Breeding Bird Survey 2008

This spring we are organising a breeding bird survey on farms across the project area. The new data will be valuable in tracking progress of key birds of conservation concern, particularly declining waders and farmland species. Breeding bird evidence will help make a case for the continued targetting of Higher Level Stewardship funds for the Carrs area and enable us to monitor the success of the wetland schemes.

Among the breeding wetland species of particular note are lapwing, snipe and curlew, yellow wagtail and reed bunting. Farmland birds we are keen to record nesting include grey partridge, tree sparrow, skylark and corn bunting. A lot of formerly common birds are now a focus of conservation concern too, eg starlings, linnets and goldfinches.

The last breeding bird survey carried out in 2004. This time we are covering a bigger number of farms, with the kind permission of landowners. Once again we have secured the services of experienced local volunteer birders, recruited to help by Mr Robin Hopper of Scarborough Birders. The surveyors will map bird species field by field, on two separate visits from April to July. As well as a checklist of all birds encountered they will record any evidence of breeding. Examples include birds displaying, carrying food or nesting material, young birds with parents or spotting birds visiting a nest.

If you have bird sightings or indeed any wildlife you may contribute it to Tim Burkinshaw. Records with a specific date and location are particularly valuable.