Conservation Science in the RSPB 2007

CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2007 IN THE RSPB Contents

Conservation Science in the RSPB 1 Introduction 2 Funding 4 Partnerships 5

The Application of Science 8 The scientific case for a two-tiered agri-environment scheme 9

Monitoring and indicators 12 The 2006 survey of breeding divers 13 The 2005 survey of the breeding birds of the Salisbury Plain Training Area 15 Web-based data sharing 17 Delivering biodiversity indicators in Europe 18 Surveying the biodiversity of Gola Forest, Sierra Leone 20

The ecology of threatened species 22 Breeding ecology of spotted flycatchers 23 Ring ouzels and changes in moorland habitat composition 25 Corn buntings and agri-environment management in eastern Scotland 27 Satellite tracking northern bald ibis from Syria 29 Threats to Jerdon’s courser in India 31 Conservation management for the great yellow bumblebee 32 Ecology and conservation of the aspen hoverfly 34

Ecological process and issues research 35 Is the Scottish crossbill a species? 36 Adult sex ratios in birds: an unhappy balance? 38 Poisoning of reintroduced red kites through exposure to lead ammunition 39 Birds and wind farms – a sensitivity map for Scotland 41 Does international conservation policy work? 43 Habitat and the effects of recreational disturbance on Dartford warblers 44 Exceptional heather die-back at Abernethy Forest reserve 46 The global spread of H5N1 avian influenza 48

PhD training 50

Publications 52 Publications in scientific journals, proceedings and books 53 Reports, theses and other publications 56 Andy Hay (rspb-images.com) 1

Conservation science in the RSPB

The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for us all. We belong to BirdLife International, the global partnership of bird conservation organisations.

The RSPB prides itself on using the best scientific evidence available to guide its conservation policies and practice. Only by basing our work on such evidence can we be confident that our actions will be of benefit to birds and other wildlife.

For further copies of this report, or those for earlier years, please contact the Conservation Science Department, The RSPB UK Headquarters, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL or RSPB Scotland, Dunedin House, 25 Ravelston Terrace, Edinburgh EH4 3TP. You can also e-mail [email protected] or visit www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/science Red kite 2 3

