THE STATE OF THE UK’S BIRDS 2002 Mike Lane (rspb-images.com)

Dipper

THE STATE OF THE UK’S 2 BIRDS 2002 The UK Government uses breeding bird populations as an indicator of sustainability. The indicator for wild birds, which is one of 15 headline indicators of the Quality of Life in the UK, shows stability in common THE STATE birds, although woodland birds have declined moderately, and farmland birds steeply. OF THE UK’S There have been encouraging signs of meeting the targets for some species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Positive progress has been made with the stone-curlew, bittern, corncrake and cirl bunting. The successes are balanced by the continuing critical status of the BIRDS capercaillie, and the virtual regional extinction of the red-backed shrike and wryneck. It has not been possible to assess the status of some of the more common species because of the impact of foot and mouth disease. 2002

Population recovery of common birds, such as farmland birds, requires solutions at a sufficiently large scale. The last year has seen bold steps by the UK Government towards reversing the downward trend in farmland birds. Acceptance of the recommendations on agricultural reform, for example in the Curry Report, will further help farmland birds.

Birds of prey in the UK have benefited from conservation action, through a combination of land-use policies, species protection and Government-backed campaigns against illegal killing. We have seen the recovery of species such as the white-tailed eagle and red kite, although persecution and secondary poisoning still occur, limiting populations and species in some areas.

The trends among seabirds are linked to their food and the way they feed. Monitoring of seabird colonies has shown numbers of some species to have increased or remained stable, but others, such as kittiwakes and shags, have declined at these colonies. A national survey of seabirds will provide more insight into their long-term population trends when the results are published in 2004.

Over the last 30 years, the numbers of wintering waterbirds in the UK has increased strongly in response to protection, re-creation and management of habitats. A waterbird indicator has shown a short-term decline from around 1996, however, marking a change in the upward trends.

A major new assessment of the population status of birds in the UK

places 40 species on the red list (of highest conservation concern), Dusan Boucny (rspb-images.com) 121 on amber and 86 on the green list (lowest concern). Five birds have moved from the red to the amber lists as their populations are recovering, largely in response to targeted conservation action. Overall, the red list has grown by four species and the amber list by 11, since the last review in 1996. All of the birds added to the red list qualify because of population decline. This review highlights the continuing plight of farmland birds and raises concern for some woodland, urban and upland species.

The UK Overseas Territories are host to internationally important bird populations; 34 globally threatened species, 13 near-threatened species and 24 endemic bird species. Increased monitoring activity in recent years has raised concern for some species, particularly regarding the negative impact of long-line fisheries on albatrosses on Gough Island and South Georgia. There is a need both for a strategic approach to bird monitoring and a concerted effort to improve knowledge of critical populations. Recent designation of Ramsar sites on a number of the Overseas Territories is a positive development and will aid the protection of habitats for a number of threatened birds. Wryneck

THE STATE OF THE UK’S BIRDS 3 2002 Introduction

The State of the UK’s Birds 2002 is the fourth in a series of annual reports describing the fortunes of bird populations in the United Kingdom (UK). Wherever possible, population trends are presented for the whole of the UK and cover the period 1970–2002. While trends can be updated and reported for some species, the greatest impact of the foot and mouth disease (FMD) epidemic in 2001 was on the reporting of recent The red-backed shrike is on the red list trends for many common breeding birds. This is because data Michael Gore (rspb-images.com) from one field season takes at least a year to become integrated into the trends – the data need to be collated from large for the first time in this report, seabirds. We also report on networks of volunteer counters, checked and input by the recent surveys. central organisers, and the trends analysed. Since most of the major monitoring programmes were suspended because of FMD The second section begins with an indicator based on wintering for part or all of 2001, we are left with a missing data point for waterbirds, using the same methods used in the UK 2001 in our population trends for many birds. Of course, FMD had Government’s Quality of Life breeding bird indicator. With a few wide consequences for the countryside, impacting on farmers, exceptions, the improved fortunes of wintering waterbirds landowners, tourism and rural economies. contrast with those of breeding species – but the latest indicator begins to paint a different picture. The short-term consequences for monitoring are serious. We are, for example, unable to update the UK Government’s Quality The third section reports on the publication of The population of Life headline bird indicator (the version reproduced here is status of birds in the UK 1. This document, produced by a group the same as that published last year). Neither are we able to of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the statutory update trends among the more widespread breeding birds that conservation agencies, delivered the new red, amber and green are priorities in the UK Government’s Biodiversity Action Plan lists of species of conservation concern in the UK. This major (UKBAP), nor the trends among other common birds, as we have review of the population status of birds will help to guide done in previous reports. There remains a question mark over conservation action over the coming years. Throughout this the recent trends of many species and it will be a year before report, the names of ‘red-list’ species appear in red, ‘amber-list’ we know what has happened to their populations. We are, species in orange, and ‘green-list’ species in green. This is however, able to update trends for many birds and introduce followed by another first for this report, an account of the status new features. of some extremely important bird populations in the UK’s Overseas Territories. This report covers both breeding birds and wintering birds. Most breeding birds in the UK are residents, but summer migrants, The report ends by summarising the main areas of success and with wintering grounds far to the south, swell their numbers each failure for bird conservation and calls for more concerted and spring. Wintering birds in the UK are a mixture of residents and wide-scale conservation action to help the recovery of common visitors with breeding grounds farther north, west and east. Most but declining breeding birds. notable among winter visitors are the wildfowl and wading birds, which visit the UK in very large numbers. The UK is also host to The report has been produced by a group of NGOs – the Royal internationally important numbers of breeding seabirds. Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) – and The state of the UK’s birds 2002 begins with the UK Government’s the Government organisation most closely involved in bird Quality of Life headline bird indicator, published by the monitoring in the UK, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). (JNCC). Bird monitoring in the UK is undertaken in collaboration This provides a measure of the health of the environment by with the Government (principally the JNCC and the statutory summarising trends in the numbers of common breeding birds. nature conservation agencies), NGOs (such as the RSPB, BTO The report then considers the species that are priorities in the and WWT) and many skilled volunteer ornithologists. UKBAP. The UKBAP identifies work necessary to improve the adverse status of these priority species. Progress towards the UKBAP targets is assessed. 1Gregory RD, Wilkinson NI, Noble DG, Brown AF, Robinson JA, Hughes J, Procter DA, Gibbons DW and Galbraith CA (2002). The population status of The latest population trends are then summarised for three birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man: an analysis of groups of breeding birds: birds of prey, birds of waterways, and, conservation concern 2002–2007. British Birds: 95, 410–448.

