival submissions passed 200. A total of 59 species were monitored and 24 projects ran for the first time. The most-studied species were Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (23 projects), House Sparrow Passer domesticus (17), Sand Martin Riparia riparia (15) and Starling Sturnus vulgaris (13). Over a million birds (1 051 629) were ringed during the year, comprising 157 653 nestlings, 490 796 first-year birds, 370 019 adults (birds in their second calendar year or older) and 33 161 birds where the age could not be determined. In addition, there were 255 898 recaptures of ringed birds at or near the ringing site. In total, 40 257 recoveries (birds found dead, or recaptured or resighted at least 5 km from the place of ringing) of BTO-ringed birds were reported in 2016. The Appendix highlights a selection of recoveries that have extended our knowledge of movements, as well as longevity records established during the year. NRS submissions in 2016 exceeded 45 000 for the third consecutive year, with a total of 46 514 records received. Mean laying dates for five species were significantly earlier than the five-year mean (2011-15) with 10 species laying significantly later. Three species displayed a significant increase in breeding success (fledglings per breeding attempt) in 2016 compared to the five-year mean, with four decreasing significantly. Permits/licences to disturb breeding birds on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), were prepared/issued to 587 ringers and nest recorders in 2016. During 2016, the use of special methods was authorised for 559 marking projects and 73 trapping projects, a 13% increase on 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the 79thannual report of the British Trust for Ornithology’s Ringing Scheme, incorporating the report of the Nest Record Scheme and covering work carried out and data processed in 2015. Constant Effort Sites (CES) data from across Europe, relating to eight common warblers, were analysed to investigate large-scale variation in survival rates and showed that changes in survival outside the breeding season are not a key driver of long-term population trends. Retrapping Adults for Survival (RAS) seabird data sets were reviewed to understand their ability to supplement geographically limited, long-term studies carried out by professionals. Most RAS studies re-encountered sufficient numbers of seabirds to estimate average survival rates; however, only those with re-encounter rates of around 40% were able to detect changes in survival rates efficiently. Over 100,000 nest records, relating to four insectivorous woodland passerines, were used to investigate changes in laying dates in response to temperature. Laying dates advanced by 2.3–4.8 days per °C rise in temperature, suggesting that these species may be able to change their laying dates in response to climate changes, even if the rate of climate change is rapid. Over 10,000 phenological data sets, including laying dates for 37 bird species, were used to look at the mechanisms behind species’ responses to changes in climate. Primary producers and primary consumers advanced timing of breeding more quickly than secondary consumers, potentially leading to a greater mismatch between the timing of breeding in birds (secondary consumers) and their prey availability under future climate-change projections. Data were received for 134 CE sites in 2015. Long-term (1984–2014) population trends derived from the CES data identified five migrant species and four resident species that have decreased significantly in abundance over this period. Abundance of three species decreased significantly in 2015 compared to the five-year mean (2010–14) with WhitethroatSylvia communisabundance at its lowest since CES monitoring began. There were significant increases in abundance for 12 species, with GoldfinchCarduelis carduelisat its highest since CES monitoring began. Productivity decreased significantly in ten species and increased significantly in three species compared to the five-year mean (2010–14); productivity for Willow WarblerPhylloscopus trochiluswas at its lowest since CES began. There were no significant changes in survival in 2015. The total number of active RAS projects increased again in 2015; 190 submissions were received, including data from 23 new projects. Projects were carried out on 57 species, with Pied FlycatcherFicedula hypoleuca(23 projects), Sand MartinRiparia riparia(15) and House SparrowPasser domesticus(20) still the most-studied species. The total number of birds ringed in 2015 was just under one million (987,253) and comprised 472,462 first-year birds, 319,230 adults (birds in their second calendar year or older), 27,993 unaged birds and 167,568 nestlings. In addition, there were 236,540 recaptures of ringed birds at or near the ringing site. In total, 32,253 recoveries (birds found dead, or recaptured or resighted at least 5 km from the place of ringing) of BTO-ringed birds were reported in 2015. A selection of recoveries that have extended our knowledge of movements is presented, as well as longevity records established during the year. In total, 48,957 nest records were received for 2015, the highest annual submission since the Scheme began in 1939. Mean laying dates for five species were significantly earlier than the five-year mean (2010–14) with nine species laying significantly later. Only one species showed a significant increase in breeding success (fledglings per breeding attempt) in 2015, with four decreasing significantly. A total of 612 permits/licences to disturb breeding birds on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), were prepared/issued in 2015, a small increase from 2014. During 2015, the use of special methods was authorised for 489 marking projects and 68 trapping projects, 25% more than in 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This is the 78thannual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, incorporating the report of