BTO - British Trust for Ornithology - Grassland

The State of the UK's Birds 2020

WSKELLORN — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 13:35:42 +0000

The Cuckoo cohort of 2024 takes flight!

Burns, F., Eaton, M.A., Balmer, D.E., Banks, A., Caldow, R., Donelan, J.L., Douse, A., Duigan, C., Foster, S., Frost, T., Grice, P.V., Hall, C., Hanmer, H.J., Harris, S.J., Johnstone, I., Lindley, P., McCulloch, N., Noble, D.G., Risely, K., Robinson, R.A. & Wotton, S. Our volunteers: the beating heart of BTO data

SUKB collates data from annual, periodic and one-off surveys and monitoring studies of birds, such as the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP), the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS), Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP) and Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme (GSMP). In addition, the 2020 report also includes results from the Nest Record Scheme, Constant Effort Sites (CES) Scheme and Re-trapping Adults for Survival (RAS) Scheme, the latter two schemes collecting demographic information through the efforts of bird ringers.

The report takes information from these and other schemes, research and surveys and delivers information at a country-specific scale, as well as providing an overview for the UK as a whole.

Volunteers play an essential role in bird monitoring in the UK, by donating their time, energy and expertise. The data they collect are vital for conservation, tracking changes in populations and supporting policy development. This year, many monitoring schemes have been adversely affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic and we want to say a special thank you to all of our volunteers for their continued support through this difficult time. Their skill, effort and dedication deserve huge recognition. Sarah Harris, BBS National Organiser

Woodland species

This year’s report highlights the continuing poor fortunes of the UK’s woodland birds. The UK Wild Bird Populations Indicator for woodland species show a long-term decline of 27% since the early 1970s, with declines of 7% evident over just the last five years. More worryingly, when looking at individual trends within the report, some specialist woodland birds have declined dramatically, including Willow Tit with a 94% decline since 1970 as illustrated by the joint Common Birds Census / Breeding Bird Survey UK-wide trend.

After worrying declines in breeding Tawny owl populations were flagged-up by the Breeding Bird Survey, BTO launched targeted survey work on this species during 2018 and 2019. SUKB reports on some of the results from this research, which revealed a decline in site occupancy from 65% in 2005 to 53% in 2018/19. The BTO work has also sought to understand some of the reasons for this change in fortunes.

Results at different scales

Data from many of the surveys covered in SUKB also feed into European-wide schemes and the SUKB report goes from celebrating the publication of the latest European Breeding Bird Atlas, through to finer-scale country-specific results and research. Not bad for an 80 page report!

Country-specific headlines include increases in House Sparrow populations in Wales, where work is also taking place to address the pronounced decline in Curlew numbers. In Scotland, the fragile status of Corncrake is highlighted, alongside increases in farmland species such as Tree Sparrow and Yellowhammer. The Northern Ireland pages look into changing fortunes of seabirds and explore how proposed marine Special Protection Areas may be used to tackling the observed decline. The Northern Ireland pages also examine declines in wintering geese, such as Light-bellied Brent Goose. Finally, over to England and promising results for Stone Curlew conservation work, as well as reporting back on the English Winter Bird Survey for which 1,485 sites were surveyed by volunteers to help us understand the value of agri-environment options.

As in previous reports, we hear about species from 14 UK Overseas Territories and three Crown Dependencies – including Black-browed Albatross, St Helena Plover and South Georgia Pipit, about the Gough Island Restoration Programme, and discover that 69 species in the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies are now Globally Threatened.

Closer to home, 25 years of BTO Garden BirdWatch is also celebrated, with Goldfinch now the 8th most commonly recorded garden bird, up from 20th back in 1995.

Volunteers

There is a common theme in this report: volunteers. The sheer enormity of their contributions to bird monitoring as a whole is evident throughout this report. Most of the surveys and schemes covered here are only possible thanks to the dedication and skills of the thousands of volunteers who give up their time to help monitor birds and in turn, inform conservation action. Thank you.

Who produces this report?

SUKB 2020 is produced by a coalition of three NGOs: the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), together with the UK’s statutory nature conservation bodies: Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland (DAERA), the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Natural England (NE), Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and NatureScot.

