A review of opportunities to get involved in local BTO bird surveys.
The British Trust for Ornithology’s (BTO) Regional Representative, Sean Murphy, kindly presented the BTO initiatives at the recent club Member’s Afternoon and I wanted to share this with you. If you are interested in participating in any of these then in the first instance use the web link or message via https://www.bto.org/about-bto/our-staff/contact. If unsuccessful then contact NDOC via our website. It is our understanding that one does not need to be a BTO member to take part.
Breeding Bird Survey
Many thanks to all who participate in this important core BTO survey. Woodpigeon, Jackdaw and Blackbird continued to dominate the sightings last year with Chiffchaff becoming more prevalent.
The 2025 breeding season is rapidly approaching: for existing volunteers, Sean will be sending out recording forms in March to those who have requested them and we have a range of unallocated sites in Berkshire if anyone is interested in taking part. The survey entails visiting an allocated tetrad (a 2 km x 2 km OS square) twice between April and June and recording all species seen and heard on each visit.
Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS)
This is another important core BTO survey. Approx 145 wetland sites are included in Berkshire, 55 do have allocated counters and most of the major/larger wetland sites are covered. There are vacant sites in East Berkshire but these are well beyond the boundaries of West Berkshire. They are all rated as ‘High Priority’ by the BTO but it is noted that a few of the sites are currently affected by access issues.
If you are interested in participating in the WeBS, you can view the vacant sites at:
Heathland Birds Survey
This is a new national survey starting in 2025 with the aim, in counties where relevant, to assess the current population incidence and distribution of three target species: Dartford Warbler, Woodlark and Nightjar. The last survey was 20 years ago. It will include an assessment of how they are faring on protected heathland sites and utilisation of other habitats that may be suitable. For protected heathland sites in Berkshire, the survey will connect to the annual Thames Basin Heaths survey that already covers these sites. Data from this will contribute to the Berkshire county survey. All of our local heaths are included. This BTO survey will be in 1km squares based on confirmed occupied sites; in addition, further random 1km squares will be selected in surrounding suitable habitats. Volunteers will also be asked to record the presence of other bird species; e.g. Hobby, Long-eared Owl, Cuckoo, Wheatear etc.
Thames Basin Heaths (TBH) Survey
The TBHs is a Special Protection Area (SPA), comprising 13 fragments of lowland heath, each a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) across parts of Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey – two are in Berkshire (roughly South Swinley Forest/Wishmoor Bottom & Wildmoor Heath). The SPA was established in 2005 because the sites collectively hold important flora and fauna including populations of the Dartford Warbler, Woodlark and Nightjar. The survey is used by Natural England, Local Authorities etc , to monitor the state of the SPA and populations of the three target species. Unfortunately, there are no SPA sites in West Berkshire. Fieldwork to monitor the three bird species across the SSSIs is carried out by local volunteers but there is need for further volunteers for these particular areas.
If you are interested, please contact John Eyre via https://tbhpartnership.org.uk/contact/
BTO’s Garden BirdWatch (GBW)
2025 is the 30th year of this popular ‘home-based’ survey. Volunteers record the birds seen in their gardens throughout the year and submit regular records to the GBW team. Butterflies, mammals, etc, can also be recorded. More volunteers are always needed and it is easy to join.
The BTO are also keen to recruit new GBW Ambassadors to promote the scheme even further but not expecting a major time commitment. The idea of the Ambassadors is to:
Generally, engage with local communities to promote the survey
Deliver talks and attend relevant local events
Write for local papers, parish magazines etc
The methods of promotion will be up to individuals; BTO will offer support and resources. If you are interested or would like further information, please contact Susan Jones, the GBW Supporter Development Officer, via the BTO website.