the Nest Record Scheme and covering work carried out and data processed in 2014.Many species have shifted their range towards the Earth's poles in response to global temperature increases. Data from four European Constant Effort Sites (CES) ringing schemes were examined to determine the impact of large-scale temperature variations on productivity in a group of seven migratory bird species to determine the potential for future range changes. Increased productivity at northern sites was apparent only in Reed WarblerAcrocephalus scirpaceus, although there was evidence of local adaptation in six species, suggesting that the rate of northward range shift may be constrained by adaptation to local climatic conditions.A study on the role of carry-over effects in RedstartPhoenicurus phoenicurus, Spotted FlycatcherMuscicapa striataand Wood WarblerPhylloscopus sibilatrixfound that carry-over effects from passage regions impacted on the timing of breeding more strongly than climate on the breeding grounds and that warmer conditions in the breeding area were not associated with reduced productivity.Work on the impact of environmental variables on annual population changes found that, over 40 years, the strongest impact on migrants was rainfall in the Sahel. Over 25 years, positive population changes in response to wetter winters were found for 12 of 16 species studied.Data were submitted for 132 CE sites in 2014. Long-term (1984–2013) population trends derived from the CES data have changed little in the past year. The abundance of five migrant species and five resident species decreased significantly in 2014 compared to the five-year mean (2009–13). The abundance of five of these species (Willow WarblerPhylloscopus trochilus, Sedge WarblerAcrocephalus schoenobaenus, BlackbirdTurdus merula, ChaffinchFringilla coelebsand GreenfinchChloris chloris) was at its lowest since CES monitoring began. There were significant increases in abundance for three species. Productivity decreased significantly in Willow TitPoecile montanacompared to the five-year mean (2009–13), but there were significant increases for eleven species (seven residents and four migrants),with productivity for Reed Warbler, Blackbird and BullfinchPyrrhula pyrrhulaat its highest since CES began. There were only two significant changes in survival in 2014.A total of 176 Retrapping Adults for Survival (RAS) projects were active in 2014, the highest total ever, with 22 new projects starting, 17 of which involved RAS target species. Projects were carried out on Tawny OwlStrix alucoand SwiftApus apusfor the first time.The total number of birds ringed in 2014 exceeded one million for the third time (1,047,026) and comprised 520,477 first-year birds, 303,086 adults (birds in their second calendar year or older), 29,799 unaged birds and 193,664 nestlings. In addition, there were 226,303 recaptures of ringed birds at or near the ringing site.In total, 28,187 recoveries of BTO-ringed birds were reported for 2014. A selection of recoveries that have extended our knowledge of movements is presented, as well as longevity records established during the year. The numbers of birds recovered between 2010 and 2013 have been revised as data submitted as retraps have been examined and some have been reclassified as recoveries.For the fifth year running, annual totals of nest records surpassed 40,000, reaching 46,382. Mean laying dates for 55 species were significantly earlier than the five-year mean (2009–13) with 19 species laying significantly later than the five-year mean. Breeding success (fledglings per breeding attempt) increased significantly for 14 species, with none showing a decrease.Nearly 600 permits/licences to disturb breeding birds on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), were prepared/issued in 2014, a small increase from 2013.The use of special methods was authorised for 398 marking projects and 47 trapping projects in 2014, 12% fewer than in 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This is the 77th annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, incorporating the report of the Nest Record Scheme and covering work carried out and data processed in 2013. In recent years the schemes have focused on the collection of demographic data as part of our Integrated Population Monitoring programme. We expanded (from 10 to 17) the number of species for which we were able to construct integrated models and identified differences in the relative contributions of recruitment and adult survival to population change between increasing and decreasing species. Recruitment of young into the breeding population can be difficult to estimate. We investigated the use of proportions of birds in their second calendar year, or older, caught in the early summer using Blackbird Turdus merula as a model. Results showed that recruitment was a more important determinant of population change than survival. Changes in phenology are being documented widely and we carried out analyses looking at the timing of moult and reproduction in selected passerine species. Patterns in timing and duration of moult varied between resident species but were more aligned within migrant species, which also moulted faster. Temperature on spring breeding grounds accounts for more variation between years in breeding phenology than precipitation rates on the wintering grounds in 19 migrant species but neither climate variable affected clutch size. We continued to emphasise the value of targeted ringing and nest recording; increased participation in our structured ringing schemes has provided additional opportunities to improve the quality of demographic monitoring. Long-term (1984–2012) population trends derived from the Constant Effort Sites (CES) data have changed little in the past year. Three of the eight migrant species monitored by CES showed significant increases in productivity compared to the five-year average, although Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus recorded