THE STATE OF THE UK’S 4 BIRDS 2002 Mike Lane (Woodfall Wild Images)

Red kite

THE STATE OF THE UK’S BIRDS 5 2002 Breeding birds

The ‘Quality of Life’ indicator for breeding birds

The indicator of breeding birds is one of 15 headline indicators Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) used by the UK Government to review progress towards sustainable development. In the four years since its first publication, this indicator has proved a valuable tool in communicating the state of UK bird populations to a wide audience, and as a measure of change in the wider environment. The indicator summarises information on the status of over 100 breeding species since 1970, using data primarily from the Skylark Common Birds Census (CBC). Unfortunately, the FMD outbreak in 2001 has meant that it has not been possible to update the Trends in UK Biodiversity indicator by incorporating trends since 2000 (the version reproduced here is the same as that published last year). Action Plan species

The common bird indicator has been relatively stable since 1970, Twenty-six species of the highest conservation concern are although there has been a marked upturn since 1998, due at the subject of UK Government Biodiversity Action Plans least in part to recent mild winters. The indicator for woodland (UKBAPs). Regular monitoring, through a variety of schemes, birds also shows this recent upturn, although they have still allows us to measure progress towards the targets set in declined by 22% since the mid-1970s. The farmland bird index UKBAPs. We will need to wait until 2003 (when 2002 data shows a grave situation, with a 46% drop over the same period, become available) until we can check on the recent health of and no recent increase. The Government has pledged to the populations of UKBAP species such as the song thrush and reverse the long-term trends in woodland and farmland birds. skylark. Updated population figures, however, are available for The stability of the overall indicator reflects gains among birds many of the scarce and rare UKBAP species, and are given in in other habitats, such as those breeding in wetlands. the table (right). Updates are not available for the globally threatened aquatic warbler that only comes to the UK as a Ongoing work with DEFRA has explored the possibility of passage visitor each autumn (for which we are unable to producing headline bird indicators for England, English assess its conservation status using data from the UK alone) Government Office regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern and the Scottish crossbill because of uncertainty over its Ireland. The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and taxonomy and identification. Recent work indicates that Northern Ireland are considering these and other indicators Scottish crossbills have diagnostic calls, providing a using country-specific data. Historical data for some regions possible method of field identification. This method has are scarce and it is important to try to capture long-term allowed the mapping of their breeding distribution and changes as well as recent changes monitored by new surveys. will pave the way for a census in the near future.

The latest news is good for many of these scarce species, although existing UKBAP targets will not be met for the majority. The bittern, however, has already met its 2000 target and is well on the way to the target set for 2010. Concerted efforts to help bitterns through the management of existing reedbeds, and the creation of new ones, has resulted in a rise in the number of booming males to 31, with an additional site occupied in 2002. Further

THE STATE OF THE UK’S 6 BIRDS 2002 Short-term and long-term trends for some of the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan species

Species Long-term trend % Short-term trend % Population Year

Song thrush -571 121 1,100,0001 1988–91 Skylark -521 -81 1,000,0001 1997 Linnet -521 -61 540,0001 1988–91 Reed bunting -541 -41 240,0001 1988–91 Bullfinch -531 -251 200,0001 1988–91 Grey partridge -851 -221 150,0001 1988–91 Spotted flycatcher -771 -211 130,0001 1988–91 Tree sparrow -951 251 110,0001 1988–91 Turtle dove -711 -241 75,0001 1988–91 Corn bunting -881 -351 19,8001 1993 Black grouse decline -742 6,5002 1995–96 Nightjar 622 no data 3,4002 1992 Woodlark 7043 833 1,5521 1997 Capercaillie decline -514 1,0703 1998–99 Corncrake -774 55 6792, 4 2002 Cirl bunting 814 276 5761 2002 Stone-curlew -155 547 2541 2000 Common scoter -296 no data 951 1995 Roseate tern -934 335 721, 4 2002 Bittern -574 1825 312 2002 Marsh warbler -607 07 311 2000 Red-necked phalarope 04 -335 282 2002 Wryneck decline regionally extinct? 01 2000 Red-backed shrike decline regionally extinct? 01 2000

Long-term trends for common birds come from the Long-term trends Short-term trends Breeding units Common Bird Census, short-term trends from the 1 = 1970–1999 1 = 1994–2000 1 = Breeding pairs 2 = 1981–1992 2 = 1991/92–1995/96 2 = Singing, displaying or breeding males Breeding Bird Survey. Data for scarce and rare breeding 3 = 1970–1997 3 = 1995–1997 3 = Individuals bird surveys come from special surveys and the work of 4 = 1970–2002 4 = 1992/94–1998/99 4 = Minimum number the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. 5 = 1970–2000 5 = 1997–2002 6 = 1973–1995 6 = 1998–2002 7 = 1973–2000 7 = 1995–2000 habitat creation, helped by an improved knowledge of what Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) makes reedbeds suitable for bitterns, is planned to help achieve the UKBAP target of 50 booming males by 2010.

Another species that is responding well to conservation is the corncrake. The number of calling males increased for the fourth year in a row, reaching the highest number recorded in the UK since 1978. Corncrakes have been helped by management on reserves and the assistance given to crofters through Special Protection Area (SPA) and Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) management schemes and the Corncrake Initiative, all of which provide funding to support corncrake-friendly land management. However, we need to ensure that the current revisions of agri-environment schemes will enable further increases in the core areas of the corncrake range. Bittern

THE STATE OF THE UK’S BIRDS 7 2002 A complete UK survey of corncrakes in 2003 will allow us to recovery in the North Pennines. In both cases, recovery was assess the fortunes of corncrakes away from the main breeding associated with targeted and intensive management. It is not areas, and to judge whether UKBAP targets on range increase clear whether the trends are mirrored in other areas, or whether are likely to be met. In addition, in northern Scotland, good news the BAP targets will be met across the whole of the UK. came from annual red-necked phalarope monitoring, which recorded 28 males (substantially up from 16 in 2001). The Not all was good news, however. Both red-backed shrikes and relatively high productivity shown by this species on Shetland wrynecks failed to breed successfully in the UK in 2000 (the latest raises hopes that there may be even more birds next year. figures available). Both species declined in England from the 19th However, troughs have followed recent peaks in numbers, and century onwards, and eventually disappeared as breeding there is no real sign of an ongoing increase that would meet species. Following breeding attempts by both species in Scotland UKBAP targets. in the 1970s, it was hoped that colonisation by birds from Scandinavia would occur. However, breeding has only ever been There was also good news on roseate terns, with an increase sporadic, and it appears that both species may be extinct as at the main UK colony on Coquet Island, Northumberland, to breeding birds in the UK. The marsh warbler, another declining 57 pairs. This is the highest population since 1990. Although this species that had shown signs of an upturn by occupying a new is heartening, the lack of increases at other UK sites means that breeding area, also appears to have declined subsequently and the UKBAP target (200 pairs by 2008) is unlikely to be reached. the main breeding site in south-east England was deserted in 2002. The UK population forms part of a larger population shared with the Irish Republic. New data are not available for a number of other species that are surveyed only periodically. For some, we believe that A sample survey of cirl buntings in Devon suggested that the progress continues to be made and are optimistic that UKBAP population had increased by 27% since 1998 to an estimated targets will be met: stone-curlews, nightjars and woodlarks 576 pairs, with an increase in range. There were, however, have all shown increases in recent years and have already indications that there may have been declines in some parts; reached some UKBAP targets. There remain concerns, a full survey in 2003 will investigate this further. however, for the common scoter and capercaillie; UKBAP targets are likely to be missed for these species. Concerted Further encouraging news came from surveys of black grouse in efforts are being made to prevent the extinction of the Wales and the North Pennines in 2002. Numbers in Wales have capercaillie in the UK for the second time. The next full survey increased strongly in the last few years and are close to the of capercaillies, planned for the winter of 2003–2004, will levels of the mid-1980s. There were also signs of a modest provide the best indication of how the population is faring.

Surveys of birds along waterways

In 1974, concern about water-borne pollution and deterioration of river habitats was the impetus for initiating the Waterways Bird Survey (WBS). Volunteers Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) map the positions of breeding birds along stretches of linear waterways throughout the breeding season, and these data are analysed to estimate the number of territories on each site each year. Recent analyses have revealed significant declines in a number of waterways species over the past 25 years, including the little grebe, pied wagtail, common sandpiper, grey wagtail and reed bunting (see table right). Two other river specialists – the dipper and kingfisher – show non-significant declines. However, many waterbirds species – the coot, mallard and mute swan for example – have increased and reed warbler numbers have risen dramatically. In some cases, these trends are different to the population trends revealed by the CBC over the same period, suggesting that changes in conditions along waterways differ from Numbers of black grouse are up in some areas those in other habitats.

