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Largely drawing from the BTO's Breeding Bird Survey methodolgy, but tweaked to be carried out on a site basis using a transect, and the results are recorded on a map. Each site has a pre-defined transect and therefore a unique form, although the process of data capture is the same across all sites.
Key attributes
- Presence of bird species seen and heard during the survey
- Evidence of breeding or otherwise for each encounter
Protocol description
Surveyors make two early morning visits to the site each year, in the spring. The transect route is walked at a steady pace and all birds seen or heard are recorded on the supplied map, along with evidence of breeding, where appropriate. Weather conditions are also summarised.
Skill level
Surveyors need to be confident in bird identification, of those species likely to be encountered in the habitats on site, using sight and sound
Materials/equipment
- Binoculars
- Recording form and code sheet on clipboard
- 2 pencils
Timing
Make two visits; the early visit should be between early April and mid-May, the late visit between mid-May and late June. Visits should be at least 4 weeks apart. Ideally, start between 6am and 7am, but definitely no later than 9am. Try to avoid the period of peak activity around dawn and the period of lower activity from late morning onwards. Ideally make your visit around the same date each year and around the same time each visit.
Method
- Fill in the boxes at the top; weather should be recorded using the codes below, but you can also add your own notes if you wish. Please do not survey birds in persistent heavy rain, very poor visibility or strong wind. If the conditions change during your survey visit, please select the single category that best represents the overall conditions (see table on form).
- Walk the transect as shown on the aerial map overleaf, at a slow, methodical pace, recording all the birds you see and hear on the aerial map (like example above). You can pause to scan for birds, but should not stop for long periods.
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Using the standard BTO codes, shown on the codes sheet, record the species on the aerial map. If a species is not listed, please make up your own two-letter code and then write what this code refers to beneath the map. If you see more than one bird in the same spot, then put the number before the code (e.g. 2RO = 2 Rooks). Be careful not to record the same bird twice.
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At the top right-hand corner of your species code, write the breeding code, in a circle.
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If you know exactly where your bird is on the aerial map, then mark that location on the map using an ‘X’ and then write the species code next to it. Otherwise record the rough location with your species & breeding codes and mark as shown on the form.
- Don’t forget to record the finish time when you reach the end of the transect.