Wintering Bird Surveys
Posted in:
Birds, Protected Species, Surveys and Assessment, Wintering Birds
Date posted: 15 November 2016
Most bird surveys are commissioned to inform development projects based around the breeding season, i.e. the early summer period. Increasingly, however, compliance with the Habitats Regulations (specifically Regulation 9A) requires data from wintering bird surveys to be compiled and submitted in support of projects or activities that would remove or substantially affect habitats supporting migratory and/or wintering bird populations. According to Defra, ‘key habitats’ for which this is likely to be a requirement include: lowland farmland; uplands; woodlands; lowland heathland; freshwater wetlands; and marine and coastal sites.
The need for a wintering bird survey (or WBS) will normally be determined by an initial scoping exercise. This will evaluate whether species of conservation concern are likely to be using a specified area, based on the habitats present and the potential for human and other types of disturbance. The proximity of designated sites such as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) will also be a factor, especially for areas that have the potential to be functionally linked to such sites.
Once it has been established that a WBS is required, field surveys can be scheduled, usually one per month. The core months for carrying out wintering bird surveys are November to February. During prolonged periods of cold weather, it may also be appropriate to survey in November and March. At least three surveys are generally recommended.
Surveys will usually be supported by a desk study, including reference to national, regional and local atlas data. The normal protocol for a WBS is to count all birds present within a defined area and to map their spatial distribution and feeding behaviour (e.g. on farmland, whether birds are foraging mainly within boundary habitats such as hedgerows or whether they feed mainly on open ground). This information can then be used to minimise impacts on wintering birds and to mitigate and compensate for any loss of foraging and/or roosting habitat.
Wintering waders, including Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit. © Smart Images
Since formation, Alar Ecology has been commissioned to carry out many wintering bird surveys across a range of habitat types, including WeBS style counts at coastal sites and inland waterbodies, and field-by-field surveys of large tracts of farmland. For informal advice about whether your project is likely to require a WBS, please contact Alar Ecology without obligation. We will provide a free quotation tailored to your exact requirements.
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