Cuckoo request

Have you seen a Cuckoo?

For the Bird Atlas we are interested in gathering records of Cuckoos across Britain and Ireland in order to produce a comprehensive distribution mas. The last breeding atlas was in 1988-91 so it will be fascinating to see how the distribution has changed. The last atlas recorded large losses in Ireland, west Wales, Cornwall and parts of Scotland. Where will we see the biggest losses this time? Your records will ensure we have the best coverage possible to answer that question.

To report a sighting

Go to the Atlas homepage www.birdatlas.net

Register for the Bird Atlas by clicking on the Red button at the bottom of the page. If you have already registered for the Atlas an have a BTO Online username and password then click on the Green button.

In Data Home, click on 'Add Roving Record'. Use the Google Map facility to find the grid reference of your sighting. The 10-km square is shown at the bottom-right of the map. Enter the place name, date, number seen and any breeding evidence you saw such as a bird calling (code S) or a bird in suitable breeding habitat (H.) There is more information on breeding codes here

Not just Cuckoo

The Bird Atlas is a four year project to map the distribution of all species across Britain and Ireland in the breeding season and in the winter. It is a massive project and we need your help to make it a success.

If you go out for regular walks, watch birds in your garden or climb our highest mountains then we need your records. During the breeding season it's really important to record the breeding status of the birds you record - are they singing (code S), is there a pair (code P) or are they carrying food for young (code FF)? Simple observations will provide valuable records.

We need help all areas but especially in Ireland, Scotland and Wales where there are fewer birdwatchers. If you are going on holiday this summer to any of these areas then make a special effort to record what you see and where.

We're interested in all species, including non-native species such as Black Swan and Ring-necked Parakeets. Listen out at night for owls calling and record these too.

The map to the left shows the records of Cuckoo already reported to the Bird Atlas in the breeding season (April-July) in 2008 and so far in 2009.


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