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This protocol is designed to establish the number of skylark males holding territory during the breeding season at Woodhouse Washlands Nature Reserve. This will enable SRWT to make an educated assumption of breeding pairs of Skylark at the reserve.
Sward height measurements are also taken within compartment B4 to ascertain if optimal breeding conditions are being maintained.
Key attributes
- Sward height of between 20-50cm between April-August.
- Presence of ≥5 territories at one time.
Skill level
Basic level of birding skill, able to confidently identify target species by sight and sound, be able to tell the difference between similar species.
Good navigation and map reading skills.
Training in basic territory mapping techniques including use of BTO species and activity codes.
Materials/equipment
- Binoculars
- Map of site and drawing materials.
- Weatherwriter.
- GPS
- Sward measuring stick
- Key to access area B4
Method
This survey is carried out using standard methods derived from the BTOs Common Bird Census (CBC).
At least four visits should be made to the site at dawn between April and August.
A route through the site should be followed which covers all suitable breeding habitat.
Sightings of the target species are recorded using BTO species and activity codes, whereby birds seen in flight, calling or singing are drawn on a map of the site. Singing males should be located by sight and their location recorded as accurately as possible (GPS can aid with this). The most accurate idea of a Skylark territory can be made by observing where the bird flies up from or alights, so it is advantageous to watch singing males until this takes place. c
Estimates of how many territories are being held can be made from assumptions around how many individual singing or displaying males were seen and judged to be separate from each other.
Sward heights are taken from an average of five measurements taken at random in each 50x50m grid square, using a metre ruler.
References
Calladine, J., Garner, G., Wernham, C. and Triel, A. (2009) 'The influence of survey frequency on population estimates of moorland breeding birds', Bird Study, 56, pp. 381-388.
Gilbert, G., Gibbons, D. and Evans, J. (2011) Bird Monitoring Methods. Bedfordshire: RSPB.