Species-specific surveys

For a number of species, the standard breeding bird survey methodology may not be appropriate for determining the presence or likely absence of the species in question, and/or determining the number of territories. When undertaking the scoping and desk study stages of an ecological impact assessment, it may be determined that one or more of these species could occur within or near the survey site (based on existing local records, habitat and/or geographic location). In these instances, additional species-specific surveys may be required to ensure that the description of the ornithology baseline is complete, precise and definitive.

This section is intended to provide an overview of some species-specific survey methodologies. This is not a complete list, and additional species may be added over time. It is expected that professional judgement is used when designing and carrying out surveys to ensure they are appropriate for the specific circumstances in which the surveys have been commissioned.

Where existing survey methods are available, this section will provide a summary of the survey methodology and details of the original reference.

The Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP) has provided a number of survey methods from Gilbert et al. (1998) on their website. In addition, the Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme has provided a number of raptor survey methods from Hardey et al. (2013) on their website.

IMPORTANT: When conducting surveys, you must always comply with the relevant national legislation. If acting under a licence you must comply with the licence terms and conditions. Whilst Schedule 1 species are afforded additional protection from intentional or reckless disturbance when at or near an active nest, protection from intentional or reckless disturbance is also afforded to species that are the reason for the designation of a SSSI/ASSI.

References

Gilbert, G., Gibbons, D.W. and Evans, J. (1998) Bird Monitoring Methods: a manual of techniques for key UK species. RSPB: Sandy.

Hardey, J., Crick, H., Wernham, C., Riley, H., Etheridge, B. and Thompson, D (2013) Raptors: A Field Guide for Surveys and Monitoring (Third Edition). Scottish Natural Heritage: Edinburgh.