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Latest results from the Breeding Bird
Survey The BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is the main scheme aimed at keeping track of changes in the breeding populations of widespread bird species across the UK. Each year, nearly 3,000 volunteer birdwatchers count birds on over 3,500 randomly selected 1km grid squares across the UK. This enables us to calculate UK population trends for 104 species, and separate trends for the four constituent countries (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and the nine English Government Office Regions. Knowledge of the status of our bird populations is fundamental to their conservation. We do not report population trends for five gull species (Black-headed, Common, Lesser Black-backed, Herring and Great Black-backed), as a large proportion of the counts are of non-breeding, wintering or migratory birds. Trends for Cormorant, Grey Heron and Common Tern are reported with the caveat that counts may contain a high proportion of birds away from breeding sites, and the trend for Tawny Owl with the caveat that the BBS method monitors nocturnal species poorly. Table of UK population changes The figures presented are the percentage population changes for 2006-2007 and 1994-2007, marked with an asterisk where the change is significant, for all species with a sample size of at least 40 squares. Red-listed and amber-listed species from Population Status of Birds in the UK are shown in the relevant colour. UK trends for Hobby and Ring-necked Parakeet are also shown because these species meet the criteria for reporting in England where most of their populations reside. LCL and UCL are the lower and upper confidence limits for the 94-07 trend. Trends for species in brackets are reported with caveats (see above)
2007 Highlights Woodland birds decline BBS volunteers found that many woodland birds have decreased since the start of the survey in 1994, but those with the most specialist habitat requirements (some of which are also long-distance migrants), have shown the most dramatic declines, notably Willow Tit (down 77%), Spotted Flycatcher (down 59%), Wood Warbler (down 57%) and Pied Flycatcher (down 54%). This is not due to loss of habitat, as overall we probably have more woodland than ever, but the tree composition and age structure of our woods have changed. Deer have increased in numbers, browsing away the forest under-story on which the birds depend, and forest management practices are changing the structure of our woodlands. Stonechat, Nuthatch and Buzzard expand across the UK It’s not all bad news, and some species are increasing in numbers. Many of the species showing the biggest increases are also expanding across the UK, notably Stonechat (up 278%), Nuthatch (up 71%) and Buzzard (up 56%). Buzzards are spreading from their western strongholds, Stonechats are also spreading back eastwards from the temperate western coastal areas, and Nuthatches, previously found only in England and Wales, are increasingly breeding in Scotland. Is this an indication of climate change? The 2007-11 Bird Atlas, organised by BTO (with BirdWatch Ireland and the Scottish Ornithologists' Club), will track the geographical spread of these species, as BBS monitors changes in numbers. Life looking up for Grasshopper Warblers The secretive Grasshopper Warbler is more often heard than seen, identified by a mechanical-sounding song that has been compared to a spinning reel on a fishing rod. They had been lost from many areas by the 1980s, and are red-listed due to population declines. However, BBS results now show that life is looking up for Grasshopper Warblers, which have increased by 68% since the survey started in 1994, and also increased by 24% between 2006 and 2007. Taking part The survey is designed to be a quick, simple and, most importantly, enjoyable bird-watching exercise. Survey sites are randomly selected 1x1-kilometre squares of the National Grid. Observers make just three visits to their squares, the first to record habitats and to set up a suitable survey route, and the second and third to record all birds that are seen or heard while walking along the route. If you are interested in taking part in the BBS, please email The BBS is organised by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), on behalf of the BTO, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC is the statutory adviser to Government on UK and international nature conservation, on behalf of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside, the Countryside Council for Wales, Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
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