Cold weather and waterbirds

Since 1983, an alerting system has been in place enabling statutory agencies and non-governmental organisations to work together to minimise the level of disturbance to waterbirds in frozen conditions. This includes mechanisms for the voluntary restraint (after 7 days of frozen conditions) and then statutory suspension (after 14 days) of wildfowl shooting. Under the criteria by which the number of days are calculated see www.jncc.gov.uk/page-2894 for details. This website also includes a downloadable form allowing you to report any observations you make on the condition of birds in your local area.

In addition to shooting, however, it is also important to ensure that all other forms of disturbance at wetlands, including birdwatching, should be minimised. It is important that existing surveys such as WeBS and the Bird Atlas continue to be undertaken, but participants should avoid disturbing birds wherever possible.

Latest information as of 18th January 2010:

With the persistent frozen conditions now at an end, the UK is no longer classified as experiencing severe weather. The statutory suspension of wildfowling in Scotland will be lifted at midnight on Monday 18th January, allowing shooting on Tuesday 19th. A similar suspension in Northern Ireland will end on Wednesday 20th January.

Accordingly, the suspension on the general ringing of waterfowl in Scotland is also lifted from Tuesday 19th. All other BTO monitoring activities continue as normal. However, as always, it remains important for BTO members and volunteers to keep any disturbance to flocks of feeding or roosting birds to a minimum wherever possible. Please take particular care in areas where the numbers of birds present has increased as it is likely these birds have moved from their normal wintering area and may be in poor condition.

Importantly, if you do find dead birds during this cold snap, please do check them for rings, as this can tell us a great deal about the birds involved. Details of ringed birds can be submitted online at www.ring.ac or sent to: