The status of the naturally occurring species of British birds is periodically reviewed and assessed against a set of objective criteria in order to be placed on the Green, Amber or Red lists – indicating increasing levels of conservation concern. The last review in 2015 - Birds of Conservation Concern 4 (BoCC4) - saw more than two-thirds of species placed on the Red and Amber lists.
The majority
of those appearing on the Red list (25.7% of all species) are also, under
the relevant Country legislation, e.g. Section 41 of the 2006 Natural
Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act in England and Section 7 of the
Environment (Wales) Act 2016, identified as species of principal importance for
the purpose of maintaining and enhancing biodiversity.
Collectively,
these declining bird species are known as "priority" species and
typically (although not exclusively) the focus of bird surveys is to assess the
impact of a proposed development on them and other specially protected species.
If a development is proposed that has potential to negatively impact
breeding habitat, winter food resources or areas important for overwintering
birds (many of these being nationally and internationally significant wetlands
or coastal areas) then a bird survey is normally required.
At Castell Ecology we possess the expertise to undertake any standard or specialist survey that you require. Our understanding of the habitat requirement of birds allows us to recommend pragmatic and effective strategies to mitigate predicted impacts and enhance the developed site for birds. Those bird surveys commonly requested are outlined below:
Breeding bird surveys are typically carried out between April and July.
The survey involves 3-4 visits through the season to record the diversity, abundance and distribution of all breeding birds within the survey area and to provide an indication of each species’ breeding status. The survey identifies those habitats within a site that are important for breeding birds, especially to those of conservation concern.
Winter bird survey is typically undertaken between November and February.
The survey is conducted in a similar manner to Breeding Bird Survey but focuses on birds of conservation concern including winter-visiting migrant species. Rather than identifying important breeding habitats, the survey aims to identify valuable feeding and roosting resources, how they are used and by which species.
Wetland bird surveys are typically carried out between October and March.
The survey involves monthly visits to count the often-large numbers of target birds (normally waders and wildfowl) associated with coastal or tidal sites (at high tide to identify important roosting areas and at low tide to identify key feeding areas), or at inland expanses of water.
Barn Owls are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended, which gives protection to these birds at all times of year and additional protection against disturbance at the nest site. Our Barn Owl survey will record any evidence of the birds in the buildings or trees inspected, identify any potential nest sites and determine if they are occupied and, on larger scale projects, assess the value of hunting habitat across the site.
Many species of birds, particularly those that are difficult to detect by the standard methods outlined above or are perhaps specially protected or conservation priority species, will require a specialist, bespoke survey.
Birds that frequently require this approach include Black Redstart, Kingfisher, various raptors (birds of prey) such as Peregrine, and nocturnal species like owls and Nightjar.