The waterways bird survey of the British trust For Ornithology: An overview

Abstract

AbstractThis paper describes the background and methodology of the British Trust for Ornithology's Waterways Bird Survey. The scheme aims to produce breeding population indices for a range of riparian species based on survey work carried out annually at over 100 sites throughout Britain and Ireland. Habitat data are collected at each site which allow assessments to be made of factors affecting both the numbers and distribution of particular species. The effects of habitat changes can also be investigated.The scheme is illustrated with reference to population trends for coot (scientific names of species in the text are given in Table I) and yellow wagtail. The results of habitat studies are discussed for moorhen. This shows that densities reach a maximum on canal sites, and that on sections of the River Ouzel, Bedfordshire and Grand Union Canal, Buckinghamshire, populations were adversely affected by dredging and regrading operations.