BTO Nest Record Scheme

[JeffH]

As the nesting season gets underway may I please draw all WAB members' attention to the British Trust for Ornithology's (BTO) Nest Record Scheme.

To quote from the BTO's website -

"Nest recording is one of the simplest BTO projects to take part in, so it is accessible to everyone. It provides an ideal opportunity for you to participate in the conservation of Britain’s birds. So, whether you can monitor a single garden nestbox or are carrying out a larger study, please submit your records to us.
Often the most difficult part of nest recording is to actually find a nest! Once you have found one and identified the species, you simply record the nest site and habitat, before detailing the nest contents on at least two visits. By doing so you will be making a valuable contribution to one of the world’s foremost bird monitoring schemes".

New nest recorders are desperately needed and further details about the Scheme and how to become a recorder can be found here -

British Trust for Ornithology: The Nest Record Scheme

There's also some information about my own experience as a nest recorder on my own website - http://www.jeffharrisonphotography.co.uk/page5484.html

Jeff
(schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers and Barn Owls)

[diggleken]

Just to support Jeffs post - there are a number of other surveys such as BBS (breeding bird survey, starting about now) the BTO does.
Their valuable work (and yours!) helps to identify trends in a scientific way to support action, for example parliamentary lobbying in conjunction with RSPB.
This can help all sorts of wildlife, not just birds.
http://www.bto.org/survey/index.htm
Cheers
Ken

[Dogghound]

Yes this is great fun I do this every year, as well as dragonflies, butterflies, and hoverflies.

[JeffH]

Thanks for supporting this thread Ken and Dogghound, but aren't there any more nest recorders amongst WAB's 24,700 members?
If not, why not I wonder???????

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers and Barn Owls)

[Ian Gray]

interesting thread Jeff. In my ignorance I wasn't aware of such a scheme I'm more than willing to take part, but feel uneasy about approaching nests. I understand that without this sort of information we don't know which birds are under threat, but was wondering what action is taken when the information is gathered.

Ian

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by Ian Gray

interesting thread Jeff. In my ignorance I wasn't aware of such a scheme I'm more than willing to take part, but feel uneasy about approaching nests. I understand that without this sort of information we don't know which birds are under threat, but was wondering what action is taken when the information is gathered. Ian

Your concern about approaching nests is quite natural and understandable Ian but the fact is that a small amount of disturbance has no effect what so ever on the vast majority of species. The risk of nest desertion due to disturbance is negligible and the BTO's guidance literature for nest recorders (there is a Nest Record Scheme Handbook containing a Code of Conduct) gives good practical advice about approaching nests and highlights those species requiring particular care.

After a pilot exercise last year the BTO will also be offering training courses in nest finding/recording.

As to the use made of the information gathered, this page from the BTO's website gives some details -
http://www.bto.org/survey/nest_records/nrsdata.htm

Why not sign up and give it a go. Believe me, it will add a new dimension to your interest in birds and, even if you monitor only a few nests, offers an opporunity to play an active part in some real conservation work of genuine scientific value

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers and Barn Owls)

[Ian Gray]

thanks for the extra info Jeff. I've been looking into it a bit further and decided to send for the BTO starter pack and give it a go. I'm also considering to register for the Breeding Bird Survey and the Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey on the same site, looks very interesting. I'd just like to say thankyou for starting this thread. I've been wanting to do "a little bit more" for a while, but with a busy work schedule and not being able to commit time on a regular basis I've been putting it off. This looks like an easy way to get started.

Regards

Ian.

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by Ian Gray

..... I've been looking into it a bit further and decided to send for the BTO starter pack and give it a go. I'm also considering to register for the Breeding Bird Survey and the Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey on the same site, looks very interesting.

Well done Ian - I'm sure you'll enjoy it immensely

Originally Posted by Ian Gray

..... I'd just like to say thank you for starting this thread.....

You're welcome

Any more takers????

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers and Barn Owls)