Introduction

Welcome to the sixth report on the resources in Western Europe, it also set at the species level. These While there are quite a large number grounds, which transpired to be in RSPB’s scientific work. While the has the highest number of wind farm priorities have a strong influence on Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) of cases where the success of Ethiopia. Knowledge of the ibises’ score or more of projects included proposals of any UK country. The the investment of scarce conservation interventions, such as migration route and wintering grounds in this report represents just a RSPB is supportive of wind farms conservation resources, so it is very that for corncrakes and corn will aid their successful conservation. snapshot of our overall scientific because of the contribution they can important to be able to determine buntings, has been measured at a programme, we hope they will make to combat climate change; whether a species is truly a species local or national scale, there are few As an applied conservation demonstrate the depth and however, we believe that they should or not. For birds, nowhere in the UK examples where this has been organisation, we need to disseminate breadth of the scientific work not be located in areas where they has this issue been more considered measured at a continental scale. One the results of our work to undertaken by the RSPB. might have an adverse impact on than in Scotland, where over the last example, recently published in the conservation practitioners as soon as birds and other wildlife. To inform this decade the RSPB and others have prestigious journal Science and we are confident of them, while also More than in any previous year, debate, we have recently produced a endeavoured to determine whether authored by staff from the RSPB, maintaining the quality of our perhaps, this report has a strong wind farm sensitivity map for the Scottish crossbill is a species or BirdLife International and BioSS has scientific work by publishing it in the Scottish flavour. This is no accident, Scotland, showing areas where there not. This research (pp 36-37) has done just that. This analysis (p 43) peer-reviewed scientific literature. as the RSPB invests heavily in are likely to be conflicts between shown that the three different has shown that the EU Birds Thus, while in most cases the research and monitoring work in wind farms and key bird species, but species of crossbill that occur in the Directive has been effective in information contained in this report is Scotland. As with many areas of the also areas where no such conflicts UK are reproductively isolated (each conserving target bird populations based on publications in peer- Corn bunting RSPB’s work, the structure of are likely. Scottish Natural Heritage choosing partners with similar bill (those on Annex 1 of the Directive) reviewed scientific journals, in others science in the RSPB is set up to supported production of the map, sizes and calls) and that bill size is within the EU, showing that we have presented important work within an increasingly devolved and the sensitivity ratings from it heritable. This confirms that the corncrake’s needs), has also led to a international conservation policy can preliminary results that have not yet UK. Parliamentarians, civil servants have already been used in the Scottish crossbill can be considered a spectacular increase in the really benefit nature conservation. been published formally. A complete and other decision makers with Highland Region to aid wind farm separate species, making it corncrake’s population (pp 9–11, and list of all publications for 2006 and whom RSPB Scotland staff work planning. Scotland’s, and the UK’s, only 2006: 9-11), it is clear that well- Such analyses show clearly that the the first half of 2007 is provided daily understandably demand endemic bird species. designed agri-environment schemes RSPB has an international as well as a towards the back of the report, and answers to questions that are Information on the status of two can help a range of wildlife. domestic agenda. Articles in this for previous years is available at specific to Scotland’s wildlife. In species that in the UK are restricted Our scientific work is not restricted report outline the variety of our www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/science. many cases, these questions can to Scotland, red-throated and black- to birds; over recent years we have One other species, the corn bunting, international scientific work, all only be answered by scientific throated divers, played a central role become increasingly involved in whose range is now very restricted undertaken in partnership with others, We would be delighted to hear of research, hence the RSPB has long in the production of the wind farm studying other species, such as the in Scotland, has also benefited from and ranging from surveys of Gola any ideas that you might have on recognised the need for a dedicated sensitivity map. The changing status great yellow bumblebee and aspen sensitive farming practices. As part of Forest in Sierra Leone (pp 20-21) and how we could improve future team of scientific staff in Scotland. of these and other species can be hoverfly, results of which are outlined the Farmland Bird Lifeline, a studies of the critically endangered versions of this report. This team currently comprises 20 or determined only through regular on pp 32-33 and 34 respectively. A partnership between RSPB, SNH, Jerdon’s courser in India (pp 31), to so staff, based mainly in our monitoring, so, in 2006, the RSPB re- PhD study of this formerly Scottish Executive and FWAG, predicting the global spread of H5N1 headquarters in Edinburgh, but also surveyed both species with widespread, but now rare, management for corn buntings has avian influenza (pp 48-49). One in Regional Offices in Glasgow, partnership funding from SNH as part bumblebee has shown that it been implemented on a number of particular study, however, captured the farms in eastern Scotland. Over a Aberdeen and Inverness. In the of the Statutory Conservation requires a succession of flowering attention of the media in 2006 (pp 29- Dr Mark Avery two-year period, corn bunting summer months, this team employs Agencies / RSPB Annual Breeding plants to provide pollen and nectar 30). Satellite tags were fitted to three Director, Conservation, the RSPB additional assistants to help with Bird Scheme (SCARABBS; pp 13-14). throughout the flight season, and that numbers declined by 5% on and adult northern bald ibises from the work in the field throughout Scotland. Fortunately, numbers of both species the management undertaken for around farms with such management recently discovered, tiny population in have increased since the previous corncrakes can be particularly (pp 27–28). While, on the face of it Syria. This population of these critically An excellent example of how this survey in 1994, although numbers of beneficial to the bees. Given that this this may not seem a resounding endangered birds is migratory, yet success, the benefit of this team works to influence decision red-throated on Shetland are still well management, now part of the their migration route and wintering Dr David Gibbons making in Scotland is shown on below those recorded there in 1983. Scottish Executive’s agri-environment management only becomes clear sites were unknown until these tags Head of Conservation Science, the RSPB pages 41-42 of this report. Because measures (in which crofters are paid when compared with farms without were fitted and the birds’ migration Scotland has one of the best wind Conservation priorities are commonly to croft in ways sensitive to the it; there the population fell by 43%. was followed to their wintering 4 5

