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Focus on: Bird surveys
FOCUS ON... Bird surveys in the Solent Did you know?
Dark-bellied brent geese travel around 3,000 miles from Siberia to the Solent. Each winter the Solent hosts up to 25,000 individuals.
WORDS CARMEN GREEN, Senior Ecologist
For most ecologists, winter is a quiet time of year. Our ecology team, however, are far from hibernation and instead keep busy carrying out vital surveys of the Solent’s overwintering birds.
The UK’s population of wading birds and waterfowl swells during winter as migratory species arrive from breeding grounds in northern Europe, seeking milder temperatures and plentiful food supplies.
The Solent region covers approximately 250km of coastline and supports bird populations of national and international importance. On a single winter day, an incredible 125,000 birds can be found along the Solent’s shoreline. The region boasts a patchwork of habitats, from sandy and shingle beaches to saltmarshes and mudfl ats, that are important to diff erent birds at diff erent times of day. Such distinct variety makes the Solent one of the most important places in western Europe for birds – and birdwatchers!
What we’re doing
Our bird surveys, in partnership with Bird Aware Solent, involve collecting data on resident and migratory birds to assess the species present and their numbers. They also highlight the importance of wetland sites for wildlife and reinforce the need for their long-term protection.
A typical survey lasts two hours as we observe birds from diff erent vantage points to record their numbers and activity; for example, where the birds are fl ying.
As well as monitoring birds, we carry out equally important visitor surveys. These help us understand how people use coastal sites and their potential impact on overwintering birds, many of which are rare or need special protection. Despite best intentions, the presence of people and dogs can alter birds’ behaviour and, if threatened, they may waste precious energy fl eeing from potential danger. By doing surveys, we can understand how introducing information boards at these sites can help develop awareness among visitors.
Our survey areas include Chichester Harbour, Warsash and Langstone Harbour in Hampshire, plus Brading Marshes RSPB reserve on the Isle of Wight. At Brading Marshes, there’s a damaged fence line which is resulting in visitors and dogs accidentally straying off -path onto fragile habitats for overwintering birds and other species. Surveys will help us understand whether repairs to this fence line will benefi t habitats and wildlife by preventing unwanted access.
To aid our surveys, it’s important we invest in good equipment. Last year, we purchased a telescope to help us observe and count fl ocks more accurately, and this year, we bought a tablet which has saved paper and signifi cantly improved our effi ciency as data we collect in the fi eld are uploaded instantly onto so ware like Excel and GIS maps.
Brading Marshes Nature Reserve on the Isle of Wight is a haven for winter birdlife.
How you can help
The Solent, while a fantastic place to visit, is highly sensitive to recreational pressure. Yet, it is possible for both people and nature to enjoy our wonderful coastlines. Everyone can do their bit by raising awareness, avoiding disturbing overwintering birds and keeping dogs on leads. This will help protect the rare and special species that visit our shores and encourage these amazing birds to continue spending their winters in the UK.
