Bird Survey Methods
Monday 3 March 2008
Location: New Mills/Buxton, Derbyshire
Participant Standard: Beginner
Tutor(s): Saffra Wright CEnv MIEEM
This workshop will cover bird survey techniques that may be required during an Ecological Impact Assessment for a proposed development site. A selection of relevant generic survey methods will be presented and examples of some single-species methods. Guidance will also be given on learning how to identify birds by sight, sound, habitat and behaviour. The use of identification and interpretative information will be covered with identification guides, County Bird Reports, Breeding Bird Atlas’, CD ROMs and audio CDs will be looked at. During the afternoon a brief field visit will be made to a local site to practise and develop identifying resident and wintering bird species using the skills learnt earlier in the day.
Who should attend this workshop?
Environmental consultants and conservation volunteers alike looking to increase their knowledge of birds.
Bring with you:
Sturdy footwear, binoculars, lunch, clipboard/weather writer and pencil/pen.
What will participants learn from the workshop (learning outcomes)?
Participants will learn about different bird survey techniques and how to apply them to differing project requirements. Guidance will be given on how to go about learning bird ID and useful sources of information to seek for further information.
Programme:
09.00 Introduction and 1st lecture session: Material covered will include an overview of different survey methodologies, the role of the BTO and RSPB, the role of consultants.
11.00 Morning tea break
11.30 2nd lecture session: Concentrate on methodologies, which consultants may use, and how they may need to be modified for the situation. Several case studies and example reports will be presented to give an idea of an acceptable approach. Finishing off with session on approaches on how to learn bird ID including useful webpage addresses, reference lists etc.
12.45 Questions and answer session and general discussion forum about bird survey and ID.
13.00 Lunch (tea and coffee will be available but participants must bring their own lunch)
13.45 Field Visit: A field visit will be made to a local site including a mixture of habitats such as woodland, urban fringe and riparian. The participants would be provided with a map for marking up in the field so we can practise conducting an example bird survey. We will return to the classroom and to discuss problems encountered and to provide practical feedback and solutions. The day will finish at approximately 16.00.
Cost: £60 IEEM members, £120 non-members.