Funding Partnerships

The RSPB has a policy of keeping Department for Environment, Food Scottish Executive Environment and By working during 2006-2007 with BirdLife International Indochina Centre for Life Sciences Modelling, only a few months’ running costs and Rural Affairs Rural Affairs Department the wide range of partners listed Programme University of Newcastle in its financial reserves. We must below, the RSPB was able to Department for International Scottish Mountaineering Trust BirdLife Middle East Office Centre for Research into Ecological & raise all our annual expenditure maximise the quantity and quality Development Environmental Modelling, University every year and we depend on a Scottish Natural Heritage of conservation science that it BirdLife South Africa of St Andrews range of sources for this funding. Environment Agency undertook. Underpinning much of Scottish Power BirdWatch Ireland this research is the huge Centre for Social & Economic Environment and Heritage Service, Around 80% of the RSPB’s income SITA Trust contribution made by thousands Biodiversity & Nature Conservation Research on the Global Environment, Northern Ireland comes from the generosity of of birdwatchers involved in the Association Myanmar (BANCA) UEA Syngenta Crop Protection UK individuals (our members and Enviros surveying, monitoring and ringing Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland Central Science Laboratory supporters) and although this income Welsh Assembly Government of birds within the UK and further European Commission Directorate can be predicted with some afield. Their contribution and the Bombay Natural History Society Chagos Conservation Trust General Environment certainty, it is by no means Sources of funding for RSPB partnership with them are (BNHS) The Conservation Biology Group guaranteed and fluctuates. RSPB EU Life Environment Fund science 2006/07 invaluable. Botanical & Zoological Museums of (University of Cambridge) must continue to pursue a wide EU Life Nature Fund the University of Copenhagen variety of funding sources to ADAS Conservation International continue our work and grant funding European Regional Development Fund British Antarctic Survey AEWA Secretariat Conservation Society of Sierra Leone is a vital source in the mix. Many Foreign and Commonwealth Office British Birds organisations (listed below) have Allerton Research & Education Trust Consortium for Conservation funded specific science projects in Forestry Commission (England, British High Commission, New Delhi, Medicine Andhra Pradesh Forest Department 2006-07 through, for example, Scotland and Wales) India Countryside Council for Wales research contracts and grants A P Leventis Ornithological Research HGCA British Museum of Natural History towards partnership projects. Many Institute, Nigeria Czech Society for Ornithology (CSO) of those listed are also active Heritage Lottery Fund British Ornithologists’ Union Aquatic Warbler Conservation Team Department des Eaux et Foret, partners in the research, or may have The MacArthur Foundation RSPB Research grants British Trust for Ornithology Morocco provided additional support and funds fundraising and contracts Association for the Conservation of for wider conservation action. Moors for the Future Biodiversity in Kazakhstan (ACBK) Buglife Department of Agriculture & Rural African Bird Club Development (NI) Morrisons Audubon Bulgarian Society for the Protection RSPB expenditure 2006/07 Anglian Water of Birds Department of Biology & Natural England (English Nature) (£4,929,235) Avian Demography Unit, University of Biochemistry, University of Bath BP (through Scottish Forest Alliance) Cape Town Bumblebee Conservation Trust Ornithological Society of the Middle Department of Biology, University of British Birdwatching Fair East BASC Bumblebee Working Group York British Potato Council The Overseas Territories Environment Bird Conservation Nepal Butterfly Conservation Department of Environmental & Programme (OTEP) Chester Zoo Bird Conservation Society of Thailand CABI Bioscience Biological Sciences, University of Perth & Kinross Quality of Life Trust (BCST) Stirling Community Environmental Renewal Cambridge Conservation Forum Scheme Pesticide Safety Directorate BirdLife African Partnership Department of Forest & Wildlife, Centre for Agri-Environmental secretariat India Conservation International The Rufford Foundation Research, University of Reading BirdLife Europe Office Department of Geography, University Crop Protection Association UK Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd Centre for Ecology & Hydrology of Reading BirdLife Indonesia Darwin Initiative Scottish Executive’s Biodiversity Centre for Evidence Based In-house Contracted out Department of Geospatial & Space Action Grants Scheme BirdLife International Conservation, University of Defence Estates, MoD Technology, University of Nairobi Studentships Birmingham 6 7

