Chris Thaxter Email & Phone Number

I take a lead role in the development of marine research at the BTO. I am currently conducting projects using bird-borne data loggers to understand the impact of renewable energy developments on breeding seabird populations. This work is being undertaken on lesser black-backed gulls and herring gulls at protected areas in the UK to understand how these species interact with offshore wind farm areas throughout the year. I also conduct a wide range of projects on seabirds and waterbirds. Recent examples of such work include:- exploring the use of sea-watching data for monitoring the non-breeding movements of species past our coasts; - investigating the changes in seabird assemblages at protected sites in relation to climate change;- modelling the at sea distribution and abundance of seabirds, combining data from aerial and boat-based high definition imagery surveys, accounting for uncertain species identification;- reviewing information on the foraging ranges of seabirds as a preliminary tool for identifying candidate marine protected areas at sea.

Producing bird population trends from long-term monitoring schemes, and conducting analyses into changes in bird populations. Recently completed a study into reasons behind changes in UK bird populations in relation to species traits, migration strategy and ecological drivers such as habitat and climate change

Repeat Woodland Bird Survey, based in Wales

Phd, Breeding And Foraging Ecology Of Guillemots And Razorbills

Msc, Wildlife Conservation And Management

Bsc, Geography