Breeding Birds

Birds have evolved to utilise almost every habitat in the world, and as such are a very diverse group of animals that are present at most sites. They are particularly vulnerable during the breeding season, when all wild birds are protected.

Legislation

Breeding birds are protected by Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981, as amended). All birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law and it is thus an offence, with certain exceptions intentionally to:

  • Kill, injure or take any wild bird.
  • Take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.
  • Take or destroy the egg of any wild bird.
  • Have in one's possession or control any wild bird (dead or alive) or any part of a wild bird, which has been taken in contravention of the Act or the Protection of Birds Act 1954.
  • Have in one's possession or control any egg or part of an egg, which has been taken in contravention to the Act. This includes items taken or killed before the passing of the Act.
  • Have in one's possession or control any live bird of prey of any species in the world (with the exception of kestrel, sparrowhawk, buzzard, vultures and condors) unless it is registered and ringed in accordance with the Secretary of State's regulations.
  • Have in one's possession or control any bird of a species occurring on Schedule 4 of the Act unless registered (and in some cases ringed) in accordance with the Secretary of State's regulations.
  • Disturb any wild bird listed on Schedule 1 at all times, for example barn owl and kingfisher.

Different bird species are afforded protection under other legislation including the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) and Bern Convention.

In addition Section 41 of The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006) lists species of principal importance which require action under the UK BAP.

Protection other than legislation

The presence or potential presence of UK BAP priority, local BAP priority bird species and bird Species of Conservation Concern are highlighted as they are effectively protected indirectly under The NERC Act (2006) which requires decision-makers such as public bodies, including local and regional authorities to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in England, when carrying out their normal (including planning) functions.

Survey

Barrett Environmental Director Trina Barrett is an experienced ornithologist and leads ornithological projects within the company.

The main method we use for breeding bird surveys is the Common Bird Census (British Trust for Ornithology) which comprises a number of site visits (6-10) during the breeding season (mid-March – mid-August), during which all bird species, numbers and activity are recorded. The results are presented as a series of maps that are analysed to obtain the number and distribution of territories of each species present.

Other surveys methodologies include:

  • Searches for nests and other field signs, including owl pellets, when assessing a structure such as a barn for use by breeding birds.
  • Windfarm surveys are carried out following specific set criteria and generally cover a full year of observations.
  • Line transects.
  • Point counts.

Individual species studies, if required, can be undertaken. Schedule 1 species (Wildlife & Countryside Act, 1981 as amended) can be studied under licence (Trina has held a number of Schedule 1 licences, currently including barn owl).

Long term studies using techniques such as bird ringing can also be undertaken (Trina is an experienced, licensed bird ringer, holding an A permit from the British Trust for Ornithology).

Upland bird surveys can be undertaken (Trina has considerable experience of studying upland breeding birds) using techniques including those recommended by Brown & Shepherd (1993).