Department of National Parks, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Marine Turtle Research Group, School Parc National de Souss-Massa School of Conservation Sciences, UNEP World Conservation Wildlife & Plant Conservation, of Biological Sciences, University of Bournemouth University Monitoring Centre GEM, EC Joint Research Centre Penny Anderson Associates Thailand Exeter The Scottish Chough Study Group USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research The Government of Tristan da Cunha Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of African Departments of Plant & Soil Science Ministry of Agriculture & Agrarian Centre Ornithology The Scottish Crofting Foundation & Zoology, University of Aberdeen G Spoor Associates Reform, Syrian Arab Republic Vaderstad The Peregrine Fund Scottish Agricultural College Department of Zoology, University of Harper Adams University College Montana State University VURV (Czech Crop Production Cambridge Plantlife Scottish Forestry Association Geographical Research Institute, Montserrat Ministry of Agriculture, Research Institute) Department of Zoology & Animal Hungarian Academy of Sciences Lands, Housing & Environment Polish Society for the Protection of The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club Dr Adam Watson Ecology, University of Cork Birds (OTOP) Indian Veterinary Research Institute Montserrat National Trust The Scottish Raptor Study Groups Mr Nicholas Watts De Wildt Cheetah & Wildlife Trust - Ponds Conservation Trust International Advisory Group for National Bird of Prey Trust The Seabird Group South Africa Wales Raptor Study Group Northern Bald Ibis Portuguese Society for the Study of National Geographic Society Shetland Oil Terminal Environmental Direction Regionale des Eaux et Birds (SPEA) Wildlife Conservation Society Institute of Biomedical & Life Advisory Group Forets du Sud-Ouest, Agadir, National Institute of Agricultural Cambodia Sciences, University of Glasgow QPQ Software Morocco Botany (NIAB) Slender-billed Curlew Working Group Wildlife Institute of India Institute of Water & Environment, Queen’s University, Belfast Doga Dernegi (Turkish Nature Society National Institute of Water & Smithsonian Institute Cranfield The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust - BirdLife Partner designate) Atmospheric Research, New Zealand Rare Breeding Birds Panel Chris Smout Institute of Zoology, London Wildwings Bird Management Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust National Museums of Kenya Rare & Endangered Species Trust - SOVON International Centre for Birds of Prey Namibia WOCAT (World Overview of Endangered Wildlife Trust (South National Soil Resources Institute, Spanish Ornithological Society (SEO) Conservation Agriculture & Africa)/Vulture Study Group Istituto Nazionale per la Fauna Cranfield University Rhino & Lion Wildlife Conservation Technologies) Selvatica, Bologna NPO State Government of Haryana, India Environment Agency National Trust for Scotland Woodland Trust Scotland IUCN Royal Botanic Garden - Kew State Government of West Bengal, Ethiopian Wildlife & Natural History Natural Environment Research India WWF – US Society JNCC Council Royal Holloway College Statistics Netherlands Zoological Society of London European Bird Census Council Francis Kirkham, Ecological NatureKenya Royal Navy Birdwatching Society Consultant (RNBWS) Mr Jonathan Tipples European Commission Natural Research Ltd UK Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Royal Veterinary College UK Overseas Territories Conservation European Food Standards Agency Natural Resources Department, Trust Forum (EFSA) Government of Tristan da Cuhna Russian Bird Conservation Union Linking Environment & Farming The University of Chiang Mai European Topic Centre: Biological NatureUganda School of Biological Sciences, (LEAF) Diversity University of East Anglia University of Coimbra, Portugal NERC The Macaulay Institute Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka School of Biology, University of The University of Leuven Nigerian Conservation Foundation (FOGSL) Makerere University Institute of the Nottingham The University of Pretoria Environment & Natural Resources Norwegian Institute for Nature Footprint Ecology School of Biological & Biomedical Research (NINA) The University of Wolverhampton Malloch Society Sciences, University of Durham Forestry Division, Sierra Leone Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Universities Federation for Animal The Manx Atlas Project School of Biological Sciences & Forest Research, Northern Research Welfare Ordnance Survey School of Geosciences, University of Station Edinburgh Oriental Bird Club 8 9

The scientific case for a two-tiered agri-environment scheme

Corncrake

The application of science Robert Smith (rspb-images.com) Robert

Across the United Kingdom, given species requires the implement recovery management in populations of many lowland deployment of proven and the remaining strongholds in the farmland birds have more than effective prescriptive management north and west of Scotland. This took halved since the 1970s. Several on a wide enough scale and in the the form of payments to farmers and species have become extremely right places. The corncrake is a crofters to provide areas of tall rare and localised. Others, formerly classic example of this. vegetation cover and to delay abundant and ubiquitous, remain mowing of hay meadows. Initially relatively common and Corncrakes were once common supported by RSPB and Scottish widespread, but are nonetheless in throughout the British Isles, nesting Natural Heritage from 1992, these need of conservation action. Agri- in hay and other grass meadows. measures were incorporated in the environment schemes present a Earlier, more frequent and more late 1990s within the Scottish possible solution to this problem, highly mechanised mowing of these Executive’s agri-environment scheme but the track record of many meadows caused increasing losses and the results have been existing schemes in maintaining of nests, young and adults and the spectacular. From a low point of 480 biodiversity is not good. The population declined catastrophically. calling males in 1993 and a decline of success of any scheme in However, RSPB research diagnosed 3.5% per year, the population has recovering the population of a the cause of decline in time to increased by 4.2% per year up to George McCarthy (rspb-images.com) 11 Skylark Stone-curlew 53: ) in in Britain and 33: 237-248.

Bird Study

Crex crex Crex 250: 161-183 40: 947-969 Journal for Ornithology. for Journal 146 (Suppl 2): 155-162. 146

J Zool Burhinus oedicnemus

Ibis .

J Appl Ecol in Britain 1993-2004. in Britain 1993-2004.

Journal of Applied Ecology Applied of Journal Green RE, Tyler GA and Bowden CGR (2000) and Bowden GA Tyler Green RE, Habitat and diet of selection, ranging behaviour ( the stone curlew Kleijn D and Sutherland WJ (2003) How Kleijn D and Sutherland are European agri-environment effective in conserving and promoting schemes biodiversity? O’Brien M, Green RE and Wilson JD (2006) M, Green RE and O’Brien recovery of the population of Corncrakes Partial Ireland. 213-224. See also: 2001: 20; 2004: 8; 2006: 9 doi:10.1007/S10336-007-0216-3 the population affecting Factors Green RE (1996) density of the Corncrake Morris AJ, Holland JM, Smith B and Jones NE B and Jones Holland JM, Smith AJ, Morris an For (2004)Arable Farming Sustainable managing (SAFFIE): Environment Improved Skylarks for structure winter wheat sward designed to deliver effectively the ecological effectively designed to deliver requirements of both localised and widespread bird species in England. southern England. Alauda arvensis crex Crex Stone-curlew breeding 48: 271-278