THE STATE OF THE UK’S 8 BIRDS 2002 Population changes from 1975 to 2000 on Waterways Bird Survey plots

Species Trend % Reed bunting -68* Little grebe -57*s Pied wagtail -48* Roger Wilmshurst (rspb-images.com) Grey wagtail -42* Common sandpiper -18*s Dipper -14 Sedge warbler -13 Moorhen -10 Kingfisher -8 Tufted duck 41 Sand martin 54s Coot 61* Whitethroat 69 Curlew 72*s Mute swan 76* Reed warbler 79* Oystercatcher 110*s Lapwing 165 Mallard 190*

* = statistically significant trend s = based on small sample size Female hobby

In the same way that the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) took Birds of prey over from the CBC, the new Waterways Breeding Bird Survey (WBBS) was initiated in 1998 as a potential replacement for Monitoring information on birds of prey comes from a variety the WBS. Participants in the WBBS carry out only two counts of sources, for example the Rare Breeding Birds Panel, Raptor per season, compared to around 10 for the WBS, on Study Groups and from professional or amateur surveys. randomly-selected stretches of rivers across the UK. Coverage Information on many species is collected annually. for this survey has increased annually to more than 200 sites, and it has the potential to monitor about 30 breeding bird The number of hobbies nesting in the UK continues to increase; species. This survey also covers a greater proportion of rockier the most recent figure of 381 confirmed pairs is over 100 more upland rivers, the preferred habitat of dippers and common than ever recorded before, but is a considerable underestimate. sandpipers, than the WBS, and with continued growth may be A recent study put the UK population as high as 2,200 pairs. used to monitor scarcer species such as the goosander. Another species with a generally southern distribution in the UK that is continuing to increase and expand its range northwards Rivers and their floodplains also support large numbers of is the marsh harrier, with birds now breeding as far north as Fife non-breeding waterbirds. Currently, rivers and canals are and north-east Scotland. Honey buzzards are also being covered poorly by existing surveys in winter compared with recorded breeding in increasing numbers, with the first ever UK other wetland habitats, such as reservoirs, gravel pits and survey in 2000 finding at least 33, and possibly as many as 69, estuaries. Estimates of national population size for waterbirds pairs. The increase and range expansion of these three species, that occur predominantly on rivers and canals, eg goosanders for which the UK lies at the northern edge of their range, may be and mallards, are therefore likely to be less accurate than for an indication of the effects of climate change. Equally, it seems species which occur on other wetland habitats. A new likely that this and other birds of prey go under-recorded, either riverine survey for non-breeding waterbirds has been because their secretive behaviour means they avoid detection designed to fill this gap. or they are not reported due to fears of increased persecution.

THE STATE OF THE UK’S BIRDS 9 2002 Seabirds

Seabirds are an important part of the UK’s biodiversity, with eight breeding species occurring in internationally important numbers around our coastline. As top predators, their numbers and distribution can tell us a great deal about the state of the

Paul Doherty (rspb-images.com) wider marine environment. Their populations are intimately linked to changes in fish numbers and availability and, in turn, to the organisms upon which fish feed. They are vulnerable to changes in commercial fishing practices, to pollution from oil spills, chemicals discharged from industry and to marine litter. Twenty-two of the 26 breeding seabirds in the UK are amber-listed and one, the roseate tern, is red-listed. Honey buzzard

The data presented here derive from the Seabird Monitoring Another species that is continuing to recover is the red kite. Programme, which has co-ordinated counts of colonies around Numbers in 2002 in England and Scotland were higher than any the UK (and Ireland) since 1986. The sampled colonies are widely year since the start of the re-establishment scheme, with 227 spread throughout the UK, giving an indication of how seabird pairs rearing at least 392 young. The Welsh population has populations are faring. The much more extensive Seabird 2000 continued to recover and was estimated at more than 300 pairs, project will soon provide a more complete picture (see right). an increase of over 250% since 1990. Moving it from the red to the amber list of birds of conservation concern recognised the ● Trends at breeding colonies recent recovery of its population. However, despite excellent breeding success, the Scottish population is increasing at a very Below are graphs of the breeding population index against year slow rate. Few young birds are surviving long enough to breed, (1986–2001) of five species of seabird, chosen to represent and there are concerns over deliberate poisoning of birds and different foraging strategies. The lines plotted start with a value the effects of second-generation rodenticides in the food chain. of 100 in 1986. The population indices show the mixed fortunes of Since birds of prey are high in the food chain, they will always be different seabird species. susceptible to these effects. While guillemots have steadily increased over the period (on The slow but steady upward trend in numbers of white-tailed average by 3.6% per annum), species such as the kittiwake eagles continued in 2002, with 26 territorial pairs found in the have declined markedly since about the mid-1990s. It is thought highlands and islands of Scotland. Unfortunately, illegal that this difference is related to the different feeding habits and persecution remains a problem, and a real threat to the future of prey of the two species. Guillemots dive from the sea surface to the population. Two birds were found poisoned in 2002 – the feed on medium-sized sand eels and sprats and have access to loss of a breeding male was particularly significant. Productivity a wider range of prey species and sizes than kittiwakes, which was lower than hoped for, and below that required for a take smaller fish from or near the surface, usually smaller-sized self-sustaining population. The prospects for a continued sand eels. It is possible that the commercial sand eel fishery in recovery look quite good, however, as long as persecution can the North Sea has had a detrimental effect upon the breeding be checked. The low productivity and slow maturity of these success of kittiwakes (and other species which rely heavily large birds means that future increase is likely to be a slow process; they remain vulnerable.

Recent surveys

A UK and Isle of Man survey of choughs in 2002 found evidence of strong population gains and range expansion over the last 20 years. The UK and Isle of Man breeding population was estimated at well over 400 pairs, up by over 60% from the survey carried out in 1982. Choughs bred for the first time in Northern Ireland since the mid-1990s, and in England for the first time since the 1950s. The breeding population of Slavonian grebes, which dipped to a low of 31 pairs in 2000, recovered to 46 pairs in 2002.

THE STATE OF THE UK’S 10 BIRDS 2002 Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) upon sand eels, such as the shag). Closure of the fishery has coincided with a recovery in breeding success of kittiwakes and shags, although a causal link has yet to be shown. The fact that guillemots are less reliant on sand eels may help to explain why this species has not declined like the kittiwake. Between 2000 and 2001, the kittiwake population index fell by nearly 18%, to the lowest level recorded since monitoring began in 1986.