Breeding Bird Survey

Anonymous — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 11:46:31 +0000

The Breeding Bird Survey is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK’s common and widespread breeding birds. The survey involves two early-morning spring visits to a 1-km square, to count all the birds you see or hear while walking two parallel 1-km lines across the square.

Breeding Bird SurveyButterfly Monitoring Friday, April 1, 1994 - 00:00

BBS monitors the population changes of 118 breeding bird species across the UK thanks to the dedication of almost 3,000 volunteers who survey their randomly selected 1-km square each spring.

The BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK’s common and widespread breeding birds, producing population trends for 118 bird and nine mammal species.

The survey involves a recce visit and two early-morning spring visits to an allocated 1-km square, to count all the birds you see or hear while walking two 1-km lines across the square and record any nest counts for colonial nesting birds in the square.

You can optionally record mammals and visit your square later in the season to survey for butterflies. There is the option to return data on paper, via field recording forms or to submit your data on BBS-Online.

Support the future of our birds

Our surveys are vital. The data they produce help us drive positive change for the UK’s birds.

But increased pressure on funding is putting our surveys and data at risk – which is why we need your support.

Donate today

bbs-report-2022-cover.jpg

Read the latest BBS report

The Breeding Bird Survey started in 1994, and a report is produced every year containing population changes and other results from the scheme.

The 2022 Breeding Bird Survey Report reveals a mixed picture, especially for birds which breed in farmland habitats.

Read the 2022 Breeding Bird Survey report

How to take part

Find out how to request a square and what the survey entails.

Results

Explore the results from the data BBS volunteers provide.

Mammal recording

Find out how to record mammals during your BBS visits.

Count butterflies on your BBS square

Take part in the Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey by making additional visits to your BBS square.

How to enter BBS data online

Instructions and video tutorials on submitting your BBS data.

Download BBS forms

Download and print BBS recording forms instructions and recording forms.

Support the future of our birds

Our surveys are vital. The data they produce help us drive positive change for the UK’s birds.

But increased pressure on funding is putting our surveys and data at risk – which is why we need your support.

Donate today

Take part in BBS - counting for conservation

David White

James Heywood

February – March Forms sent or downloaded
March Reconnaissance visit
Early April – mid May Early visit
Mid May – late June Late visit
May – August Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey
End of August Data entry deadline

Undertake three site visits between April and June - a recce and two morning visits, along with data entry. Able to identify UK breeding birds by sight, song and call. If you have the necessary bird ID skills to take part in the Breeding Bird Survey but want to learn more about survey methods, there are a number of BTO training courses covering this subject.

ongoing Farmland birdsUpland birdsWoodland birdsOther species volunteers

BTO Urban AppealWider Countryside Butterfly SurveyAssessing agri-environment schemes No bbs@bto.org

My BTO volunteering journey: surveying breeding waders in the Yorkshire Dales

WEBSITEEDITOR — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 11:28:52 +0000

Volunteer Annie Shadrake writes about her first year taking part in BTO surveys. No

Annie Shadrake Breeding Bird Survey, Wetland Breeding Bird Survey and Wetland Bird Survey Volunteer Follow Annie on Twitter Annie lives in the Yorkshire Dales, and looks forward to the arrival of waders, wheatears and warblers every spring. Many a lunch break will find her pottering around taking photos and short videos of birds and butterflies. Breeding Bird SurveyWaterways Breeding Bird Survey

As we entered 2022, after two years of unfathomable disruption, grief and chaos, these exhortations abounded. For me, the penny which had been slowly falling had finally dropped: I realised that I’m rarely calmer or more contented than when I am watching birds. A young Blackbird drifting to sleep as she faces the morning sun, or a Curlew atop a drystone wall calling reassurance to his fledglings – these natural untroubled birdy behaviours all do it for me.

So, at the end of January 2022, I took an active step to improve my mental health and give me a meaningful focus outside a busy, office-based job. I signed up to be a BTO volunteer bird surveyor.

There was a simple online application form, which included declaring myself to be experienced and competent at bird identification. Does joining the Young Ornithologists Club in 1973 count? I’m reasonably proficient after decades of birdwatching, and I enjoy consulting a book, online video or Twitter friends (or someone sitting next to me in a bird hide) if I have an unfamiliar bird in the binoculars. But I wouldn’t say I’m an expert, by any means.

