WeBS Counts in Northumberland
Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) is the scheme which monitors non-breeding waterbirds in the UK. The principal aims of WeBS are to identify population sizes, determine trends in numbers and distribution and to identify important sites for waterbirds. Continuing a tradition begun in 1947, around 3,000 volunteer counters participate in synchronised monthly counts at wetlands of all habitat types, mainly during the winter period.
Monthly counts by volunteers are made on almost all the important wetlands in the UK, with most counts in the winter and the majority on specific dates. In Northumberland monthly counts are undertaken at the following ‘waterbodies’:
- up to 47 inland waters
- Lindisfarne NNR
- around 85km of open coastline, and
- at the county’s 5 major estuaries (Aln, Blyth, Coquet, Tweed and the Tyne)
The monthly counts in Northumberland involve up to 60 regular volunteer counters each month. At the moment all our sites have been ‘taken’ but if you would like to get involved at a future date please don’t hesitate to contact one of our two Local Organisers:
Inland Waters: Tim Daley Email: tim.birdman (at) gmail.com
Coastal and estuarine: Kathy Evans Email: kathyevans121 (at) gmail.com
WeBS is a partnership between the British Trust for Ornithology, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (the latter on behalf of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside, Natural Resources Wales, Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage) in association with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.
Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) – 2018
Thanks go to everyone who helped.
The BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey is the main scheme for monitoring the changing fortunes of the UK’s common breeding birds, generating population trends used to set conservation priorities. In Northumberland and Tyneside, over 70 1km squares have been surveyed since the survey began in 1994, many for over 20 years. The squares are chosen randomly and cover all available habitats, reflecting the percentage of land use in the area.
After an initial reconnaissance visit in March to set up the transect route, two morning field recording visits are required: Early – April/May: Late – late May/ June, at least four weeks apart. All birds seen and heard should be recorded, as well as habitat details. There is also an optional mammal section to this. The object is to visit the site at the same time each year, or as close as possible, to enable comparisons to be made.
To find out more about both these surveys visit the British Trust for Ornithology’s BBS website at www.bto.org/bbs
Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) – 2023
The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is almost 30, so now is the time to join the scheme to help
secure its future. Volunteer bird watchers cover randomly selected 1km squares twice a year in
the spring to record all species by sight and sound. And, you are allowed to record rarer species.
Last year Crane and Jack Snipe were added to the list along with 781 Meadow Pipits and 675
Skylarks from 101 Northumberland squares. You never know what will turn up.
There are 30 available squares in a range of habitats. To find out more go to www.bto.org/bbs
or contact Muriel Cadwallender – tomandmurielcadwallender@hotmail.com
For a list of available squares Click Here
Willow Tit Survey 2019/20
The RSPB and Rare Breeding Birds Panel are running a UK Willow Tit survey in 2019 and 2020, working with bird clubs across England, Scotland and Wales in order to estimate the population of this rapidly-declining species. We are looking for volunteers to help Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club survey Willow Tits in Northumberland by visiting pre-selected tetrads ( 2-km squares) throughout the species’ range in the county. Surveys will require two visits to search suitable habitat between mid-February and mid-April. For more information please contact Mark Eaton at mark.eaton@rspb.org.uk