Alauda arvensis

Bird Study 98 : 570-579 Evans AD and Green RE (2007) An example RE (2007)AD and Green Evans scheme of a two-tiered agri-environment Contact: [email protected] AJ (2005) the Sky Saving Morris Donald PF, bird. a declining farmland solutions for Lark: new within the Distribution of UK and Ireland stone-curlew breeding and skylark. with squares 10km are breeding proven in black,shown those the species was where are simply present blank.shown (Re-drawn Gibbons et al 1994) from on it has resulted in a worrying HLS. in funding for shortfall current of agri- development continued The through the schemes environment Broad and shallow UK is welcome. considerable have approaches widespread for potential to deliver and declining bird species but need further refinement to ensure their is effective. deployment actual their use must not be at the Equally, of more targetedexpense and are the which approaches expensive to address the declines of only way scarcer or more specialised species. on lowland farmland. farmland. on lowland Brit Birds DL, Muirhead Buckingham AD, Evans Donald PF, the affecting Factors Wilson JD (2001) LB, distribution of skylarks plots should also be sited away (>70m) from grassy margins to ensure that these gains are not mammals. predation by negated by plots is cost of establishingThe such lost yield, small (£2 to £6 per ha for wheat depending on the current of the at the level Thus, price). the solution for individual farm, but skylark recovery is inexpensive on a broad needs deployment geographical scale. On the other is stone-curlews hand the solution for more costly but only needs to much in farms be highly targeted towards very specific areas. has been Environmental Stewardship designed with two tiers, which of both facilitate the deployment these options. Skylark plots are in ‘Entry to all farmers Level available Stone-curlew (ELS). Stewardship’ in target to farmers plots are available areas under ‘Higher Level whilst However, (HLS). Stewardship’ design is logical, this world-leading remains a key deployment effective in the first year example, issue. For farmers very few of the scheme selected skylark plots from the menu options, preferring ELS of available instead the easier and more options of hedgerow conventional address To and margin management. this and ensure that the full range of options is adopted as widely as proactive required, there is a need for to the entry changes advice or even On the other hand, while ELS rules. because it is is politically attractive (whose former all farmers to available to been diverted have payments farm the focus the scheme), for help pay suitable nesting habitat both for and between 1970 species. However, 2002, in the area of spring barley the 3 million 80%, from over by UK fell options to Whilst ha to 600,000 ha. cereals are spring-sown grow within Environmental available which the economics, Stewardship, in timing of the switch initially drove tillage, dictate that that it is unlikely resource be sufficient there will ever on a wide spring-sowing to deploy scale. Alternative management needed. therefore prescriptions were that tilled has shown research RSPB land (eg set-aside) or plots on fallow excellent winter cereals can provide stone-curlews. nesting locations for of 2 ha plots, Wessex in Deployment in early spring to create cultivated helped the population rough fallow, from 71 pairs in there to recover plots are in 2005. Such 2000 to 105 to establish, expensive relatively ha, per costing from £35 to £1000 depending on the lost yield of crop also They are placed. they on which on suitable soils need to be deployed populations. and near to existing Skylarks also respond to open, but fields. plots in cereal smaller, much the seed drill off By briefly switching cereals, winter-sown when sowing can easily create an un- farmers drilled plot of about 4m x 4m. Our that skylark shows plots research a density at of 2 per ha deployed increased skylark breeding density per 0.5 chicks and success (by increasing overall attempt), productivity some 50%. by suggests that Subsequent research 1998 and by 7.2% per year since per year 7.2% and by 1998 1,000 over calling then, reaching males in 2004. to help steer is continuing RSPB The the design of agri-environment based on good science, and schemes the use of both ‘broad and advocates to and targetedshallow’ approaches meet the requirements of localised and as the corncrake, species, such those that remain more widespread. and Northern Ireland have Wales agri- their own developed Tir Cynnal/Tir schemes: environment and the CountrysideGofal respectively. Management Scheme worked have In England, the RSPB England closely with Defra, Natural and other conservation NGOs to the Environmental develop A comparison Scheme. Stewardship and skylarksof stone curlews of why example a perfect provides designed with two was the scheme species are on the red list tiers. Both of birds of conservation concern and ecologically similar for declines have reasons, but the management and their each solutions required for radically. differ means of deployment, population the stone-curlew By 1980, from perhaps 2000had fallen to just pairs, confined to two discrete 160 regions of England. Skylarks declined but and 2001, 54% between 1970 by common and remain relatively species are ground- ubiquitous. Both sparse nesters and require relatively vegetation in spring and early cereals Spring-sown summer. than those in the year later develop in winter and can provide sown 10 12 13 Chris Gomersall(rspb-images.com) The 2006 surveys of breeding divers