I’m fortunate to live and work near the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the survey sites I was later allocated are no more than a 25-minute drive from home.

Rather ambitiously, I took on two Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) sites, a Waterways Breeding Bird Survey (WBBS) stretch, plus two reservoirs comprising a Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) site.

While BBS only requires two visits to the site in the spring, WeBS is quite different - you need to visit once a month, throughout the year (or at least between September and March), as close as possible to target count dates, to record birds strongly associated with wetlands and waterbodies. Since I started, I have dropped one BBS site as it was just too far from where I live – so there’s a dramatic moorland site above Grassington that needs a new surveyor if you fancy it.

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BBS and WBBS

There are so many acronyms at BTO, it can be hard to keep track!

The BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and Waterways Breeding Bird Survey (WBBS) are two of our partnership surveys, which are mostly conducted by volunteers.

BBS records all breeding birds in an area of any habitat type, whereas WBBS is only conducted along waterways like rivers and streams.

More about BBS More about WBBS

Waterways Breeding Bird Survey: walks along the Wharfe

My WBBS – oh look how quickly I think of it as mine! – is a stretch of the River Wharfe. The route to walk, identify and count birds from is called a transect. Mine falls mostly on a public right of way, so access is straightforward.

After walking the 4-km one-way transect at a slow pace, you need to walk back of course. I liked to return via the nearby village for a restorative coffee and a bacon sandwich. No judging please.

The river is quite busy in the early morning, even in winter, with dog-walkers, swimmers, hikers and general nature-lovers enjoying the area. Increasing numbers of us rightly seek solace and well-being in nature, but I did find it difficult to see the impact of this on the more sensitive and vulnerable birds. Oystercatcher, Redshank, Common Sandpiper – these birds were flushed in seconds from their roosting rocks in the river as people and dogs appeared. Presumably they were displaced for the day up to quieter stretches of the river, or to fields which are less disturbed and off public rights of way.

Preparing for my Breeding Bird Survey

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Curlew on one of Annie's BBS sites. Annie Shadrake

My BBS site is in a very different area to the WBBS stretch, on two adjacent sheep farms in mid-Wharfedale.

The land is actively farmed, so the habitats are mainly semi-improved upland grassland, with a fringe of rougher acidic grassland, heather and rushes. Breeding ewes are outside all year, being brought into the shelter of in-bye land or large sheds on the farmstead to lamb.

My transect is made up of eight 200 m sections, and I’m lucky that they fall almost entirely on public rights of way – I didn’t need specific permission from the farmers to visit their private land.

Notwithstanding, my preference is to introduce myself when the chance arises. Farmers, like birdwatchers, are early risers, and I met both farmers at different times – moving feed or stock, or checking lambs.

The farmer was knowledgeable about waders on his land and told me where the best nesting areas were.

I first visited the BBS survey square in March 2022, to do the ‘recce’ and match up the transect sections with the lay of the land. It’s also a good time to record the different habitats.

I saw a few Lapwing and Redshank, which were great signs for my survey visits later in the year. The farmer was knowledgeable about waders on his land and told me where the best nesting areas were – I was excited to hear that some were inside the 1-km square of my site.

Annie saw several Lapwing on her BBS ‘recce’ visit - a promising sign of things to come. Annie Shadrake

Waders on Wharfedale farms

For BBS, you visit the site for one ‘Early’ and one ‘Late’ visit that need to be at least four weeks apart. I chose my visits for 9 April and 19 May to fit in with work and days off, with a good weather forecast being the clincher.

On my Early visit, I counted 11 Oystercatchers, 13 Lapwings, seven Curlew and four Redshank. All were displaying courting or territorial behaviour such as display flights, or calling while in-flight and from obvious perches. Otherwise, the most numerous birds were Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Carrion Crow. These birds are opportunistic omnivores, taking advantage of unattended nests to predate eggs and chicks.

On my Late visit, I counted four Oystercatchers, 18 Lapwings, seven Curlew and six Redshank. The gulls and corvids were present again too.

I’m fascinated by waders, and not just because they are spectacular and beautiful birds – they migrate such incredible distances.

Waders like Golden Plover breed in the Yorkshire Dales each year. Liz Cutting / BTO

Breeding Wader Visits to my BBS sites

Then, in early June, I spotted a BTO tweet about doing extra Breeding Wader Visits on BBS sites where waders had already been seen.

I’m fascinated by waders, and not just because they are spectacular and beautiful birds. They migrate such incredible distances. In Britain you can see the same species of wader in wildly different habitats, depending on the time of year, from mountains and moors to rocky and sandy stretches of our coastlines.

The upland grasslands, stony areas and moorlands of the Yorkshire Dales still attract adult waders to breed every spring – Oystercatcher, Curlew, Redshank, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover and Golden Plover, for example.

Some of these waders are Red-listed in the UK, and those that aren’t may soon be. So naturally, I leapt at the chance to do additional visits, and observe breeding waders on my Wharfedale BBS site before the survey window closed at the end of June.

Waders often nest and raise young on farmland in close proximity to livestock, like these Lapwing chicks (in the foreground). Annie Shadrake

To prepare, I consulted the excellent factsheets in the BTO resources, and watched some Zoom presentations from the RSPB and Curlew Action. I learned that intense, persistent alarm calling, reluctance to leave the area, flying towards or circling the observer, short flushing distances and distraction display are all behaviours indicative of dependent young nearby.

On my Breeding Wader survey visits, I recorded these behaviours for all the wader species on my site. I was especially thrilled to see young Lapwing chicks, despite large numbers of corvids and gulls in the area and the fact that nests and chicks were practically under the feet of numerous grazing sheep.

Writing this article has brought back so many really good memories from my bird surveying mornings. I was fortunate to have incredible bird-filled moments in beautiful locations. I chatted to people and farmers about the birds on their doorstep. I learnt a lot about bird behaviour and the threats to our most precious and threatened waders. After a season of surveying, I am now far better at identifying summer warblers and migratory waders – including some by call or song.

This year I am determined to make better notes, brush up on the habitat types and do as many extra Breeding Wader counts as I am allowed! If you are considering becoming a volunteer yourself, I’d urge you to give it a go. I can’t wait for spring and the call of returning Curlew and Oystercatcher, and to do my small bit to help the science behind bird conservation.

Writing this article has brought back so many really good memories from my bird surveying mornings. If you are considering becoming a volunteer yourself, I’d urge you to give it a go.

Redhsank. Allan Drewitt / BTO

Inspired by Annie’s story?

If you’d like to see more of Annie’s volunteering story, you can follow her on Twitter or watch more of her wader footage on YouTube.

Become a BTO volunteer!

Our work to drive positive change for the UK’s birds depends on volunteers like Annie - like you. You don’t need to be an expert to take part.

Explore our projects and take part Learn more about Breeding Wader Visits to BBS squares

Annie Shadrake writes about her first year taking part in BTO surveys.

1 January 2023 Breeding waders in the Yorkshire Dales

Be in the moment. Be mindful. Be in nature.

17 Jan 2023

Yorkshire and the Humber

Taking part in GSMP

WEBSITEEDITOR — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 08:52:47 +0000

The GSMP monitors the numbers and distribution of wintering goose and swan populations, as well as breeding success. There are various volunteer surveys to take part in, all of which contribute valuable data to our understanding of the sites which support internationally important populations of geese and swans, and of the birds' distribution, demography and breeding success.

Counting geese. Teresa Frost

Monitoring population size and distribution

There are a variety of GSMP surveys that are designed to monitor the size and distribution of the UK’s swan and goose populations; some are undertaken annually, whilst others are carried out periodically.

These surveys require varying levels of expertise, but for the most part, you will need to be confident in your identification of the relevant goose or swan species for the census that you are carrying out. You will also need to have some experience in counting birds, and be confident in your ability to estimate potentially large numbers of birds accurately.

Monitoring breeding success

The annual reproductive success of each of the UK’s migratory swan and native goose populations is assessed through the GSMP, and involves observers recording the number of young birds present amongst flocks. In addition to experience in counting and recording large numbers of birds, you also need to be confident identifying first-winter birds to take part in surveys involving age assessments.

How to get involved

If you are interested in becoming a GSMP volunteer, please contact the GSMP office at gsmp [at] bto.org. You can also contact the GSMP Organiser for more information about taking part in the GSMP.

