The Bird Club survey for 2017 is a Waterways Breeding Birds Survey. So, if you would like to enhance a walk along your local river or canal, please consider giving it a go.
When you have chosen your survey route, make a note of the start and finish points using 1km squares or specific grid references; plus place names where applicable.
Please inform Graham Goodall (email: g.goodall052@btinternet.com) of your chosen route in order to avoid duplication.
Survey methodology
(Download as document HERE)
The route you choose should keep as close as possible to the edge of the watercourse; ideally, within 25 metres of the water’s edge. The length of the survey is up to you, but please bear in mind that you will probably need to retrace you route to get back to your car if you have driven to the site. The survey route should be a minimum of 1km (one way); 2km or more would be better. Record the birds you see or hear with 25 metres either side of your route. Surveys should be carried at least four weeks apart, as follows:
- First survey: mid-March to mid-May.
- Second survey: mid-May to mid-July.
Surveys should be conducted during the morning; ideally, between the hours of 6 – 11am and should be conducted in good weather conditions.
1. Use the survey sheet to record the birds you see during the two surveys. It is important that you include breeding codes for each species; see below.
2. Please enter all your survey records on to BirdTrack, BTO website.
3. Send your survey sheet to Graham Goodall, Research Officer (email:g.goodall052@btinternet.com). This is very important and will enable the results to be analysed and a paper produced for the Bird Report.
Surveys should be conducted during the morning; ideally, between the hours of 6 – 11am and should be conducted in good weather conditions (categories 1 and 2).
Cloud cover Rain Wind Visibility
0-33% – 1 none – 1 Calm – 1 Good – 1
33-66% – 2 Drizzle – 2 Light – 2 Moderate – 2
66-100% – 3 Showers – 3 Breezy – 3 Poor – 3
Breeding Codes.
Possible:
- H: species seen in suitable nesting habitat.
- S: singing male in suitable breeding habitat.
Probable:
- P: pair in suitable nesting habitat.
- T: permanent territory (defended over at least 1 week).
- D: courtship and display.
- N: visiting probable nest site.
- A: agitated behaviour.
- I: brood patch of incubating bird (seen on bird in the hand).
- B: nest building or excavating a nest hole.
Confirmed:
- DD: distraction display or injury feigning.
- UN: used nest or eggshells found from current season.
- FL: recently fledged young or downy young.
- ON: adults entering or leaving nest site in circumstances indicating occupied nest.
- FF: adult carrying faecal sac or food for young.
- NE: nest containing eggs.
- NY: nest with young seen or heard.
WATERWAYS BREEDING BIRDS SURVEY 2017: SPECIES LIST.
Name of watercourse: Grid references: names, start – finish. Length (km).
Survey Dates: 1. 2.
Survey One. Survey Two.
| Species | Count | Breeding code | Count | Breeding code |
| Mute Swan | ||||
| Greylag Goose | ||||
| Canada Goose | ||||
| Barnacle Goose | ||||
| Egyptian Goose | ||||
| Shelduck | ||||
| Mandarin Duck | ||||
| Eurasian Wigeon | ||||
| Gadwall | ||||
| Eurasian Teal | ||||
| Mallard | ||||
| Garganey | ||||
| Northern Shoveler | ||||
| Red-crested Pochard | ||||
| Common Pochard | ||||
| Tufted Duck | ||||
| Goosander | ||||
| Cormorant | ||||
| Bittern | ||||
| Little Egret | ||||
| Grey Heron | ||||
| Little Grebe | ||||
| Great Crested Grebe | ||||
| Water Rail | ||||
| Moorhen | ||||
| Coot | ||||
| Northern Lapwing | ||||
| Black-headed Gull | ||||
| Lesser Black-backed Gull | ||||
| Herring Gull | ||||
| Great Black-backed Gull | ||||
| Common Tern | ||||
| Kingfisher | ||||
| Sand Martin | ||||
| Willow Warbler | ||||
| Sedge Warbler | ||||
| Reed Warbler | ||||
| Grasshopper Warbler | ||||
| Yellow Wagtail | ||||
| Grey Wagtail | ||||
| Pied Wagtail | ||||