At the start of the bird breeding season we enjoyed a couple of early morning training sessions to brush up on our bird identification skills prior to the onset of the survey season. We invited Dave Bickerton, contributor to the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Lancashire and North Merseyside and self proclaimed ‘twitcher’ to provide the training.
Accurate bird identification is required for many aspects of our work. Initial assessments of proposed development sites through the Phase 1 Survey methodology identifies the need for further protected species survey. The earlier the need for additional survey is identified, such as breeding or wintering bird surveys, the better for the client as this may avoid unnecessary delay.
We are lucky enough that our office is based in the Bowland AONB which provides excellent birding in a range of habitats right on our doorstep. The training was based over two early mornings and concentrated on habitat based assessment and the identification of birds by sight and sound. Highlights included siskin, sparrow hawk and a display of lapwing breeding behaviour.
Photo 1 Classroom based discussion before venturing out into the field
Photo 2 Models of concentration
Photo 3 Discussion of habitat requirements of ground nesting birds
Photo 4 Spotted…!
Photo 5 ‘You need a sharp ear in this business…’
