January Round-up From the BTO

JANUARY ROUND-UP

It is not surprising that the effects of the severe weather in the first half of January dominated the reports submitted to BirdTrack and other surveys this month. Unusually high numbers of certain species were reported, including an incredible roost of about 150 Woodcock at one site in Norfolk. A notable increase of thrushes visiting gardens was detected in Garden BirdWatch results. Redwings and Fieldfares topped the GBW charts in terms of increase in garden occurrence, going up by 283% and 267% respectively, compared to the same time period over the previous 4 winters. The BirdTrack flickr pool attracted some very interesting and evocative images of birds’ responses to the weather, including a fascinating image of a Red-legged Partridge in a snow hole! It is even more important than ever to get involved in this year’s Breeding Bird Survey, to help discover the full effects of the weather on our resident breeding birds.
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Garden BirdWatch cold weather results: http://www.bto.org/gbw/news/cold_weather/index.htm
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Red-legged Partridge: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcrusty/4295578715/in/pool-birdtrack
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Breeding Bird Survey: www.bto.org/bbs
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BAG A BIRD FOR BIRD ATLAS 2007-11
During the first two weeks of February the BTO will be holding an auction of the remaining species in aid of the Atlas Appeal. The minimum bid for species sponsorship will be dropped from £2,000 to £300. Bird Clubs and Ornithological Societies, individuals, organisations and small companies are all invited to place bids on birds with which they have a particular association or affinity.

Species available in Bird Atlas 2007-11 Species Sponsorship auction: http://www.bto.org/birdatlas/fundraising/bird_atlas_bird_auction.htm
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BUMPER CORN BUNTING CONCENTRATION
A Bedfordshire farm played host to a record flock of over 700 Corn Buntings in January. Farmer Steve Bumstead provides winter food by leaving winter stubble and field margins and by spreading the leftovers from his barley crop; research is underway to find out if this explains why such large numbers of these declining birds have been attracted to his farm. RSPB conservation researcher Rosemary Setchfield plans to catch and colour-ring some of the Corn Buntings to allow the movements and nesting success of individuals to be followed. It is hoped her research will improve the understanding of Corn Bunting behaviour and identify measures that will help ensure the species’ recovery.

Full Corn Bunting story: http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-239394
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SHANNON CALLOWS BREEDING WADER PROJECT
Are you able to help with wildlife reserve management work at Shannon Callows in Banagher, Co. Offaly in February 2010? BirdTrack partner BirdWatch Ireland are looking for volunteers to help carry out maintenance work on the predator-proof fence around one of their key breeding wader sites (Lapwing, Redshank, Curlew and Snipe all breed here) prior to the 2010 breeding season.

Contact: Kathryn Finney at kfinney@birdwatchireland.ie
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DID YOU KNOW THAT BIRDTRACK CAN
In a return to this monthly feature, I want to finish with a big push for BirdTrack users to explore their options in MyDetails & Settings. Accessed via the link at the top right of your Data Home (or by clicking your name at the top right of the species list or casual records pages) this allows you to do things like change the order of lists from alphabetic to taxonomic, change the list view from two columns to one and alter your email address for receiving this email!

Wishing you good BirdTracking for February,

Nick Moran       BirdTrack Organiser
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POSTED BY:   Steve Halliwell