Recording your sightings

Depending on your level of birdwatching knowledge and how many species you would like to record, you can choose one of three lists for recording your sightings. Most birdwatchers will usually use the same list throughout the spring. However, some birdwatchers will use one list during the week (perhaps the Short Migrant List) and will use a different list at weekends (Long Migrant List or Full Species List) when visiting more varied sites.

Short Migrant List

The short migrant list contains only 10 common summer migrants (Cuckoo, Swift, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Wheatear, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher). These species can be recognised by most birdwatchers.

In addition to the summer migrants, a number of resident species are also listed (Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Greenfinch). These species have been specially chosen because they occur in a wide variety of habitats and have good geographical spread. It is important that Migration Watch recorders also note the presence of these species. We have also added three winter visitors (Redwing, Fieldfare and Brambling) so that we can gather some information on the departure of these species for their breeding grounds further north.

You can either simply record the presence of a species using a tick box, or give a count. Some birdwatchers will like to be able to provide a count whilst others will be happy just to record presence - the choice is yours! View short migrant list   Long Migrant List The long migrant list contains all the summer migrants that you are likely to see during an average birdwatching trip. If you are lucky enough to see a scarce summer visitor such as a Honey Buzzard or a Stone Curlew then you can record these species using a drop-down menu. If you are extremely fortunate and see a very rare bird then you can send us an e-mail to tell us about sighting. You will find email links on most information pages but not on the form itself. E-mail migwatch.organiser@bto.org.

In addition to the summer migrants, a number of resident species are also listed (Meadow Pipit, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Starling, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Greenfinch). These species have been specially chosen because they occur in a wide variety of habitats and have good geographical spread. It is important that Migration Watch recorders also note the presence of these species. We have also added three winter visitors (Redwing, Fieldfare and Brambling) so that we can gather some information on the departure of these species for their breeding grounds further north.

You can either simply record the presence of a species using a tick box, or give a count. Some birdwatchers will like to be able to provide a count whilst others will be happy just to record presence - the choice is yours!

View long migrant list

Full Species List

If you enjoy keeping lists then this is the list for you! The list contains all the species you are likely to see during a birdwatching trip.

View full species list

Casual Records

You can record your sightings that you make on a casual basis, such as the first Swallow of the year you see whilst travelling to work. There is a separate Casual Records Form that you can use. The Casual Records Form allows you to enter up to five records and information such as site, date, species and count is also required.

View species available via casual records form

If you are lucky enough to see a species that is not included on any of the forms please email details to the Migration Watch Organiser.

Next - Download instructions and forms for the field