This year, the RSPB is partnering with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and Natural England, to conduct three national species surveys. Conservation Scientist, Andrew Stanbury, explains why such surveys are important and how to get involved.
Populations of many wild birds in the UK are monitored through a suite of well-established schemes, each targeting a different array of species. For example, trends in common species are typically monitored through the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), while the Rare Breeding Bird Panel (RBBP) focuses on species with fewer than 2,000 breeding pairs in the UK. However, some species fall into the gap between these two schemes: they are too scarce to be monitored through BBS but too abundant for RBBP, or the species breeding ecology does not fit into the regular monitoring schemes (e.g. crepuscular or nocturnal species). For such species, a more targeted approach is needed. This is sometimes achieved through repeatable national species-specific surveys.
This year, the RSPB is working with the BTO and Natural England to repeat national surveys for three species regularly associated with heathlands: the Dartford Warbler, Woodlark and Nightjar. The last national survey for Nightjar was in 2004 and for Dartford Warbler and Woodlark in 2006, so the data are now quite old, and much may have changed since then.
These UK-wide surveys aim to produce updated estimates on population size and range, broken down by country (where applicable). This information will be invaluable for assessing the effectiveness of the extent and management of the current Special Protection Area network for these species, conducting SSSI condition assessments, evaluating the impacts of climate change, recreation and development and updating species status assessment, such as the Birds of Conservation Concern Red, Amber and Green lists.
How to get involved
Carrying out national surveys would not be possible without the vital help of volunteer surveyors, and these are no different. The BTO has recently launched a webpage where you can look at the proposed survey area and sign up for 1km survey squares.
The survey will involve making a minimum of two survey visits, per species, to each survey square over the course of the survey period (February to July, depending on the species).
There a few more evocative wildlife experiences in the UK then spending an evening on a heathland listening to a churring Nightjar, so why not get involved.
The survey is supported by funding from Natural England and DEFRA.
Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, adult female, Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com). The survey will involve two evening visits (25 May – 15 July) covering the two-hour period after sunset, or the two hours prior to sunrise. We also recommend a daytime recce visit before the survey is undertaken.
Woodlark Lullula arborea, adult, Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com). The survey will involve two early morning visits (15 February – 31 May) between sunrise and 11 a.m.
Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata adult, Les Cater (rspb-images.com). The survey will involve two early morning visits (1 April – 30 June) between sunrise and 11 a.m.