• Wintering, migratory and breeding bird surveys

Wintering, migratory and breeding bird surveys

We advise on a wide range of projects involving breeding, migratory and wintering birds, particularly in relation to Environmental Impact Assessments for wind farm developments.

For expert ornithological advice and surveys, please contact us on 01483 466000 or get us to call you:

Bird Protection and Legislation

The best sites for birds have largely been classified as designated sites (SPAs, SSSI, NNRs and LNRs) and are protected from development both within the site and within certain distances from the site.
Outside of these sites, there are basically three levels of protection for birds:
1) Those listed on Schedule1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (a long list including the Greenshank, Barn Owl, Black Redstart, Sandpiper, Woodlark) who enjoy protection from disturbance (intentionally or recklessly) during the breeding season,
2) The 49 species that are listed as Species of Principal Importance in England under section 41 of the NERC Act (includes Lapwing, Skylark, Yellowerhammer, Linnet, Song thrush) which must be protected from adverse effects of any development,
3) All species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any species of wild bird, and to take, damage or destroy their nests or eggs.

Bird Licences

Given the wide variety of birds found in the UK and the range of nesting sites, almost all development sites have the potential to support nesting birds.
A bird licence may be required to survey birds on Schedule 1, such as Barn Owls, black redstarts and goshawks during the breeding season if disturbance could result.

Bird Surveys

Wintering and migratory bird surveys

Wintering and migratory bird surveys identify bird species, populations, distributions and flight patterns. We use Vantage Point (VP) surveys, following Scottish Natural Heritage standard methodology, and European Sea Bird at Sea (ESAS) surveys to assess the impact of proposed developments, such as wind turbines, on bird communities.

Nocturnal bird surveys

We carry out nocturnal bird surveys for species such as barn owls, noting any bird sounds or sights and following up with daytime surveys for nest sites and foraging habits.

Breeding bird surveys

Breeding bird surveys may be required when the habitat present is likely to support birds listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (such as barn owls and black redstarts) or BAP priority species, or when the impact on a bird species is likely to be high, or the site is of particular value to birds. We generally use a territory mapping technique that is based on the BTO's Common Bird Census. This allows an assessment of the distribution of birds across the site and the relative importance of different parts of the site. This can help to inform the design and planning of works.

Bird data capture, mapping and analysis

Our excellent data capture and analysis capabilities allow us to handle complex projects using various analytical techniques. These include view shed analysis, collision risk assessment, territorial and population analysis and multi-variate statistical analysis.

Bird Mitigation

Killing or injuring adult birds is not usually a danger on most development sites as they are generally able to escape the movements of site machinery. Exceptions may be new roads and wind farms. Special considerations would apply to these types of development.
Birds’ nests, eggs and nestlings are however vulnerable. It is therefore advisable to carry out site clearance outside of the bird breeding season.
If this is not possible, then bird surveys for potential nest sites must be carried out prior to site clearance. If  bird nests are found these will have to be protected until the young have fledged. There are some rare bird species that re-use their nests and these bird nests are therefore protected even when not in use.
Alternative bird habitats should be created if bird habitat is lost. A number of measures can be employed to increase bird life on site from planting ‘wild’ areas, putting up bird nest boxes and green roofs. These must be properly maintained to ensure that they continue to provide a habitat for birds. Our ecological consultants can make specific recommendations for your site.

Bird Survey and mitigation timings

Bird monitoring

We conduct sea, coastal and interidal bird monitoring on internationally and nationally protected sites. We also undertake monitoring surveys for development sites and watching briefs during construction.

For more advice or help with bird surveys and monitoring, give us a call on 01483 466000