Icelandic-Breeding Goose Census (IGC)

To find and request to count vacant IGC sites, you can use our interactive map.

Age Assessments

Age Assessments can be carried out on any site, to take part please sign up to GSMP Online via the homepage.

For other GSMP surveys, see the Guide to the Surveys below.

Resources

Health and Safety

BTO provides Health and Safety information for volunteers, which we recommend you read before starting your surveys.

Guide to the surveys

A comprehensive overview of each GSMP survey, including methodology and how to get involved.

GSMP Guide to the Surveys

GSMP Guide to the Surveys (PDF, 4.32 MB)

Recording forms

Recording forms are available to download for the following surveys:

Icelandic-breeding Goose Census (IGC)

Two coordinated IGC counts are made in autumn: sites supporting Pink-footed Geese are surveyed during October and November, whilst those supporting Greylag Geese are counted in November. At sites where both species occur, counts take place in both months.

Icelandic-breeding Goose Census Recording Form

Icelandic-breeding Goose Census Recording Form (PDF, 383.81 KB)

National goose and swan age assessments

These assessments aim to record the age and brood size of all wintering swan and goose species, where age can be determined in the field.

National Goose and Swan Age Assessment Form

National Goose and Swan Age Assessment Form (PDF, 339.78 KB)

BTO Training Courses

Identifying 'grey geese'

Identifying winter swans

Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme

WEBSITEEDITOR — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 10:26:43 +0000

This project tracks the abundance and breeding success of the UK’s native geese and migratory swans through winter surveys. Bird IdentificationBird Survey TechniquesWetland Bird Survey Monday, August 1, 2022 - 00:00

The Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme (GSMP) is a suite of species-specific surveys which monitors the different populations of geese (including Pink-footed, Barnacle, Bean, Brent, Greater White-fronted and Greylag) throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, to provide data for the conservation of their populations. The scheme also includes a quinquennial International Swan Census, which focuses on Whooper and Bewick's Swans.

The UK supports 13 internationally important populations of native geese and migratory swans. Many of the species which comprise these populations are Red or Amber-listed in the UK, and it is vital that we have up-to-date information on their status and health.

Scheme participants, both non-professional and professional surveyors, visit sites in the autumn and winter months to count numbers of migratory geese and swans and, where possible, do age assessments on the number of young birds present to monitor breeding success.

The GSMP network is comprised of a variety of organisations, groups and individuals involved in goose and swan monitoring throughout the UK, as well as in other countries which are covered by the birds' migratory flyways.

Identifying winter swans

Identifying grey geese

Why do birds migrate?

Partners and Supporting Organisations

The GSMP is funded jointly by the British Trust for Ornithology, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and NatureScot.

Specialist goose study groups and other ornithological organisations in the UK and overseas take a lead on a number of surveys.

BTO Master Logo Landscape (No Strap)

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The Goose & Swan Monitoring Programme (GSMP) monitors the abundance and breeding success of the UK’s native geese and migratory swans during the non-breeding season. Goose and Swan Monitoring Programme

Neil Calbrade

BTO-run Surveys

September-January Goose and Swan Age Assessments

October/November Icelandic-breeding Goose Census (IGC)

October-May Svalbard Barnacle Goose Census

January International Swan Census (every five years)

March Spring IGC (occasional)

Two or three monthly visits in winter on set weekends. You will be able to identify and age migratory geese and swans, and count large numbers of birds accurately. Contact your local organiser for information on training and mentoring opportunities in your area, or join one of the BTO training courses. ongoing Wetland birds volunteers

A new partnership for geese and swansWetland Bird SurveyBTO Data Reports No gsmp@bto.org

Loss of breeding waders from key lowland grassland sites in Northern Ireland

WEBSITEEDITOR — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 15:43:44 +0000

The Cuckoo cohort of 2024 takes flight!

