Shetland Breeding Bird Survey
In
Shetland, we are very fortunate that due to the work of a number of
organisations, notably the Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB),
Scottish Natural Heritage, Shetland Oil Terminal Environment Advisory
Group and Shetland Ringing Group we have a very good idea about the
population size and trends of most of our breeding seabirds, waders and
Red-throated Divers. In contrast, however, there is little information
available about the status of Shetland’s breeding passerines.
In
2002, the Shetland Biological Records Centre in conjunction with the
Shetland Bird Club, launched a Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). A total of 36
people participated in the survey covering a total of 49 1km
squares, as shown on the map.
The
primary objective of this survey is to provide a long run of data enabling
us to assess the population trends of our commoner breeding passerines and
waders. This will, of course, only be possible if we are able to build on
the success of the first year and ensure that sufficient squares are
covered over the next 10-20 years, or longer.
Recorders interested in surveying new squares, especially in new
areas, should contact:
Paul Harvey,
SBRC, Shetland Amenity Trust, Garthspool, Lerwick ZE1 0NY Tel.
(01595) 694688
Nature in Shetland
