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 (see below) 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 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 any time

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

Survey

Breeding bird surveys are generally undertaken using territory mapping methods during the breeding season, and comprise a number of site visits (6-10) during which all bird species, numbers and activity are recorded. The results are presented as a series of maps.

Wintering bird surveys are used to record feeding and roosting bird activity, particularly of large assemblages of birds in key wintering habitats. At least 4 visits are made between September and March.