More Details

Booth Jones, K.A., O’Connell, P., Wolsey, S., Carrington-Cotton, A., Noble, D.G., McCulloch, N. & Calladine, J.R. Irish Birds Northern Ireland’s lowland wet grasslands held large populations of breeding waders until the mid-1980s. During repeat surveys in the spring/summer of 2018 and 2019, data on breeding Curlew Numenius arquata, Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Redshank Tringa totanus and Snipe Gallinago gallinago were collected from 74 lowland grassland sites around Northern Ireland. These surveys revealed that between 1986-87 and 2018-19 the total number of breeding wader pairs recorded declined by 73%, from 1,296 pairs to 354 pairs. Specifically, Lapwing declined by 70%, Curlew by 80%, Redshank by 76% and Snipe by 71%. The Blackwater Catchment region in Counties Armagh and Tyrone had lost the greatest percentage of waders since 1985-87. Sixty five percent of surveyed sites no longer support breeding waders, while sites around Lower Lough Erne had less marked declines, particularly of Redshank and Curlew. Occupancy by breeding waders tended to be lower in fields that contained improved grassland, hay or silage, woodland or scrub. Fields with flooded or damp areas made up 45% and 88% of the total fields with breeding waders present. There is a need to improve survey coverage to assess the current status of breeding waders across the whole of Northern Ireland. Surveys should be designed to achieve a better understanding of the relative importance of changing predation pressures and habitats. More broadly, the training and recruitment of volunteers to participate in biological monitoring programmes should be a priority to ensure adequate levels of surveillance to identify conservation needs and measure the effectiveness of conservation initiatives. The authors would like to thank the Northern Ireland Environment Agency for funding this work, Kendrew Colhoun for his help in locating original records, RSPB staff for collecting data on their sites and professional surveyors Mike Stinson and David Jarrett for their help in plugging survey gaps. In particular we would like to thank the BTO volunteers who gave up their free time to contribute to this study: Ann Blackhurst, Bob Davidson, Brian Sutton, Ernie Hunter, Geoff Newell, Geoff Sloan, James O'Neill, John O'Boyle, John Spratt, Katy Bell, Ken Moore, Kerry Mackie, Kevin Mawhinney, Massimo D'Accordi, Patrick Kelly, Declan Coney, Peter Good, Ronan Owens, RoyLeary and Simon Gray.

Wader Calendar

WSKELLORN — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 17:15:16 +0000

Help with research on farmland waders by joining our farmer survey, the Wader Calendar. Tuesday, March 1, 2022 - 00:00

We want to enable farmers to monitor waders on their land, to collect evidence which can be used to evaluate and improve conservation management.

Why take part?

Birds and people have both been impacted by the sweeping changes to farming landscapes and practices over the last century.

Farmers are the traditional custodians of waders. Increasing your involvement in wader monitoring and conservation will improve the outlook for waders in the UK.

Register your interest and sign up

Enter your details on the Wader Calendar Online Form to register your interest. This is not a commitment to complete the survey, and you do not need to have waders on your farm to register.
Request a paper pack when you register your interest in the Online Form, or download and print the Recording Form.
Read the Survey Instructions for guidance on how to use the Recording Form, and what to record.

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Record waders on your farm

There is no strict survey methodology. Just keep weekly estimates of the number of five target waders on your farm from April to July.
The time it takes depends on your chosen methods. Keeping notes as you go should only take a few minutes each week, but dedicated counts at set times in the week may take longer.
You only need to be able to recognise and identify the five target species: Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Snipe.

Our Wader Behaviour Guide has useful tips for recognising key wader behaviours.

Weekly wader counts run between 27 March - 30 July 2023.

Lapwing chick by Liz Cutting

Send us your records

Fill in your Farm Details, Method Used and Notes on the Wader Calendar 2023 Recording Form. Please send this to us before 30 September 2023:

Send a scan/photo of both pages of your Wader Calendar 2023 Recording Form to waders [at] bto.org or
Post your Recording Form to

FAO: Paul Noyes
BTO Scotland
Beta Centre (Unit 15)
Stirling University Innovation Park
Stirling
FK9 4NF

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Wader Calendar Resources

Survey Instructions Recording Form Wader Behaviour Guide

Contact waders [at] bto.org with any questions or queries.

The Wader Calendar is a quick and easy way for farmers to record waders on their farm and contribute to a national monitoring scheme. Keep track of the waders on your farm with the Wader Calendar

Paul Noyes

Keeping notes as you go should only take a few minutes each week, but dedicated counts at set times in the week may take longer. The survey runs March to July. Recognise and identify the five target species: Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Snipe. once only Farmland birds volunteers Breeding wadersSupporting Curlew conservation and understanding wader declines No waders@bto.org

Gamekeeper Wader Transects

WSKELLORN — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 15:50:25 +0000

Contribute your knowledge and familiarity with the land to wader research by joining the Gamekeeper Wader Transect monitoring scheme.