Black-throated and red-throated contributed. Sutherland and divers are amongst the most Caithness remains the stronghold for spectacular species breeding in the black-throated divers, but the north and west of Scotland and, greatest increase between surveys for the first time since 1994, were (+36%) was in the Outer Hebrides. both surveyed in 2006. Black-throated diver Black-throated diver Summering territories were detected using a three-visit survey method. All breeding lochs known to have been The distribution and density of summering territories of black- used for breeding during or since throated diver in 2006. 10-km 1994 were surveyed, along with a squares containing 4-7 territories random sample of half of the lochs are shown in black, 3 in dark grey, Monitoring and indicators used ‘historically’ and approximately 2 in mid grey and 1 light grey. 10% of all other suitable freshwater Squares with no territories are lochs within the breeding range. shown blank.

In total, 173 summering territories The RSPB is involved in a wide variety of monitoring were found during the survey. schemes and surveys of birds and, to a lesser extent, Correction for territories missed by other key taxonomic groups. the three-visit method and extrapolation to estimate the number of territories on un-surveyed lochs Helping to develop monitoring schemes outside the UK is produced an estimate of 217 increasingly important, as is the growth in the use of summering territories (95% monitoring data to produce policy-relevant indicators that confidence limits 190-252). measure the changing state of the environment. A re-analysis of data produced a new estimate of 187 summering territories (95% confidence limits 173-202) in 1994, indicating a significant increase of 16% between in 2006. This accords with predictions from earlier RSPB research that there are sufficient ecologically suitable but unoccupied lochs in Scotland to accommodate a modest increase in the breeding population. Increased productivity brought about by a programme to provide nesting rafts (Hancock 2000) may have 14 15

The 2005 survey of the breeding birds of the Salisbury Plain Training Area

Red-throated across Scotland is of particular value Scheme (SCARABBS), organised by The Ministry of Defence’s estate (rspb-images.com) David Tipling given concerns over their possible the RSPB and funded by Scottish on Salisbury Plain is the largest diver sensitivity to windfarm development Natural Heritage and RSPB. and most heavily used military Red-throated divers were surveyed through both displacement from training area in the country. It is Hancock MH (2000) Artificial floating islands for using a two-visit method to all nesting habitat and flight collision used for both dry tactical training Black-throated Divers (Gavia arctica) in Scotland freshwater lochs, lochans and pools with turbines (see p 41). and live firing and, as a result, – their construction, use and effect on breeding within 5-km grid squares. Coverage success. Bird Study 47: 165-175. public access is extremely was complete in Shetland and Contact: restricted. However, military Jackson DB (2005) Environmental correlates of Orkney, with a random sample of Study [email protected] lake occupancy and chick survival of Black- presence for more than a century squares elsewhere in the range. The throated Divers (Gavia arctica) in Scotland. Bird has meant that large areas of survey unit was the breeding pair, These surveys were part of the 52: 225-236. semi-natural habitat have been with a correction factor used to Statutory Conservation See also: 2004: 23 maintained and conserved. The account for cases where divers were Agencies/RSPB Annual Breeding Bird most important of these is the seen without actual evidence of rolling downland, which now breeding. represents the largest area of The distribution of breeding red- calcareous grassland in northwest throated divers in 2006. The 5-km The 2006 estimate was 1255 Europe. survey squares within which breeding pairs (95% confidence breeding pairs were recorded are limits 1026-1544), with a total shown in black and those with In 2000, the RSPB and Defence population of 4146 adults (95% only non-breeding adults in grey. Estates worked in partnership to Skylark confidence limits 3430-4992) of Survey squares where no divers carry out the first comprehensive which about 40% appeared to be were recorded are shown blank. survey of the breeding birds on the Estimated populations of key species on the grassland of the non-breeders. There was a significant site. This baseline survey confirmed Salisbury Plain Training Area in 2005. The number of pairs or territories increase (34%) in the number of that the grasslands held a wealth of are shown and species are grouped according to their population breeding pairs since 1994. Shetland birdlife, with nationally important trend since the last survey in 2000. Species of highest conservation concern within the UK are shown in bold. Total area of grassland and remains the most important area for numbers of stone-curlews, quails, associated habitat was 29,654 ha. red-throated divers, although skylarks, grey partridges, whinchats, Species which increased between 2000 and 2005 numbers there, while stable since stonechats, grasshopper warblers 1994, are still well below those and corn buntings. In 2005, the Skylark 10,938 Grasshopper warbler 121 recorded in a survey in 1983. RSPB and Defence Estates repeated Chaffinch 1,797 Quail 97 Numbers increased throughout the the survey to assess change, Goldfinch 388 Mistle thrush 67 rest of the range, most notably in the reconfirm the status of key bird Red-legged partridge 329 Buzzard 53 Hebrides. populations, and evaluate the effects Reed bunting 215 Green woodpecker 28 of habitat management, undertaken Stonechat 150 Although mainly feeding in coastal to protect the internationally Species with no change between 2000 and 2005 waters, where food shortages are important grasslands. Meadow pipit 5,153 Tree pipit 200 causing declines in the productivity Species that decreased between 2000 and 2005 and abundance of some other The headline findings are extremely Whitethroat 2,969 Magpie 308 seabirds, the red-throated diver encouraging and show that the population currently appears to be training area continues to hold Linnet 1,523 Corn bunting 276 resilient. significant bird populations. Many of Yellowhammer 955 Jackdaw 210 the key bird species have increased Willow warbler 578 Grey partridge 179 Updated information on the in number, including stone-curlew, Whinchat 429 Garden warbler 111 abundance and distribution of divers quail, skylark, grasshopper warbler, Carrion crow 383 16 17

