What is a Nest Record?

Each nest record details a single breeding attempt using simple, standardised techniques. Any nest can be recorded anywhere in the UK. Each nest record should contain the following information:

• Location – Observers should record the county, place and grid reference for the nest. The geographical location of a nest can affect breeding success due to differences in habitat and weather conditions.

• Nest Contents – After identifying the species that has built the nest (often the easiest way is to watch for the adults), it should be visited on several occasions (for example every four days). The stage of development of the nest, eggs and young should be recorded using the simple ‘Status Codes’ provided. A series of visits to a nest throughout the nesting period is more valuable than single visits to a number of nests, as multiple visits allow us to calculate egg and nestling survival rates.

• Date - Recording the year in which the record was collected allows calculation of annual changes in productivity. The date of each visit is also important: the timing of a breeding attempt may affect its success.

Habitat – The type of habitat surrounding the nest may influence a variety of factors such as food availability, competition for nesting sites and predator abundance. These could all have an effect on breeding success. Collecting habitat data therefore allows us to investigate these relationships. Nest Site – Is the nest well hidden or exposed? Is it on flat ground or in a bush? Again, nest site details such as these may influence breeding success. For example, nests high up in a bushes or trees may tend to be more successful than those at low level.

A Robin feeding young nestlings. Characteristics of the nest site and the surrounding habitat can have a significant effect on breeding success

Which species are recorded?

The Nest Record Scheme welcomes records for ALL nests of wild birds, not just the rare ones! However we do have a number of ‘target species’ for which we would like to obtain more data (many of these are actually very common species). We are particularly on the look out for records of ‘open nesting’ species such as finches and buntings. Numbers of records for these species have declined since the 1950s (see graph below), so if you have an opportunity to record these, we would be very grateful for your records.

Submission trends of records for box-nesting and open nesting passerine species 1940-present

Over 1.25 million nest record histories from 232 species have been received by the BTO since the Scheme began. Around 30,000 new nest records are submitted each year, covering 160-170 species. A network of around 1000 volunteers spread out the length and breadth of the UK underpin the NRS. About half of the observers are members of partnerships, bird clubs or ringing groups. The total number of nest records received each year is published in 'Nest Record News'.

Although nests for all wild birds can be recorded for the NRS, some species are specially protected. These are species on ‘Schedule 1’ of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and include Barn Owl, Kingfisher and Little Tern. You would need to have a licence before visiting and recording such nests. For further advice about this, please see the latest issue of 'Nest Record News'.

MOST WANTED! Can you help?

Annual trends in productivity are calculated for around 80 species covered by the BTO’s Integrated Population Monitoring (IPM) programme. To allow accurate and effective monitoring, the minimum annual sample size should ideally be around 150 records. However, fewer than this number are received each year for the species listed below. If you think that you could help by recording the nests of these (or any other) species, please request a NRS ‘Starter Pack’.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, fewer than 150 nest records are received each year for Yellow Wagtail, a relatively scarce, localised breeding species. However, less than 150 records p.a. are also submitted for commoner species such as Mistle Thrush

Finding Nests

Many nest recorders first get ‘hooked’ by recording the Blackbird or the Blue Tit nests in their gardens. Gradually observers get more ‘tuned in’ and start finding nests of other species by watching for adults carrying nesting material, food or faecal sacs.

Several books have been published on nest finding and recording, though sadly most of these are out of print. However, helpful nest finding tips can be found on the Web or through “Nest Record News” (the newsletter produced for participants of the NRS). Registered recorders can also join the NRS Yahoo! Forum (our Internet message group), where nest recorders can request advice or provide important feedback.

Minimising Disturbance!

Obviously, it is essential to minimise disturbance at nests for both ethical and scientific reasons. When nest recording, it is vital that observations do not jeopardise the safety of the nest. All nest recorders should follow the ‘NRS Code of Conduct’ outlined in the ‘NRS Handbook’ (provided in the free ‘NRS Starter Pack’). The Code gives practical advice on avoiding the three main risks when visiting nests: accidental damage, causing desertion and revealing nests to predators.

Next - How to record nests