Friday, April 1, 2022 - 00:00 to Thursday, December 1, 2022 - 00:00

The Gamekeeper Wader Transects (GKWT) make use of gamekeeper knowledge to contribute scientifically rigorous data to a national wader monitoring scheme. It happens every year, requiring a minimum of three visits each spring/summer to a transect chosen by the participant. Participants need to be able to confidently identify the main British breeding wader species and some relevant behaviours. You do not need to be a gamekeeper to take part in this survey, but you do need explicit permission from the landowner or manager to undertake these surveys.

Upland areas managed by gamekeepers include some of the last strongholds of breeding waders in the UK. Grouse moors represent 7% of UK land cover but hold 36% of our internationally important and threatened breeding Curlew population. Gamekeepers’ familiarity and knowledge of the wildlife on the land they manage to put them in an excellent position to monitor waders in these important but relatively understudied habitats. GKWT data will add to other monitoring schemes to build a clearer picture of landscape trends in wader abundance and productivity.

Join the project

Please email waders [at] bto.org to discuss setting up Gamekeeper Wader Transects on your estate or through your organisation (no commitment to complete the survey).

waders [at] bto.org (Email )

More about the project

The scheme has its roots in collaborative work from 2017 to 2019 between the BTO and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and participating estates. Please see BTO Research Reports 703 and 723 for further information. Gamekeepers in these areas have continued to complete the transects each year since.

We are looking to engage other moorland groups and estates across the UK and further develop the scheme. If you are a Moorland Coordinator, National Park Authority, or own, manage or work an estate anywhere in the UK, please get in touch at waders [at] bto.org.

Taking part

All you need is the ability to identify the main British breeding wader species and basic behaviours (mostly Common Sandpiper, Curlew, Dunlin, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Snipe). It requires a minimum of three visits over the spring/summer which can be undertaken alongside other work on your estate.

Winter/early Spring: please email waders [at] bto.org to discuss setting up Gamekeeper Wader Transects on your estate or through your organisation (no commitment to complete the survey).
April: first survey visits take place
May: second survey visits take place
June: final survey visits take place

Return your completed/updated Data Spreadsheet by 30th November.

Resources

Field Instructions

Field Instructions (PDF, 1.31 MB)
Survey Cover Sheet

Survey Cover Sheet (PDF, 536.67 KB)
Data Entry Guidance

Data Entry Guidance (PDF, 1.23 MB)
Data Entry Spreadsheet

Data Entry Spreadsheet (XLSX, 33.59 KB)
View the Wader Survey Behaviour Guide for guidance on recording wader behaviour in the field.

Allowing gamekeepers to contribute scientifically-rigorous data on waders on managed estates – some of the last UK breeding strongholds. Help collect wader data on estates with the Gamekeeper Wader Transects

Paul Noyes

April: first survey visits take place
May: second survey visits take place
June: final survey visits take place
November: return your completed/updated Data Spreadsheet

A minimum of three visits over the spring/summer can be undertaken alongside other keeping duties. Identify the main British breeding wader species (mostly Common Sandpiper, Curlew, Dunlin, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Snipe) and some relevant behaviours.

once only Farmland birdsUpland birds volunteers Breeding wadersBreeding Bird Survey No waders@bto.org

Upward elevational shift by breeding Whinchat Saxicola rubetra in response to cessation of grazing in upland grassland

MICHELLER — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 16:00:17 +0000

The Cuckoo cohort of 2024 takes flight!

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Calladine, J. & Jarrett, D. Bird Study 10.1080/00063657.2021.1963210

Capsule: The distribution of breeding Whinchat shifted uphill following cessation of grazing potentially further compromising them through additional squeezing of suitable habitat and environmental niches.

Aims: To assess whether breeding territories occupied by a conservation-priority grassland bird followed different changes in sward structure associated with environmental exposure following cessation of grazing.