A different trend is shown by the fulmar population, which showed steady increases up to about 1996, but since then has declined annually. The fulmar also feeds at or just below the sea surface, taking zooplankton and small fish, but it also readily takes discarded fish waste from fishing boats. The increase in Sandwich terns numbers has been attributed to high levels of fishing activity – and hence the amount of discards – during this period. Recent declines are perhaps a reflection of decreasing fishing effort, places. The mixed fortunes of Sandwich terns can in part be although this remains to be confirmed. explained by heavy predation at some larger colonies. In particular, the 20% decline between 1992 and 1995 has been The population trend of the shag is characterised by occasional attributed mainly to predation by foxes at a handful of colonies episodes of steep decline and recovery, and this is reflected in during this period. Since 1995, the population has recovered, the population indices from 1986 to the present, although recent with 2001 seeing a near 6% increase over 2000. Conservation recoveries have so far been partial. Between 1989 and 1994, measures, such as fencing against ground predators, have the breeding population on average fell by 54%, but increased contributed to this recovery. thereafter, albeit slowly and erratically. Shags, probably more than other seabirds, are thought to react to periods of low food ● Seabird reporting in future years availability by ceasing to breed, and some of the declines shown may reflect this rather than an increase in mortality. Like other The indices presented in this section of the report were seabirds, they are liable to suffer increased rates of mortality in derived from a number of sample colonies from around the winter when prolonged periods of onshore winds make feeding UK. It is difficult to know how representative the findings conditions difficult, and so-called ‘wrecks’ of seabirds washed are of national populations. They give an indication of the up on the shore are sometimes seen. Such a wreck occurred in overall direction and magnitude of change, but only, 1994 along the east coast of the UK, and may have contributed to of course, for those colonies that are counted. The year the marked decline in the population in the mid-1990s. Since the 2002 saw the completion of Seabird 2000, an ambitious low in 1994, the general trend for the shag is an increasing census of all the seabird populations in the UK (and Ireland), population. However, it may be several years until the population started in 1999. This is the third such complete census recovers to the levels of the early 1990s. (following ones in 1969–70 and 1985–87) and will enable a comparison of the absolute populations of seabirds over Another key factor contributing to changes in seabird numbers this period. From these results, we can investigate if the is predation. Tern colonies in particular are vulnerable to trends we derive from the sample colonies are representative predators, since they nest densely in relatively accessible of the whole population. Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

Shag

THE STATE OF THE UK’S BIRDS 11 2002 Wintering waterbirds

An indicator for wintering populations of wading birds show this pattern and there is growing evidence to suggest that some waterbirds are wintering waterbirds further east in central and northern Europe. Species that appear to be demonstrating this phenomenon of ‘short-stopping’ include The extensive network of wetland habitats in the UK supports the mallard and the European white-fronted goose. We can large numbers of wintering waterbirds, most migrating from expect such movements to become more pronounced under breeding grounds outside of the UK. Wintering birds arrive from most climate change scenarios. This will pose difficult questions as far away as arctic Canada and northern Siberia to join others for conservation in terms of how to respond to apparent ‘local from western and eastern Europe on the UK’s estuaries and declines’ in Europe that might be driven by short-stopping or inland waters. The approach used to produce the Government’s other movements. Quality of Life indicator has been applied to these wintering waterbirds to produce a waterbird indicator for 33 species. The Wading birds graphs plotted below are indices starting with a value of 100 in the winter of 1970–71. If an index rises to a value of 200, then on In winter, the UK supports over 25% of the East Atlantic flyway average the populations will have doubled since 1970–71. populations of 10 species of wading bird. With the exception of the purple sandpiper, which is found mainly along the open The indicator shows that both wildfowl and wading bird species coast, population indices of these species are produced annually have shown a steady increase since 1970, with the indicator from data collected as part of the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS). nearly doubling over 30 years. The protection afforded to The UK populations of sanderlings, oystercatchers, knots and waterbirds has increased over recent decades, particularly redshanks have remained relatively stable over the past decade through policies and legislation designed to protect the (see table right). Although numbers of avocets, curlews and wetlands on which they depend. There are, however, signs of a black-tailed godwits were no higher during the winter of decline in the indicator since the peak in 1996–97. Since that 2000–01 than previously, the population trends for these species date, there have been short-term declines in numerous are still upward. There is, however, an indication from recent species, resulting in a downward trend in the indicator itself. winters that the trend in black-tailed godwit numbers may be The reasons for these species’ declines are many and varied, levelling off. Until recently, the UK population of the grey plover and in some cases unknown. Some declines may be driven by was also increasing. Since a peak in numbers during the impacts outside of the UK, for instance, high levels of hunting in mid-1990s, however, a pattern of decline has become established Iceland has been suggested as a cause of decline of the and numbers are now back to their late 1980s/early 1990s level. Icelandic greylag goose population. For other species, the This is still considerably higher than levels prior to the mid-1980s. cause may be closer to home as, for example, wintering Dunlin numbers were particularly low during the two most recent shelduck numbers have declined; most of our wintering winters considered, though the population has recovered from shelducks are of UK origin. similar troughs in 1970–71 and 1985–86.

Another likely driver of short-term declines could be climate The continued declines in the numbers of turnstones, ringed change. Recent mild winters, both in the UK and elsewhere in plovers and bar-tailed godwits are of concern. Turnstones Europe, may have led to birds spending the winter (or at least and ringed plovers are known to be declining on the non-estuarine part of it) further east and north than in the past. Within the UK, coast too, which holds a substantial proportion of both populations. These populations are not included in the trends table because this habitat is monitored less well than the estuarine habitat. The decline of two other species on their favoured non-estuarine coastal habitats, sanderlings and purple sandpipers, was reported here last year. The decline in bar-tailed godwits has been evident since the mid-1980s and the exceptionally high numbers during the winter of 1996–97 were not sustained. In fact, the numbers recorded by WeBS during 2000–01 were at an all-time low, following four winters of marked decline.

THE STATE OF THE UK’S 12 BIRDS 2002 Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) Long- and short-term changes of some of the UK’s waterbirds

Species/population Long-term trend % Short-term trend % European white-fronted goose -79 -47 Bar-tailed godwit -31 -39 Mallard -29 -26 Knot -15 4 Pochard -4 -7 Dunlin -1 -31 Dunlin Shelduck 0 -18 Andy Hay (rspb-images.com) Ringed plover 3 -26 Turnstone 14 -25 Sanderling 28 2 Icelandic greylag goose 29 -21 Red-breasted merganser 29 2 Tufted duck 30 8 Goldeneye 35 9 Oystercatcher 45 -15 Wigeon 53 40 Oystercatcher Goosander 59 -11 Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) Redshank 62 8 Shoveler 65 2 Curlew 69 22 Pintail 72 -21 Mute swan 86 35 Greenland barnacle goose 130 69 Teal 184 7 Whooper swan 201 23 Bewick's swan 205 -18 Black-tailed godwit Svalbard light-bellied brent goose 214 121 Geoff Dore (rspb-images.com) Pink-footed goose 224 24 Dark-bellied brent goose 228 -16 Black-tailed godwit 455 64 Grey plover 504 3 Svalbard barnacle goose 564 111 Canada goose 572 24 Gadwall >1000 76 Re-established greylag goose >1000 118 Avocet >1000 207 Little grebe Ruddy duck >1000 80 Trend figures are derived from the Wetland Bird Coot N/A 16 Survey and National Goose Counts. Long-term Canadian light-bellied brent goose N/A 15 trends are the percentage changes between the winters 1970–71 and 2000–01. Short-term trends Great crested grebe N/A 17 are the percentage changes between the winters 1990–91 and 2000–01. National monitoring of coots, Greenland white-fronted goose N/A 51 great crested grebes, little grebes, cormorants, Cormorant N/A 16 Canadian light-bellied brent geese and Greenland white-fronted geese started later than for the other Little grebe N/A 57 species, so only short-term trends are shown.

