If breeding bird habitats are identified the initial bird preliminary ecological appraisal survey, a follow-up breeding bird survey(sometimes known as a Nesting Bird survey) may be required to assess its importance as a breeding location.
When Is a Bird Breeding Survey Needed?
A breeding bird survey will be required when a site is likely to be the habitat of a species protected by the Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and countryside Act.
What Does a Bird Breeding Survey Consist of?
This survey involves mapping the location and species of all the birds on site and will be visited on multiple occasions (usually 2-6) during peak breeding season. The information gained will be used to estimate the number of individual territories.
To evaluate its importance for birds, the surveys should be conducted at the time when birds are making nests, laying eggs and rearing young, usually between March and August.