its second-lowest productivity since CES began in 1983. Breeding performance of residents was mixed, with juvenile:adult ratios for some early breeders significantly lower than during the preceding five years, but significantly higher for some late breeders; one late-breeding resident species, Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula, had its highest productivity since CES began. Data were submitted for 124 sites. The number of active RAS projects in 2013 was 154, with 22 new projects, 13 of which involved RAS target species. The total number of birds ringed in 2013 decreased slightly (952,750) compared to 2012 and comprised 424,401 first-year birds, 355,278 adults (birds in their second calendar year or older), 19,776 unaged birds and 153,295 nestlings. In addition, there were 241,111 recaptures of ringed birds at or near the ringing site. The reduction in numbers ringed compared to 2012 was probably a result of weather events in 2013. In 2013, there were 465 colour-marking projects registered, covering a total of 110 species; 65 new projects were registered during the year. There were 21,275 recoveries of BTO-ringed birds: the highest total ever. A selection of recoveries that have extended our knowledge of movements is presented, as well as longevity records established during the year. In total, 40,384 nest records were submitted. Of these, 82% originated from England, 8% from Wales and 9% from Scotland, the remaining 1% divided between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This was a reduction on the 2012 totals and probably reflected the poor start to the breeding season caused by the exceptionally cold weather in early spring. Long-term trends in nest productivity (fledglings per breeding attempt) were significant for 44 of the 72 species monitored. Of these, thirteen trends were negative, indicating a decline in breeding success over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the 76th annual report of the British Trust for Ornithology's Ringing Scheme, covering work carried out and data processed in 2012. Demographic integrated population monitoring has been the focus of the Scheme priorities in recent years and models that integrate ringing and nest record data and abundance trends were built for ten species for which sufficient data were available. Population drivers vary between species but they can be split between changes in breeding success, survival, or both. Multi-brooded species exhibited more seasonal variation in reproductive output than single-brooded species. In particular, migratory species showed a seasonal decrease in fledgling output, as do single-brooded species while residents generally showed a seasonal increase in productivity. Constant Effort Site (CES) data showed long-term (1984–2011) declines in four long-distance migrants and five resident species. However, four species (two short-distance migrants and two residents) have increased over the same period. Productivity of migrants monitored by CES was poor in 2012: seven of the eight species showed significant reductions in productivity compared to the five-year average and had the lowest productivity since CES began in 1983. Breeding performance of resident birds was low in 2012, with juvenile:adult ratios significantly lower than those calculated over the preceding five years for 10 of the 16 species. The number of CE sites increased in 2012, with data submitted for 125 sites, the highest total for a decade. The number of active RAS projects increased to 163 in 2012, with 21 new projects, eight of which involved RAS target species. In 2012 the total number of birds ringed (970,957) was the second highest recorded, and included 408,225 first-year birds, 377,199 adults (birds in their second calendar year or older), 23,772 unaged birds and 161,761 nestlings. In addition, there were 249,551 recaptures of ringed birds at or near the ringing site. The reduction in numbers ringed compared to 2012 was probably the result of the record wet weather that most of Britain & Ireland experienced in spring and summer 2012. A total of 18,693 BTO-ringed birds were recovered in 2012, which was lower than in 2011 but higher than in any previous year. This is the result of an increased number of birds ringed in the past 10 years, an increasing number of colour-ringed and tagged birds and subsequent resightings, more ringers within the Ringing Scheme, efforts to increase reports from members of the public of both metal and colour-ringed birds and an improvement in the way recoveries are processed. Recoveries of 22 BTO-ringed and 11 foreign-ringed individual birds that have extended our knowledge of movement of the species or constitute a new longevity record are presented. In total 44,895 nest records were submitted in 2012, the highest annual submission since the scheme began. Of these, 81% originated from England, 9% from Wales and 9% from Scotland, the remaining 1% divided equally between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Submissions from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland have all risen by similar proportions since 2007 (18–22%), while those from Wales have increased by 34% over the same period. Long-term annual productivity trends have been calculated for three additional species. Long-term productivity trends were significant for 40 of the 72 species monitored and nine of these trends were negative, indicating a decline in breeding success over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the 2009 bird Ringing Scheme of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) covering Great Britain and Ireland to better understand population change. Due to low productivity in 2007 and 2008 and freezing winters, there were decreases in species such as Wren Troglodytes troglodytes, Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus and Reed Warbler A. scirpaceus. The number of birds ringed was the highest recorded at 935,867 and recovery total was also high at 14,643.