Methods: Whinchat territories and breeding success were monitored at upland study sites in Scotland during a period of habitat transformation from livestock grazed grassland to young woodland with herbivores excluded.

Results: After grazing was excluded, there was an upwards elevational shift of breeding attempts (by 43 m in 7 years at one site) and successful breeding at higher elevations. While the study sites were grazed, breeding attempts were more successful at lower elevations and warmer aspects. Despite poor breeding success at lower elevations where taller, denser vegetation restricts available foraging habitat, such areas continued to be occupied by territorial Whinchats.

Conclusions: The conservation of grassland birds within afforestation schemes could be supported by maintaining some open habitats at suitable elevations. However wider conservation of grassland birds, including within forested and also pastoral high nature value farmed landscapes would benefit from improved understanding of the mechanisms operating within these dynamically changing habitats. Fieldwork was principally undertaken by James Bray, Susan Holloran, Chris Murray, Chris Wernham and the authors. We are grateful to the Woodland Trust and Tillhill Forestry for allowing us to work in the study areas. The study was funded by the J & JR Wilson Trust and the AEB Trust with specific analyses supported through a sponsored double-marathon run by Jenni Border.

Managing land for the conservation of birds is a balancing act - different species require different conditions in order to thrive. One way to manage land is by grazing, either by wild or domestic animals. In the case of domestic livestock, when the use of that land changes and livestock are no longer grazing, it provides an opportunity to assess how the resulting habitat change affects the distribution and breeding success of bird species. What is arguably even less well understood is the role of climatic variation at the local scale (micro-climate) and how that can interact with land management to influence how birds respond to change.

Whinchats are being increasingly prioritised as a species for conservation action and as an indicator of the condition of grassland habitats. Studying the distribution of breeding Whinchats in Scottish uplands following cessation of grazing has allowed BTO scientists to explore the impact of habitat transformation on this species.

Numbers of breeding Whinchats were surveyed across eight years in three upland areas of central Scotland. One of these areas ceased grazing during the study period, one before the study and one continued to be grazed - thus allowing for a comparison on how, where and when this affected breeding Whinchat.

Following the removal of grazing, Whinchat breeding territories tended to move to higher areas, which is where the ground vegetation structure remains more varied and, crucially, some shorter grassland remains. While the study sites were grazed, Whinchats tended to occur, and their breeding attempts were more successful, at lower elevations and with warmer temperatures. After grazing ceased, these birds appeared to follow the remaining suitable habitat structures which generally took them into areas with a harsher and less suitable microclimate.

This work shows the importance of not only maintaining suitably mixed habitat structures that can support grassland birds such as Whinchats, but to ensure also that those areas have a suitable microclimate for those species.

A counterfactual approach to measure the impact of wet grassland conservation on UK breeding bird populations

VIOLA.ROSS-SMITH — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 09:58:51 +0000

The Cuckoo cohort of 2024 takes flight!

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Jellesmark, S., Ausden, M., Blackburn, T.M., Gregory, R.D., Hoffmann, M., Massimino, D., McRae, L. & Visconti, P. Conservation Biology 10.1111/cobi.13692 Wet grassland wader populations in the United Kingdom have experienced severe declines over the last three decades. To help mitigate these declines, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has restored and managed lowland wet grassland nature reserves to benefit these
and other species. However, the impact that these reserves have on bird population trends has not been experimentally evaluated, as appropriate control populations do not readily exist. In this study, we compare population trends from 1994 - 2018 for five bird species of conservation concern that breed on these nature reserves with counterfactual trends using matched breeding bird survey observations. Our results showed positive effects of conservation interventions for all four wader species that these reserves aim to benefit: Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Redshank (Tringa totanus), Curlew (Numenius arquata) and Snipe (Gallinago gallinago). There was no positive effect of conservation interventions on reserves for the passerine, Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava). We compared reserve trends with three different counterfactuals, based on different scenarios of how reserve populations could have developed in the absence of conservation, and found that reserve trends performed better regardless of the counterfactual used. Our approach using monitoring data to produce valid counterfactual controls is a broadly applicable method allowing large-scale evaluation of conservation impact. The authors are grateful to the volunteers who have contributed to the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey and to BTO and RSPB for providing the data. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 766417. This communication reflects only the authors’ view and the Research Executive Agency of the European Union is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.