Getting involved
Breeding Bird Survey (BTO/JNCC/RSPB)
The
BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey is the major national survey for measuring
the populations of widespread breeding bird species in the UK. The survey
involves recording all birds seen and heard in randomly selected one-kilometre
transect squares. Three site visits are needed between April and June
- one 'recce' visit to set up counting routes and describe habitat details,
and two morning visits to record bird numbers. The average visit takes
approximately an hour and a half to complete. This survey is particularly
relevant to people who already have good birdwatching skills and can identify
species by sight, song and call.
BirdTrack (BTO/RSPB/BWI)
BirdTrack
is a major new scheme, which developed out of Migration Watch, an Internet
project to study spring migration. This year-round bird recording scheme
is designed to collect large numbers of lists of birds. The focus of the
website is spring and autumn migration, seasonal movements, and the distribution
of scarce species. BirdTrack results are made available on the Internet
via BirdWeb.
BTO/CJ Garden Birdwatch (BTO)
By
joining Garden BirdWatch you can make your garden birdwatching count.
16,000 Garden BirdWatchers around the country already record the birds
using their gardens each week throughout the year. This information tells
us which birds are becoming dependent on our gardens both seasonally,
regionally and between years and the foods we provide. This is a survey
that anyone can take part in, whether you have a window box or a mansion.
How much time you spend recording is up to you.
Winter Warbler Survey (BTO)
Six
species of warblers can be found regularly wintering in Britain and Ireland.
These include two mainly resident species: Cetti’s Warbler and Dartford
Warbler; plus four mainly migratory species: Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Firecrest
and Goldcrest. In addition, there are at least ten other species, which
occasionally winter. This new survey will be used to find out how many
warblers spend the winter in Britain and Ireland.
Scarce Woodland Bird Survey (BTO)
Do
you like walking in the woods? This project, ideal for amateur birdwatchers,
involves visiting 2 woods twice a year in 2005 and 2006 and recording
a range of species. Instructions, recording maps, and a CD of songs and
calls will be provided once you have chosen and registered your sites
with us.
We are also looking for records of 8 Key Species from ANY habitat throughout the breeding season. Key species are: Firecrest, Hawfinch, Redpoll, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Redstart, Tree Pipit, Willow Tit and Wood Warbler.
Nest Record Scheme (BTO)
Since
1939, volunteer nest recorders have been collecting information about
the productivity of individual nesting attempts and sending their observations
to the BTO's Nest Record Scheme (NRS). These vital data allow us to investigate
changes in breeding success over time. Participants can submit records
for any species in any habitat, from gardens to mature woodlands, either
electronically or on specially-designed cards.
Reporting a ringed bird (BTO/JNCC)
Using
lightweight, individually numbered rings we are able to follow a bird's
movements, calculate their chances of survival and monitor their population
health. We are still discovering new facts about migration but the current
focus is on monitoring bird populations and understanding the reasons
why they change. Please contribute to these studies by reporting any ringed
birds you find using the online reporting form, we will reply with details
of when and where ‘your’ bird was ringed.
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (RSPB)
Many
thanks to everyone who took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2005. The
web form will remain open until 21 February when we will start to analyse
the results. Your results will allow us to see how our garden birds are
faring and compare their numbers to those recorded over the last 25 years.
We will publish the 2005 results in late March and you'll be able to compare
your results to the overall picture.
Worldbirds (RSPB/BirdLife/Audubon)
Are
you going abroad? This initiative brings together bird observation systems
from around the world so you can contribute your sightings to help conservation
organisations wherever you travel. Over the next few years the number
of participating countries will grow rapidly, so check Worldbirds before
each trip.