THE STATE OF THE UK’S BIRDS 13 2002 White-fronted geese Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

Wildfowl and allies demands further attention. Another species of wildfowl Among our native wildfowl, it has generally been the demonstrating a considerable downward trend is the familiar arctic-nesting goose populations that spend the winter here mallard. We cannot be sure why numbers are falling, but there is that have shown the largest long-term increases. After the some evidence to suggest that ‘short-stopping’ of birds in central Second World War, there were far fewer wild geese in the UK Europe may drive this trend, or possibly other factors in the UK. and the rest of north-west Europe than at present, and consequently there were great concerns about the survival of goose populations, most of which are restricted to north-west European white-fronted goose Europe. Today, there are over 3.8 million geese of nine species wintering in the Western Palearctic, of which around 400,000 Census results indicate that the numbers of European winter in the UK. Several populations, such as the Svalbard white-fronted geese visiting the UK remained relatively barnacle goose and Icelandic pink-footed goose, winter solely stable through the 1950s and early 1960s and then in Britain and Ireland. The UK therefore has a special increased to more than 10,000 between 1967 and 1971. responsibility to conserve these birds and their habitats; an Since then, numbers have declined dramatically; only obligation recognised under international treaties. 3,862 birds were recorded in winter 2000–01, with 2,244 of these at the New Grounds, Slimbridge. In contrast, Many goose populations have increased in number because, in the north-west European population as a whole has contrast to many other birds, they have benefited from intensive increased ten-fold over the same period. The decline in agricultural practices that have provided an abundance of their the number of birds wintering in the UK is thought to be favoured foods, such as grasses and seeds, in the winter. due to birds wintering further east, especially in the Netherlands, where feeding conditions may have Not all goose populations are increasing however. The improved, winters are becoming milder and hunting population of greylag geese that breed in Iceland and spend pressure has been reduced. The ‘decline’ in the UK the winter primarily in the UK has declined by 21% over the last may, therefore, be a classic case of ‘short-stopping’, 10 years. This decline is probably the result of high levels of where birds benefit from wintering closer to their hunting in Iceland, where up to a third of the entire population is breeding grounds. shot each year in late summer. The cause of this worrying trend

THE STATE OF THE UK’S 14 BIRDS 2002 The population status of birds in the UK

The third review of the population status of birds in the UK was published in September 2002 1. The review was led by a group of NGOs, with contributions from the statutory conservation agencies, and has been endorsed by a wide range of environmental organisations. An evidence-based approach was used to assess the population status of 247 birds in the UK and place each species in one of three lists, according to the level of concern. Birds in the red list are of highest conservation concern, those in the green list the lowest. The new lists represent an important milestone in bird conservation in the UK and will help guide conservation action over the coming years.

Drawing on a wide range of national monitoring data, the status of each species was assessed against seven criteria. They were: global conservation status (according to The World Conservation Union IUCN criteria), population change over the last 25 years (size and range), historical population change (for the period Marsh tit Gerald Downey (rspb-images.com) 1800–1995), European conservation status (Species of European Conservation Concern: [SPECs]), rarity, number of localities where Forty species appear in the red list, 121 in the amber list and the species occurs, and international importance of the UK the remaining 86 in the green list. Nine new species have been population. On application of these criteria, each species was added to the red list and five formerly red-listed species have added to one of three lists – red, amber or green. Those in the red moved to the amber list. list are of high conservation concern due to global status, severe historical decline, or rapid recent declines in population size or All additions to the red list have undergone population range. Species in the amber list are of medium conservation declines of over 50% in the last 25 years. They include concern due to moderate declines in population size or range, or woodland species such as the lesser spotted woodpecker, following severe historical decline they have shown recent marsh tit and willow tit and more ubiquitous species such improvement, or they have an unfavourable conservation status in as the starling and house sparrow. The yellowhammer joins Europe (SPEC 2 or 3). They may also be rare, localised or the UK the red list, alongside a number of other common farmland may host a large proportion of the international population. species. The ring ouzel is a notable addition to the red list, a Species in the green list are currently of favourable status in the bird of the uplands that has declined in numbers and range. UK and meet none of the above criteria. The five species that have moved from red to amber all Ernie Janes (rspb-images.com) illustrate conservation success stories brought about by habitat protection and management, species protection and, in the case of the red kite, a combination of species protection and a highly successful re-establishment scheme. Twenty-three species have moved from green to amber, many due to moderate declines in breeding populations over the past 25 years. A number of these are woodland species, such as the tree pipit, wood warbler and willow warbler. Four rare breeding species in the UK (which were previously excluded) have been added to the amber list because they have become regular breeding species. This includes the recent colonist the little egret, which has an increasing population. Ten species have moved from the amber to the green list. Three of these have shown recent population increases, including the blackbird and goldfinch. Four now no longer breed in the UK, such as Goldfinch the little gull.

THE STATE OF THE UK’S BIRDS 15 2002 Changes to the red and amber lists

New to red list Reason for change Lesser spotted woodpecker Strong decline Ring ouzel Strong decline Grasshopper warbler Strong decline Savi’s warbler Strong decline Marsh tit Strong decline Willow tit Strong decline Starling Strong decline House sparrow Strong decline Yellowhammer Strong decline

New to amber list Reason for change

Fulmar Localised The lesser spotted woodpecker Cormorant International numbers is now on the red list Steve Knell (rspb-images.com) Little egret Rare breeder Spoonbill Rare breeder The new population assessment, when taken together with more Mute swan International numbers practical and logistical considerations, will help to determine priorities for bird conservation action. Along with other Red grouse Moderate decline information, reviews like this are an invaluable tool for informing Long-tailed duck Localised discussions on conservation needs. This review will, for Spotted redshank Localised example, help inform revision of the species priorities to be Green sandpiper Rare breeder addressed by the UKBAP. The review also serves to focus attention on some important issues in UK bird conservation, Black-headed gull Moderate decline such as continuing declines in farmland birds, the emergence Kittiwake Localised of similar trends in woodland birds and rapid declines in some Cuckoo Moderate decline urban species, as well as the continuing struggle of rare House martin Moderate decline breeding species. Tree pipit Moderate decline With devolution, there is also a potential demand for information Meadow pipit Moderate decline on population status for individual countries to inform policies Yellow wagtail Moderate decline made at that level. Such lists might be hierarchical in nature so Grey wagtail Moderate decline that global, European and UK status are overlaid upon the Bluethroat Rare breeder species’ status within individual countries. Mistle thrush Moderate decline Wood warbler Moderate decline Willow warbler Moderate decline Goldcrest Moderate decline Lesser redpoll Moderate decline

From red to amber list Reason for change Red kite Strong recovery Marsh harrier Strong recovery Osprey Strong recovery Merlin Strong recovery Dartford warbler Strong recovery

Merlin Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)

THE STATE OF THE UK’S 16 BIRDS 2002 Richard Brooks (rspb-images.com) Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)

House sparrow

The British house sparrow population is estimated to be Starling somewhere between six and seven million, down from 12 million pairs in the early 1970s – warranting its new red With approximately 8.5 million breeding in the UK, the listing. This decline has become noticeable in many starling is still a common and familiar bird. However, a areas, both urban and rural, with a virtually complete decline of 66% since 1974 has resulted in this species disappearance of sparrows from some city centres. moving from the amber to the red list. Research Surveys in the last decade have revealed regional indicates that the breeding performance of starlings differences in the status of populations, with the steepest has not declined (in fact it has increased) but that declines in the east and south-east, and more stable increased mortality, particularly of young birds, is likely populations in the north, Scotland and Wales (see table to be the cause of the decline. The reason for this below). It seems likely that these declines are driven by a mortality has not been established, but may well be combination of factors, with many theories being related to changes in the farming landscape, proposed and none yet proved. In rural areas, it may be particularly in pastoral areas. Current work is focusing that a decline in over-winter survival has been a major on habitat changes, achieved through agri-environment factor, whereas in urban centres recent indications are schemes, which will provide grassland more suitable that productivity may be too low to sustain populations. for foraging starlings. Provision of nest sites in farmland Continuing work, including new surveys and research areas may also be beneficial. Like the house sparrow, programmes, are intended to identify and then address the starling shows variation in recent population trends the causes of the decline. across the UK (see table below).

