August 2008

What a fantastic response from Devon birders

Last November saw the start of the biggest survey ever to take place in the UK. A new “Winter” atlas and a new “Breeding” atlas will result after 4 years fieldwork during 2007-2011.

The present Atlasses are 20 years old and fast becoming out of date. They are one of the main tools which conservationists use in their work to protect our environment. The need to update them is paramount. Thus the “British Trust for Ornithology” (BTO) alongside “BirdWatch Ireland” (BWI) and the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC) have begun this mammoth task.

There are two methods being used to estimate both abundance and distribution of our birds across the whole of the UK. Here is Devon the task is to cover all the 84 10 km sqs which make up the county of Devon, one of the largest counties in the UK. To allow us to make an estimate of the abundance of each species within each 10km sq , times counts are made to as many tetrads ( 2 X 2 km sqs) as possible. During either a one hour visit or preferably a two hour visit every bird seen or heard is noted and the total number for each species recorded. So far we have covered 492 tetrads during the winter season and the latest figure is 400 during the recent breeding season. This figure is going up each day as volunteers enter their counts on-line.

How about doing one or two TTVs ( Timed Tetrad Visits ). Count for 1 or 2 hours whilst walking in a tetrad ( 2X2kmsq). Following footpaths, lanes, bridle paths etc , its often surprising what you find in a new and previously unvisited area. TTVs require a visit in November/December and a second winter visit during January/February and to complete the tetrad two further visits for the breeding season. Let us know if you would like to try it. I can tell you which tetrads need your help or you can find this on the website where you can also send me an automatic e-mail requesting the tetrads you would like to cover. I will then send you the simple instructions, forms on which to record your data and a map of the 10 km sq showing the tetrad boundaries and letter identification.

Now is your opportunity to take part in this exciting and essential project. The second year fieldwork starts again in November. So get in touch with me now and we can set everything up . Its the best birding you will ever do.

There is also another way you can help. Roving Records. The TTVs ( Timed Tetrad Visits ) are to allow us to estimate species abundance. We also need to map distribution, both during the winter and during the breeding season. This we are doing by using “Roving “(casual) records. In particular Roving records are for the less common species and the more difficult species to find. Sparrowhawk, Treecreeper, Kingfisher, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, the ones which when you spot one make you say, hey there’s a .......! So help complete the map by sending us your sightings.

Roving Records can be recorded on our special Roving Record form or sent in via Bird Track. But what we really do need is breeding evidence. We need to have proof of breeding for every species in each 10 km sq where they do breed. Some of the very common species get missed so ALL breeding evidence is vital. We are very happy to receive duplicated data, this is no problem, better 100 reports than that we miss something. I can provide you with a little card with our breeding codes, possible, probable or confirmed using one of the 16 codes such as A for agitated behaviour or FF for adult carrying faecal sac or food for young.

So far for the whole country we have had 487,481 winter roving records covering some 362 species and for the breeding season 390,939 records covering 376 species. In total some 44.1 million birds have been counted. And this is just the first year!
Visit www.birdatlas.net. It is an easy and fascinating web site. Have a look at the maps, and at the latest results for Devon. You can also see where we need more help in Devon and even send me a e-mail requesting a tetrad.

17 June 2008 - Update

The Devon County BTO ATLAS goes from strength to strength, last winter saw 491 tetrads surveyed and this breeding season so far we have covered 383 tetrads and there are still 6 weeks to go.

Nationally 38.3 million birds have been counted so far. See the Devon maps on http://www.birdatlas.net/

If you would like to be part of this fantastic project please get in touch at http://www.birdatlas.net/ From that web site you can contact me by e-mail.

URGENT - HOUSE MARTINS

Reports are indicating that this species is sadly lacking this season. Please let us know if you have House Martins on your house or near by in your road or village.

The BTO has joined up with Radio 4 "World on the Move" series to promote a new survey of this species.

How can you help? Report your House Martins by visiting http://www.bto.org/ and clicking on the House Martin link.

You can also ask for an Atlas "Roving Report" form where both House Martins and any other birds can be reported. All of your reports will help us produce a new maps of the distribution of birds across the UK.

Please help us monitor our birds and in particular House Martins, e-mail me at the address below and I will send you full details of how to help and get involved.

John Woodland - BTO RR, e-mail jwoodland@btodv.fsnet.co.uk

24 April 2008 - Update

Over 96 tetrad visits have been entered on line so far since the beginning of April.

• Skylark have been reported as possible breeding in 33 tetrads
• Willow Warbler possible in 29 tetrads and further records are coming in each day.
• Swallows are arriving back and one family will be surprised to find two of their offspring from last year awaiting their return. Having hatched a bit late, two juvs decided their roost in a barn above some horses was warm enough and midges and flies around the farm buildings sufficient to keep them going all winter. Is this a record for SX88.

There is still time to take on an extra "Timed Tetrad Visit". Or to compile a "Roving Record" list. Every 10kmsq , every corner of Devon is important, your garden, your village, your street or town. Help us complete the maps for the "NEW ATLAS". Get in touch John and he will show you how to help.

John Woodland - BTO RR, e-mail jwoodland@btodv.fsnet.co.uk

16 April 2008 - Update

Breeding Visits have begun in earnest with about 40 completed in the first few days of April with more being completed every day. Chiffchaff and Blackcaps are in profusion and on one tetrad just east of Dartmoor a pair of Cirl Bunting in an area not previously occupied. Roving Records are pouring in, go to http://www.birdatlas.net/and "latest results" and look at the Devon maps. If you would like to be part of this massive project contact jwoodland@btodv.fsnet.co.uk

It really is an exciting project, with some fascinating facts already showing up on the provisional maps. The Devon team is already well ahead with over 450 tetrads covered during the past winter.

Your involvement would be very welcome. You can download three PDF files here.

• The BTO Timed Tetrad Visits - Instructions document. You will need to contact John Woodland to arrange where your tetrads will be. Many Devon Tetrads have already been taken but there will always be some available. Download the instructions to see what is involved.
• The BTO Roving Records Form - This form can be downloaded here or at http://www.birdatlas.net/ and once filled in can be sent back to The BTO at the address at the bottom of page 1 of the form. These records can also be submitted directly to the BTO on-line on www.birdatlas.net
• The BTO Introduction & How to Help document - This PDF provides a general overview of how to help and what to do.

If you do not have a PDF reader you may download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader here or click on the logo below.