Web-based data sharing reed bunting and stonechat. Skylark habitat for these species. The Stanbury A, Aspey N, Moody A,and Vafidis J Every organisation and individual in particular show a large increase presence of scrub is an important (2005) Breeding bird survey of Army Training collecting species and habitat Estate Salisbury Plain . RSPB & Defence Estate and it appears that the reintroduction feature for many birds, but there is a information accrues large numbers Report. of grazing into large areas has been concern about the speed at which it of datasets. Until the advent of the very beneficial. The training area is is spreading across the botanically Stanbury, A., Branston, T., Sheldrake, P., Wilson, National Biodiversity Network S. (2000) Breeding bird survey of Salisbury Plain estimated to hold over 10,000 pairs rich grassland. This reinforces the Training Area. (NBN), such datasets were not RSPB & Defence Estates Report. of skylarks, one of the highest need for active but well-informed easily or widely available to others concentrations left in southern management. The results of the and it was difficult to know what England. latest survey will help to guide data existed, where they could be continued sympathetic management found, and thus how best to make In addition to skylarks, the most of the site. use of this important UK wildlife botanically rich grasslands hold high information asset. The RSPB is concentrations of breeding Contact: now sharing its wildlife whinchats, meadow pipits, [email protected], information through the NBN, so stonechats, grasshopper warblers that it can be put to greater A Stanbury (RSPB) A Stanbury and reed buntings. Here the rolling The 2005 Salisbury Plain Training Area scientific use and be used more Survey was jointly funded by the open grasslands, interspersed with effectively to help conserve birds NBN screenshot showing part of a detailed map of corn bunting RSPB and the Commander in Chief hawthorn and gorse, provide ideal and their habitats. breeding distribution in Scotland on the NBN Gateway.The 1 km (Land) through Defence Estates. squares shown had breeding corn buntings in 2006. The controls on Salisbury Plain Training Area the sides allow you to zoom in and out, enlarge the map, query The NBN has an easy-to-use website records to see all data fields, and to change the background to show on which habitat and species e.g. LC2000 colours and boundaries of designated sites. Pattern of change in the distribution data can be viewed and abundance of skylarks between overlaid onto Ordnance Survey maps have helped to identify target areas in Contact: 2000 and 2005 in the Salisbury or downloaded as raw data. Those Plain Training area. The actual Scotland, where crofters and farmers [email protected] providing data are encouraged to with land suitable for these species changes in maximum count We are grateful to SNH for a 2-year allow full public access or to provide within each surveyed kilometre can be offered financial incentives to grant, which is currently part-funding square are shown. data at a resolution which does not manage it to benefit these birds. two posts dedicated to NBN work. compromise a species’ particular Similarly, the Bird Conservation need for protection. Targeting Project uses the NBN to The National Biodiversity Network collate records of farmland and (NBN) is a collaborative venture committed to making wildlife Web services are being developed woodland birds of conservation information available, including on the for the NBN which will allow data concern from the whole UK and to internet via the NBN Gateway, held on its database to be retrieved use these to help target www.searchnbn.net. from within an organisation’s own management and resources towards system or website, rather than from important sites for these birds. The Bird Conservation Targeting the NBN website itself. Such direct Project is a joint project between Natural England, RSPB, BTO and access to the NBN database means With common standards and Forestry Commission England. For that the most recent information is safeguards for sharing wildlife more information visit immediately available to inform information in place through the NBN www.rspb.org.uk/targeting conservation action. and similar initiatives such as BirdTrack, the UK’s biodiversity datasets will be For more information on BirdTrack, RSPB datasets on the NBN are better managed for conservation both which is organised by BTO for BTO, the RSPB and Birdwatch Ireland, visit already being used. Distribution maps now and in the future. www.bto.org/birdtrack for the corn bunting and corncrake See also: 2001: 15; 2004: 18 18 19

