Was ever there a more classic case of virtue-signalling? BTO’s holier-than-thou snub for 2025 Global Birdfair

                                                                    

Peep show? This frightened Great Tit was trapped and ringed for display by BTO staff at a previous Global Birdfair

ONE of Britain's leading ornithological groups has announced its decision not to take stand space at this year's Global Birdfair on commercial and ethical grounds.

Because  it is a high-status organisation - it was founded in 1930 and enjoys Royal patronage -  the snub will dismay Global Birdfair organisers, especially as it might encourage other organisations to do likewise.

The British Trust for Ornithology, as it was formerly known, made its announcement on  social media on Friday evening.

The statement reads as follows: "BTO has taken the difficult decision to not return to Global Birdfair as an exhibitor this year. 

"While we recognise that Birdfair provides an important opportunity to meet members and volunteers face to face, our continued investment in other ways to engage with supporters is proving to be a much more effective use of resources.

"With its emphasis on high carbon wildlife tourism, today’s Birdfair has a different focus and feel from earlier years, and there has been a significant decline in the numbers of people attending. 

"Given the extent to which BTO work has highlighted the impacts of climate change on birds, and because of our commitment to working sustainably, we no longer feel it is appropriate to take a stand at the event.

"We do recognise the significant contribution the event has made to conservation over so many years and are very grateful for the opportunities that it has provided us over the years."

The Wryneck says: The  BTO is entitled not to attend Global Birdfair, but many of its members and supporters will surely be dismayed, not just by the decision but also by the pious and self-righteous way it has been proclaimed to the birding world. With this  statement, it has effectively  sought not just to shame organiser Tim Appleton and his small and hardworking Global Birdfair team but also all those seeking to participate in the event whether as sponsors, exhibitors or visitors. Which individual at BTO has ownership of this decision? How many of its staff and members were consulted? Someone needs to put her/his head above the parapet. And let it be acknowledged that, in its short life, the Birdfair event has probably done more for bird and wildlife conversation than the BTO has done in almost a century.