Recent trends (1994–2000) in the numbers of house sparrow and starlings UK England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland House sparrow -5 -12 27 64 -20 Starling -5 -21 23 -38 182 Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)

House sparrows

THE STATE OF THE UK’S BIRDS 17 2002 Bird monitoring in the UK Overseas Territories

The state of the UK’s birds report has until now focused solely on the metropolitan UK, but the UK also has 14 Overseas Territories (OTs) scattered across the globe where we have responsibility for some important bird species and populations (see map right). Although small in area, the territories hold 34 globally threatened and 13 near-threatened bird species; 24 bird species are endemic. This number greatly exceeds that for the UK itself, and gives the UK (as well as the territories themselves) a considerable global responsibility. An Important Bird Areas directory for the OTs is being produced, and this will give important impetus and focus to site-based monitoring.

Despite their great international importance, our understanding of bird populations in the OTs is patchy, with some significant gaps. For example, the Pitcairn Islands hold eight globally threatened bird species, of which six are endemic. No monitoring South Georgia scheme is in place for any of these species, and the last attempt Research on Bird Island examines the breeding, foraging and to assess their status was in 1992. This lack of knowledge population ecology of key seabird species, particularly albatrosses reflects relatively low capacity and the logistical difficulty of and penguins. Detailed studies of wandering, black-browed and monitoring in many of the territories. In addition, because there is grey-headed albatrosses initiated in the 1970s have revealed no overall co-ordination of biodiversity monitoring in the OTs, dramatic population declines, mainly because of mortality due to species can go under-recorded. The frameworks used to help long-line fisheries. In 2002–03, just over 1,000 pairs of wandering guide bird monitoring efforts in the metropolitan UK could albatrosses bred on the island, compared with over 1,600 pairs in usefully be mimicked in the OTs. There was an increase in 1972–73. Similarly, a survey of grey-headed albatrosses in October ornithological studies of the OTs during the late 1990s, although 2002 recorded 4,700 breeding pairs, compared with 9,100 pairs in there are signs that this increase has not been sustained. This 1976–78. Remote tracking of albatrosses has highlighted areas in account summarises some of the main monitoring highlights. the Indian and Pacific Oceans where South Georgia birds come Lack of space prevents us from mentioning some of the important into conflict with fisheries. monitoring efforts in other territories. Falkland Islands Gough Island Since 1986–87, diet, breeding success and numbers of the Gough is part of the Tristan da Cunha group, which is a black-browed albatross, gentoo, Magellanic, rockhopper and dependency of St Helena. It is one of the world’s most important seabird islands. In 2000–01 bird Nic Huin (Falklands Conservation) populations on Gough were assessed and monitoring protocols were established for key species, setting a baseline for future research. Although we cannot estimate past changes with great confidence, it appears that all three albatross species present there – Tristan, Atlantic yellow-nosed and sooty – are in decline, probably because of mortality due to long-line fishing. The former two species are endemic to Tristan da Cunha. On a more optimistic note, rockhopper penguin numbers are apparently stable, despite declines elsewhere in the range. The Atlantic petrel was found to be more abundant than previously thought, though appears to have worryingly low reproductive success. Black-browed albatross

THE STATE OF THE UK’S 18 BIRDS 2002 king penguins have been monitored. This long run of data is a rapid decline until late 2000, prompting serious concern for powerful tool for assessing population trends and interactions its future. Its conservation status has changed from with fisheries. In addition to the annual monitoring of colonies, ‘non-threatened’ to ‘critical’. Subsequent monitoring suggests complete censuses of penguin and albatross populations are a limited recovery, although research suggests that major carried out at intervals. A penguin census during 2000–01 problems remain. By contrast, the forest thrush has shown a showed that rockhoppers had remained stable since the mid- general increase over five years. This research continues. 1990s (about 270,000 pairs), while gentoos had increased dramatically from 64,000 to 113,000 pairs. Black-browed albatrosses had decreased from 468,000 pairs in 1995–96 to 382,000 pairs in 2000–01. This downturn is reflected in a recent change in their global conservation status, from ‘near-threatened’ to ‘vulnerable’.

During the late stages of moult (April/May 2002) reports were received of dead adult rockhopper and Magellanic penguins along the north coast of the Falklands. It was not possible to get accurate counts, but several thousand rockhoppers may have died. The cause was not known. Monitoring during the 2002–03 austral spring will show whether there has been a major impact on breeding numbers.

The designation of two Ramsar sites in the Falklands in 2001 was good news. Sea Lion Island and Bertha's Beach have been designated, among other reasons, for their populations of landbirds, waterbirds and seabirds, including gentoo, rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins, and southern giant-petrels. Designation of further Ramsar sites in the Falklands is expected.

Anguilla

A locally managed bird-monitoring programme was established Ascension Island in 2002. There is a count of wetland birds in December undertaken by local volunteers, and an annual programme of Ascension is the most important seabird-breeding site in the counts at seabird colonies (primarily on offshore islets). This is a tropical Atlantic, but introduced cats and rats have reduced very welcome development in a territory with no history of bird populations to remnants, mostly confined to offshore stacks. conservation, and can hopefully serve as a template for A cat removal programme is currently underway and baseline schemes in other territories. monitoring of seabirds was conducted during 2001–02. These counts will be repeated in the years following cat removal to Bermuda evaluate the impact of the restoration programme. Initial indications from Ascension suggest a brown booby population The Bermuda petrel, or cahow, was thought extinct for 300 years, of 1,000 territories, 36–50 red-footed boobies, and 180,000 pairs until its rediscovery in Bermuda’s Castle Harbour in 1951. Annual of sooty terns. Numbers of the endemic vulnerable Ascension monitoring of breeding pairs and fledglings has taken place ever frigatebird are more difficult to assess because they breed since, and conservation management has been rewarded by a year round: year-round counts will be used to estimate the slow increase from just 18 nesting pairs producing eight breeding population. fledglings in 1960, to 65 pairs producing 36 fledglings in 2002. British Indian Ocean Territory Montserrat In 2001, a major part of the island of Diego Garcia in the British Concern about bird populations on Montserrat was raised Indian Ocean Territory was designated as a Ramsar site. Among during the height of the volcanic eruption in 1997. A monitoring other reasons, it holds internationally important numbers of scheme started in the main surviving forest tract that year. red-footed boobies and greater frigatebirds. It is hoped that the The graphs above right show population trends since 1997 for designation can soon be extended to the other atolls of this the two globally threatened species on the island – the endemic territory, as announced by the Government at the eighth Ramsar Montserrat oriole and the forest thrush. The oriole showed a Conference in 1999.

THE STATE OF THE UK’S BIRDS 19 2002 ● While Scotland’s Rural Stewardship Scheme includes prescriptions with the potential to benefit farmland birds, under-funding limits its capacity to support farmers on the ground. It is hoped that Land Management Contracts – a new system of combining agricultural subsidies and payments, planned for introduction in 2006 – will address this shortfall.

Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) ● There is good news for some of the scarcer UKBAP species, with increases in numbers for the cirl bunting, corncrake, stone-curlew and bittern. These successes demonstrate how, with detailed knowledge of species ecology, it is possible to deliver targeted conservation action and bring about population increases. The first three species have been aided by Government-funded schemes encouraging farmers to manage agricultural land sympathetically, while the bittern has benefited from an ambitious programme of habitat management and creation, and better understanding of its needs. Other UKBAP species continue to struggle and Yellowhammer in some cases, such as the red-backed shrike, wryneck and marsh warbler, the challenge for conservation is considerable. The situation for the capercaillie, which faces the threat of extinction in the UK for the second time, Conclusions remains critical. A considerable amount of work is now going into targeted conservation action. ● The UK Government is committed to using breeding bird populations as an indicator of sustainability. The indicator ● Conservation action, through a combination of land-use for wild birds, which is one of 15 headline indicators of the policies, species protection and Government-backed Quality of Life, shows stability in common birds, although campaigns against illegal killing, has benefited birds of prey woodland birds have declined moderately and farmland in the UK, with recovery of species such as the red kite and birds steeply. The latest edition of the indicator, which is white-tailed eagle, although, sadly, persecution and updated only to 2000 because of the impact of foot and secondary poisoning still occurs and limits populations and mouth disease (FMD) in 2001, shows modest short-term species in some areas. Other raptors, including hobbies and recovery of common birds since 1998, including woodland marsh harriers are prospering, although the status of the birds, but a continuing downward trend in farmland birds. honey buzzard is obscured by under-reporting. There is a considerable way to go to reverse the long-term declines.

● Achieving population recovery for common birds, such as farmland birds, requires solutions at a sufficiently large scale. Increasing investment in agri-environment schemes, such as the Countryside Stewardship Scheme in England, is likely to benefit birds and other farmland wildlife. Attention is Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) being directed towards finding ways of supporting bird populations through management options that the majority of farmers would be able to undertake. The Curry Report on the Future of Farming and Food identified a need for a broad and shallow scheme. In response, an entry-level agri-environment scheme, which rewards all farmers who adopt green farming practices is being piloted in England. If the trials are successful, the scheme will become available country-wide in 2005. Similar schemes are being developed for Wales and Northern Ireland. Such policies show a commitment from the Government to tackle these issues in a positive manner and at a sufficiently large scale. Marsh harrier

THE STATE OF THE UK’S 20 BIRDS 2002 ● Data from seabird monitoring for a group of species reveals ● A major review of the population status of birds produced the differing fortunes of species such as kittiwakes new red, amber and green lists of birds of conservation (decreasing), shags (recovering) and guillemots concern in the UK. The new assessment places 40 species on (increasing), which are linked to variation in the abundance the red list, 121 on amber and 86 on the green list. Overall, the of their food, to the way they feed and to other factors red list has grown by four species and the amber list by 11 operating in the marine environment. Most seabirds are species since the last review in 1996. Nine species have been reliant on fish for food and their numbers may be influenced added to the red list since the last review in 1996 – all of these by fishery practices, such as the exploitation of sand eels in on the strength of population decline. Five birds have moved the North Sea or changes in the abundance of discarded from the red to the amber lists as their populations are fish waste. Colonial breeding seabirds, such as the terns, recovering; four of these are raptors responding to are also vulnerable to predation by birds and mammals and conservation measures – a notable success story for to human disturbance, and this can have serious impacts in conservation. The review, however, highlighted the particular years. While information from the Seabird continuing poor fortunes of farmland birds (such as Monitoring Programme gives a good indication of trends, the yellowhammers moving from the green to the red list and more extensive Seabird 2000 census will soon provide a several farmland birds remaining red-listed), woodland birds complete picture of seabird population trends in the UK, (willow tits, marsh tits and lesser spotted woodpeckers since the previous censuses in 1969–70 and 1985–87. being newly red-listed) and urban birds (house sparrows and starlings becoming red-listed). The emergence of sizeable Pete Cairns (rspb-images.com) population declines in some woodland, urban and upland birds reinforces the need for comprehensive monitoring. Research projects have been initiated to learn more about these trends.

● The UK Overseas Territories (OTs) are host to internationally important bird populations, with spectacular seabird colonies and several endemic landbirds. The territories hold 34 globally threatened and 13 near-threatened species; 24 bird species are endemic. Our knowledge of the conservation status of some of these birds is poor, reflecting a low capacity for monitoring, as well as considerable logistical difficulties in the more remote sites. Monitoring data raise serious concerns for some landbirds and seabirds; particularly regarding the negative impact of long-line fisheries on breeding albatrosses on Gough Island and South Georgia. There is a need for a more integrated approach to bird monitoring of the OTs and a concerted effort to improve monitoring of these critical populations. Recent designation of Ramsar sites on a number of the OTs is a positive development and will aid the protection of habitats for a number of threatened birds. Mallard

● Although the long-term trend of the wintering waterbird Kevin Schafer (kevinschafer.com) indicator is upward, with, for example, massive increases in most goose populations over the last three decades, there has been a short-term decline from around 1996. This may be partly caused by climate change, as wintering birds may have redistributed further east and north in Europe in response to recent milder conditions. Hence, species such as the European white-fronted goose and mallard are able to winter closer to their breeding grounds – in this case, these populations have shifted range rather than declined. For greylag geese, the downturn may be linked to over-hunting on the breeding grounds in Iceland, and for other birds the causes are less clear. Rockhopper penguins

THE STATE OF THE UK’S BIRDS 21 2002 Current and planned surveys

The information summarised in this report is drawn from the annual and periodic monitoring programmes briefly described below and from the work of individual ornithologists. Anyone interested or wishing to participate in these surveys should contact the relevant organisations at the addresses shown on the back cover.

Puffins The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is the monitoring scheme for Andy Hay (rspb-images.com) common and widespread breeding landbirds throughout the UK Further reading and aims to provide data on population trends to inform and direct conservation action. It is a partnership between the BTO, JNCC (on behalf of EN, SNH, CCW and EHS) and the RSPB. The Baillie SR, Crick HQP, Balmer D E, Beaven LP, Downie IS, BBS has replaced the long-running CBC. (Contact BTO). Freeman SN, Leech DI, Marchant JH, Noble DG, Raven MJ, Simpkin AP, Thewlis RM and Wernham CV (2002). Breeding The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) is the monitoring scheme for Birds in the Wider Countryside: their conservation status 2001. non-breeding waterbirds in the UK, which aims to provide the BTO Research Report: No 278. BTO, Thetford. See principal data for the conservation of their populations and www.bto.org/birdtrends wetland habitats. It is a partnership between BTO, WWT, the RSPB and JNCC (on behalf of EN, SNH, CCW and EHS). Goose Gibbons DW, Reid JB and Chapman RA (1993). The New Atlas of data are collected by the WWT Goose Monitoring Programme, Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988–1991. T and AD funded under the WWT/JNCC partnership. (Contact WWT for Poyser, London. both surveys).

Gregory RD, Wilkinson NI, Noble DG, Brown AF, Robinson JA, The Woodland Bird Survey is a national re-survey of Hughes J, Procter DA, Gibbons DW and Galbraith CA (2002). The broadleaved woodland birds in the UK, funded by Forestry population status of birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Commission/DEFRA/EN/RSPB/BTO/Woodland Trust. Around Islands and Isle of Man: an analysis of conservation concern 350 woods in England, Scotland and Wales, which were 2002–2007. British Birds: 95, 410–448. originally surveyed between the 1960s and 1980s either as part of the CBC or by the RSPB, will be resurveyed in 2003 and Mavor RA, Pickerell G, Heubeck M, and Mitchell PI (2002). 2004. The purpose of the re-survey is to learn more about Seabird numbers and breeding success in Britain and Ireland, woodland bird declines, particularly in the light of the trends 2001. JNCC, Peterborough. shown by the UK Government's headline indicator of woodland birds, and especially at a regional level. It will also Musgrove AJ, Pollitt MS, Hall C, Hearn RD, Holloway SJ, test a number of hypotheses proposed to explain the declines Marshall PE, Robinson JA and Cranswick PA (2001). The in woodland species. (Contact the RSPB/BTO). Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: Wildfowl and Wader counts. BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Slimbridge. Big Garden Birdwatch is the largest wildlife survey in the world – a simple design (one hour watching birds in the garden each Ogilvie MA and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel (2002). Rare January) allows over a quarter of a million people to take part breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 2000. British Birds: 95, each year. The data provide an excellent snapshot of garden 542–582. bird numbers across the UK. Sparrowatch is an associated survey of house sparrows in 2003, which aims to build up a more Raven MJ, Noble DG and Baillie SR (2002). The Breeding Bird complete picture of this declining species by encouraging large Survey 2001. BTO Research Report 295. BTO, Thetford. numbers of observers to count their local sparrows across the UK. (Contact the RSPB for both surveys).

