THREE YEAR WINTER FARMLAND BIRD SURVEY
Farmland bird populations have generally been in steep decline since the mid-1970s. While a number of BTO surveys/schemes provide information on the breeding population changes (i.e. Breeding Bird Survey and Common Bird Census) and breeding success (i.e. Nest Record Scheme and Constant Effort Sites Ringing), there is relatively little data available on the winter ecology of these birds. For example, is the decline in farmland birds due to fewer suitable nesting sites and less suitable food for the nestlings; or is it partly due to the inability of the farmland birds to obtain suitable food during the winter period with the consequences that they are not fully fit and in prime condition for the following breeding season; or is it a combination of both?

As a result of this gap in our knowledge the BTO is running a three-year Winter Farmland Bird Survey to gain insights into the number of birds using farmland during the winter; how numbers vary across the country and within and between winters; and how different species utilise different agricultural habitats and crop types in winter.

The survey aims to cover some 30 species of farmland birds. This selection of species includes declining farmland birds that are of conservation concern (e.g. Tree Sparrow), scarce or localised users of farmland (e.g. Snow Bunting) and common and widespread species that use farmland in winter (e.g. Pied Wagtail).

This survey was run for the last two winters but with the uncertainty of the prevalence of foot-and-mouth during the coming winter and the understandable caution being exercised even in disease free areas, the BTO has thought it prudent to postpone the third and final year of the Winter Farmland Bird Survey. However it is vital that the third winter of the survey is completed in order that between winter variances in farmland bird numbers are fully documented. It is therefore intended that the final winter’s fieldwork will now take place in the winter of 2002/2003.

However, this survey also includes two sub-surveys namely:

WINTER WALKS
This is a route walked regularly by the observer between November and February inclusive and is obviously well suited to dog walkers! The route is chosen by the observer and preferably it should be at least 1km in length and run through farmland in the region. Observers record the 30 target species seen during the walks, using fields, hedges and other farmland habitats adjacent to the route.

CASUAL RECORDS
This part of the survey records the sightings of any significant flocks of farmland birds also between November and February inclusive. The sizes of the flocks and the flock groups to be recorded are specified on the BTO instructions.

Most Winter Walks routes and Casual Records observations are from public rights of way such as tracks and footpaths. As these surveys do not require access to farmland itself, it may be possible to carry out these surveys this winter in most areas.

It would be of great benefit if as many people as possible could take part this winter in the Winter Walks/Casual Records surveys/observations, where the foot-and-mouth restrictions have been lifted. This will enhance the database both for the BTO and for CAWOS. Reporting forms for each of these two surveys are available to download and full instructions are specified on the appropriate form.

If you have any queries or would like any further information please contact:

As such, Bob’s principal objectives are to ensure that survey data is both comprehensively and accurately collected (and promptly returned!) and to produce a regional BTO members’ newsletter publishing that data together with other articles of interest. Additionally, he is keen to follow up the work of the Lancashire Bird Club and the Lancashire Naturalists’ Trust in continuing data collection within the region with particular emphasis on target species and the Regional Biodiversity Action Plans that are currently being drawn up. Consequently, he is keen to hear from any current or potential BTO members within his geographical area who would be interested in either participating in survey work or contributing to the newsletter. In particular, he is looking for any volunteers to take part in the Breeding Bird Survey and any other surveys, which are planned for the future. To contact Bob:

A few people have asked for further details on other surveys, particularly the structured WFBS. Although it is probably too late for this winter, we will be looking for more participants in the forthcoming year. I have therefore summarised a few details for those who may be interested.

The structured WFBS is designed to monitor the 30 species listed below:

Each participant is allocated a specific 1km Ordnance Survey map square, randomly selected from the BTO computer. Primarily, the squares used are those covered by the Breeding Bird Survey and the Winter Skylark Survey with an additional number specifically allocated for this survey. Initially, a trip has to be made to the square to seek permission from the landowner(s), to define the route and record the habitat. Three more visits are made during the winter months between November and February, each one more or less evenly spaced throughout this period and at least two weeks apart and none should last longer than 4 hours. Simple really!

Essentially, each square is divided into patches of farmland, i.e. fields containing crops, set-aside or pasture etc. The route, which needs to be the same on each visit, should be around the perimeter of each patch combined with one straight transect through the middle of it. It is also very important to accurately determine the type of crop in the fields so that this can be matched to the bird populations. Detailed leaflets are supplied to enable informed selection and categorisation; however if in doubt, the farmer can usually help.

The number of patches actually surveyed is determined by how many can be walked in a 4 hour period. Due to the randomness of the selection process, there may only be one or two patches in a square; others however may have up to 20, so the time limit then becomes the limiting factor.

After the initial reconnaissance, the rest is plain birdwatching. You walk around the planned route and record all species from the list on simple-to-follow recording sheets. The number of each species is entered against its location in the field, i.e. on the hedge line, within the margin, within the interior or on the transect route through the field.

Feedback from current participants has been encouraging, with most finding the survey easy with valuable results being obtained. This should hopefully help fill a gap in our knowledge of wintering farmland birds to enable better planning for the future and prevent our common birds making their way onto lists of conservation concern in the future.

If the above has not scared you away and you can spare the few hours needed, then please come forward, we still have a number of ‘vacant’ squares which need to be surveyed during the coming winters.