Why survey and monitor birds?
Knowing which bird species breed on or use a site is a valuable aid in directing habitat management. Because birds respond quickly to habitat change, are easily visible and fairly easy to identify, they are one of the primary groups used to assess habitat change and habitat quality and, thus, to direct management. Many species are scarce or decreasing and managing areas for them is crucial if we are to reverse this trend.
Having a knowledge of bird surveying and monitoring methods is integral in conducting any sort of assessment of birds using a site and of assessing population trends over time.
Whether you wish to take part in a survey, conduct your own one or monitor the bird life in an area over time, this course will provide you with what you need to put it into motion.
The course
This one day course explores the differing survey and monitoring methods and will help you to establish which one will be most suitable for your purposes.
The course assumes that you can identify the commoner birds visually and from their songs.
Learn about
- Differing survey and monitoring methods and the advantages and disadvantages of each
- How to assess which method would be most suitable to a certain site
Highlights include
- Unique hand outs, developed by Project Fred, to guide you through the varying survey and monitoring methods
- Field Work - to develop surveying skills
- Focus on the Common Bird Census method for surveying breeding bird abundance at a single site
Equipment and things to bring
Bring your own binoculars. A notebook and pencil are useful.
The course will involve some walking, but there will be nothing too strenuous. Strong, comfortable walking boots or shoes are therefore important, as is a good selection of appropriate clothing to the time of year - all in natural colours as far as possible please - greens and browns are preferable. A small rucksack will also be useful for carrying your equipment. Wellingtons may be needed at some sites. Drinks and snacks can also be bought along.
This course is most effectively run during spring (February to May) as this is when there are more species singing. However it can be carried out at any time of year.
Cost
£40 per person. Group size minimum 5 and maximum 15 people. Smaller groups can be catered for at a standard cost of £200 per course. Larger groups may also be accommodated. Conservation Groups and Charities may be able to get a discount. Please contact us to discuss.