For bibliographic purposes, this report should be referred to as Garden Bird Watch is a year-round scheme recording the Gregory RD, Eaton MA, Noble DG, Robinson JA, Parsons M, weekly occurrence and numbers of birds in participants’ Baker H, Austin G and Hilton GM (2003). The state of the UK’s gardens. The data collected provides valuable information on birds 2002. The RSPB, BTO, WWT and JNCC, Sandy. changes in bird use of rural and urban habitats that can be related to population trends in the wider countryside. A new State of the UK’s birds series is available on the RSPB’s website detailed house sparrow survey will be an important part of www.rspb.org.uk Garden Bird Watch in 2003. (Contact BTO).

THE STATE OF THE UK’S 22 BIRDS 2002 A full survey of heronries across the UK, incorporating the Acknowledgements annual Heronries Census, is planned for 2003 – with additional Monitoring of birds in the UK involves a broad partnership of survey squares recording little egrets. (Contact BTO). Government agencies, NGOs, sponsors and independent ornithologists, including: A national Riverine Survey will be organised in winter 2003–04. Following this survey, it is hoped that a number of river sections Anglian Water; Birds Eye Wall’s; British Birds; British can be covered on an annual basis so that the numbers and Trust for Ornithology (BTO); British Sugar; British distribution of non-breeding waterbirds on rivers can be Waterways; Broads Authority; Cambridge University, monitored. A pilot survey of riverine birds was undertaken in Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, CJ WildBird Foods; 2000 and 2001 to develop the methods. In total, over 1,130 km of Countryside Council for Wales (CCW); Department for 30 different rivers and canals was covered during the pilot Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA); Durham survey and more than 27,400 birds were counted. Given that University; English Nature (EN); Environment Agency; there are at least 85,000 km of river in the UK, this result Environment and Heritage Service (Northern Ireland); demonstrates the importance of this habitat for waterbirds Environment Wales; Esmee Fairbairn Foundation; Essex during the winter months. (Contact WWT). and Suffolk Water; European Bird Census Council; European Union Life Programme; Falklands Conservation; An advance programme of UK-wide surveys of other priority Forest Enterprise; Forestry Commission; Game breeding species has been established under the Statutory Conservancy Trust; Hawk and Owl Trust; Hyder; Joint Conservation Agencies and RSPB Annual Breeding Bird Scheme Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC); Lake District (SCARABBS) Agreement. Golden eagles, corncrakes, National Park Authority; Manx Chough Project; Ministry capercaillies and cirl buntings are being surveyed in 2003 of Defence; National Trust; National Trust for Scotland; (contact the RSPB). For details of surveys planned in future Norfolk Wildlife Trust; Northumbrian Water; Raptor Study years, contact the RSPB or JNCC. In addition to SCARABBS Groups; Rare Breeding Birds Panel; The RSPB; Scottish species, a woodcock survey is planned to tell us more about this Chough Study Group; Scottish Crofting Foundation; poorly known species. (BTO/Game Conservancy Trust). Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department; Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH); Scottish Ornithologists’ Club; Special thanks to volunteer birdwatchers Seabird Group; Severn Trent Water; Shetland Oil Terminal Environmental Advisory Group; Suffolk Wildlife Trust; Thames Water; Wales Raptor Study Group; Welsh Our detailed knowledge of the state of UK bird populations Kite Trust; The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT); The results from the tremendous efforts of many thousands of Wildlife Trusts; The Woodland Trust. volunteer birdwatchers, working in collaboration through the BTO, WWT, the RSPB, bird clubs and other bird-related In particular, we thank the landowners and their agents, tenants networks. The RSPB, BTO, WWT, JNCC and the statutory and employees who have allowed surveyors to visit their land to conservation agencies congratulate them on the key count birds. contributions they make to bird conservation. If you are one of these volunteers, we offer a big thank you for all your hard work. Monitoring of birds in the UK Overseas Territories is carried out If you are thinking of ways to help the cause of bird by the governments and NGOs of the territories, by UK NGOs, conservation, more volunteers are always needed. Please and by independent ornithologists and universities, in the UK contact the appropriate organisation on the back page if you and abroad. The following support is acknowledged: would like to participate in any of these surveys. Gough Island: University of Cape Town and UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office; Falkland Islands: Falklands Conservation, Falkland Islands Government and Antarctic Research Trust; South Georgia: British Antarctic Survey; Anguilla: Anguilla National Trust; Ascension: The RSPB, Army Ornithological Society and UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office; Bermuda: Bermuda Audubon Society and Bermuda Department of Natural Resources; Montserrat: Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and Environment.

Finally, we would like to thank all the companies and other organisations who have sponsored or taken part in work on priority bird species through the UK in support of the Biodiversity Action Plan process. Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

THE STATE OF THE UK’S BIRDS 23 2002 Designed and published by the RSPB on behalf of:

The BTO BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU Tel: 01842 750050 Fax: 01842 750030 BTO Scotland, University of Stirling Campus, 3A120/125 Cottrell Building, Stirling FK9 4LA Mark Hamblin (rspb-images.com) Tel: 01786 466560

Visit the BTO website: www.bto.org Registered charity no 216652

The WWT WWT, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT Tel: 01453 891900 Fax: 01453 891901

Visit the WWT website: www.wwt.org.uk Registered charity no 1030884

The JNCC JNCC, Monkstone House, City Road, Peterborough PE1 1JY The RSPB works for a healthy environment rich in birds and Tel: 01733 562626 Fax: 01733 555948 wildlife. It depends on the support and generosity of others to make a difference. It works with bird and habitat conservation Visit the JNCC website: www.jncc.gov.uk organisations in a global partnership called BirdLife International. The RSPB UK Headquarters, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL Tel: 01767 680551 Fax: 01767 692365

Northern Ireland Headquarters, Belvoir Park Forest, Belfast BT8 7QT The BTO is a charity dedicated to research on wild birds in the Tel: 028 9049 1547 Fax: 028 9049 1669 UK. Through its volunteer network, it monitors populations by organising long-term surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, Scotland Headquarters, Dunedin House, 25 Ravelston Terrace, the ringing scheme and the nest records scheme, and carries Edinburgh EH4 3TP out research related to bird conservation. Tel: 0131 311 6500 Fax: 0131 311 6569

South Wales Office, 2nd Floor, Sutherland House, Castlebridge, Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF11 9AB Tel: 029 2035 3000 Fax: 029 2035 3017

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a charity dedicated Visit the RSPB website: www.rspb.org.uk to conserving wetlands and their biodiversity worldwide. Registered charity no 207076 21-1021-02-03 WWT’s research department has organised national waterbird Front cover: gannet by Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) monitoring schemes for over 50 years.

JNCC is responsible to the UK Government for research and advice on nature conservation nationally and internationally, acting on behalf of the Countryside Council for Wales, English Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) Nature and Scottish Natural Heritage, together with independent members and representatives from the Countryside Agency and Northern Ireland.