Hampshire Ornithologist receives recognition from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)

08 Dec 2021 | No. 2021-55

Tony Davis received the BTO’s Bernard Tucker Medal for his scientific contributions to the trust and British Ornithology.

Tony has made and continues to make a very significant and outstanding contribution to the BTO’s scientific work, both through his personal contributions as a bird ringer and nest recorder, and through the time that he puts into supporting BTO staff-led projects on declining migrants, and mentoring new bird ringers and nest recorders.

Tony has been leading BTO Nest Record Scheme training courses in a voluntary capacity since 2008 and there are many current nest recorders who will have learned their skills from Tony, his efforts thus ensuring that the organisation continues to receive valuable data across a broad range of nesting species. His dedication, putting in many hours in the field to recce sites, train the volunteers, and to follow up on the outcomes of the nests found during the weekend-long courses, is deserving of recognition alone.

His contribution to BTO’s scientific studies of declining African migrants is just as significant. He has been working with BTO’s Dr Chris Hewson on high-profile tracking studies of several species, including Cuckoo and Wood Warbler, the latter of which has benefited greatly from Tony's own project work on Wood Warblers in the New Forest.

Mike Toms, nominating Tony for the award, said, “I am delighted that Tony has been recognised in this way. He has been a tremendous ambassador for BTO science, making it accessible to a broad range of audiences, including government ministers. He is a very worthy recipient of this award.”

Tony Davis, receiving the award, said, “I am honoured to receive this award from the BTO, an organisation that is at the forefront of research into our current biodiversity crisis which will hopefully provide some solutions to the problems that our birds face. Volunteering for the BTO is immensely rewarding and I would encourage anyone with an interest in birds to get involved.”

The Bernard Tucker medal is awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Trust’s scientific work.

Contact Details
Paul Stancliffe
 (BTO Media Manager)
Mobile: 07585 440910
Email: press [at] bto.org (subject: News%20release%20enquiry)

Mike Toms (Head of Communications)
Mobile 07850 500791
Email: press [at] bto.org (subject: News%20release%20enquiry)

Images are available for use alongside this News Release. These can be downloaded from this link for which you will need to enter the password BTTD202155 alternatively, please contact press [at] bto.org quoting reference 2021-55

Notes for editors
BTO is the UK's leading bird research charity. A growing membership and up to 60,000 volunteer birdwatchers contribute to BTO's surveys, collecting information that underpins conservation action in the UK. BTO maintains a staff of 100 at its offices in Thetford, Stirling, Bangor (Wales) and Belfast (Northern Ireland), who analyse and publicise the results of surveys and projects. BTO's work is funded by BTO supporters, government, trusts, industry and conservation organisations. www.bto.org

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