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Flora & Fauna - Bird Survey 2007/8 |
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A bird survey of the Harnham Water Meadows Trust area for the period November 2007 - October 2008 |
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Conducted by John Vickerman
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| Click here for November to February |
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Click here for March to June |
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| July to October to follow |
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Previous Bird Records of the Harnham Water Meadows |
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In the January 1998 edition of the booklet entitled “ Natural History of the Harnham Water Meadows”, there appears a bird list with generalised comments on their status which was produced from information supplied by the Wiltshire Ornithological Society and other individuals including John Vickerman over an unspecified period.
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The Object of the 2007 - 2008 Survey |
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This survey is intended to provide more detailed information about the status of the bird population over a 12 month period of the birds associated with the Harnham Water Meadows Trust Area - hereafter referred to as “the meadows” - for feeding purposes, or simply observed flying over the meadows e.g. on migration or more localised movements, or breeding within the boundaries of the meadows. |
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Thus, with data gathered over a full year providing a basis of species variety and numbers of each species occupying the meadows, then a more accurate idea can be obtained as to how best to manage the meadows with their bird life in mind. |
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With the appropriate management of the meadows, it is expected that the number of species occupying the meadows and the total number of birds present at all seasons should increase. |
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Methodology of the Survey |
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| The 12 month period from November 2007 to October 2008 will be split into 3 periods with, at the end of each period, a written report being submitted: |
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Period A November to February - winter records. |
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Period B March to June - mainly breeding season records.
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Period C July to October - post-breeding and autumn records. |
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For each month of the survey period, it is intended to walk the meadows at approximately 2-weekly intervals. Visits will be usually made during the morning when birds are more active and are more easy to locate and record, and will last about 2½ hours. Weather will be a consideration with, if possible, generally dry, mild and not too windy days being chosen.
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On a large scale map of the survey area, each bird sighting will be noted. The information marked on the maps will denote the bird species and its activity in accordance with the British Trust for Ornithology’s 1 and 2-letter bird name codes and activity chart in common usage for national survey work. Such a chart is enclosed for reference purposes.
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A summary report will be submitted at the end of each period laying out the bird species recorded and their numbers. Their positions on the meadows can be located on the monthly survey maps which will be submitted at the same time. There will also be additional comments on the state of the meadows with regard to their habitat condition and some recommendations will be made as to how the meadows may be enhanced to benefit their ornithological diversity.
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At the end of the survey period, a final document, Part D, will be prepared which will provide an overview of the whole year’s records. In addition, there will be further comments about the general habitat and condition of the meadows as perceived over the 12 month survey period, and recommendations for suggested habitat improvements. |
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