Delivering biodiversity indicators in Europe

World leaders have set ambitious indicator for Rural Development, and biodiversity loss. They help decision targets to reduce significantly the as a Structural and Sustainable makers visualise and understand Sue Tranter (rspb-images.com) rate of loss of biodiversity globally, Development Indicator. changes in the environment and to and within Europe to halt such respond with appropriate positive loss by 2010. The Pan-European Trends among common forest birds action. Common Bird Monitoring Scheme differ regionally. Populations have (PECBMS) was set up in 2002 to been stable in the west and east of Contact: help deliver policy relevant Europe, but have declined [email protected] biodiversity indicators to decision considerably in the north and south. PECBMS is co-ordinated by Petr makers in Europe. Unlike farmland, there is no single Vorisek and Alena Pazderova. policy driver for forests across Gregory RD, van Strien AJ, Vorisek P, Gmelig Using population trends for 124 Europe and different factors are likely Meyling AW, Noble DG., Foppen RPB and widespread species derived from to be involved. In the north, for Gibbons DW (2005) Developing indicators for annually operated national breeding example, forest birds are threatened European birds. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B. bird surveys in 20 European by highly intensive forestry 360: 269-288. countries, national species’ indices exploitation, while in the south, wild Gregory RD (2006) Birds as biodiversity were calculated. These were then fires and woodcutting may be indicators for Europe. Significance 3: 106-110. combined into supranational indices threatening populations. Royal Statistical Society. for single species (weighted by Gregory RD, Vorisek P, van Strien AJ, Gmelig estimates of national population The strengths of this approach are its Meyling AW, Jiguet F, Fornasari L, Reif J, sizes), and then into multi-species simplicity, statistical rigour, sensitivity Chylarecki P and Burfield IJ (2007) Population indicators. to change, and ease of update. Such trends of widespread woodland birds in indicators provide a tangible way to Europe. Ibis. doi:10.1111/j.1474-919x.2007.00698.x These indicators show on average measure progress towards global and that common birds are in moderate European targets to tackle See also: 2001: 11 and13; 2002: 13; 2004:15 Great spotted woodpecker decline across Europe, populations and 16 having fallen by 15% over the last 25 years. Those living in forests have Harmonised data collection: The Pan- declined by 9%, but in farmland Population trends of common breeding birds in Europe since 1980. Regional population trends of common birds breeding in European Common Bird Monitoring numbers have crashed by 44%. The Number of species in each group in brackets. European forests. Number of species in each group in brackets. Scheme (PECBMS) is a partnership, funded by the European Commission decline in farmland birds was rapid and the RSPB, involving the European from 1980 to about 1995, a period of Bird Census Council, the RSPB, BirdLife International, and Statistics considerable agricultural Netherlands. Its aim is to deliver intensification across the continent, biodiversity indicators to European but numbers have been roughly decision makers. It hopes to increase the numbers of countries collecting stable in the last decade. CAP reform and submitting data on wild bird provides a possible mechanism for trends, and the number of species and habitats covered. More widely, it aims recovery; but it is doubtful whether to improve the scientific standard of the political will currently exists to monitoring in Europe by fostering co- make changes that would genuinely operation and the sharing of best practice and expertise. Special thanks deliver sustainable land management to the thousands of skilled volunteers, across Europe. However, it is who collect the raw data, and to the many individual ornithologists and encouraging that the EU has adopted host organisations across Europe, who the farmland bird index as a baseline make this project possible. http://www.ebcc.info/pecbm.html 20 21 Guy Shorrock (RSPB) Surveying the biodiversity of Gola Forest, Sierra Leone Gerard Lacz (FLPA)

Gola Forest in Sierra Leone is the Around 40 large mammal species westernmost part of the West were found, including 11 species of African rainforest block known as primates (such as Diana monkey and the Upper Guinea forests. The chimpanzee) and 13 ungulates forest was known for its high including zebra, duiker and pygmy biodiversity, including several hippopotamus. The invertebrate fauna species of global conservation of Gola proved to be rich, with an concern and endemic to Upper estimated 600+ species of Guinea. Now that peace has butterflies, and more than 70 species returned to the country, it has of dragonflies collected during a rapid been possible for the Gola Forest assessment. On the botanical side, Programme to undertake a large- nearly 1000 plant species were scale survey to re-assess the status recorded. Forest structure was of the forest’s wildlife. assessed by identifying, measuring and tagging nearly 9000 trees of over The survey focused on birds, 240 species. Despite the years of mammals and trees, but experts also conflict, Gola has retained the assessed other taxa, including extremely rich biodiversity for which butterflies, dragonflies and non- it is famous, and this survey woody plants. Altogether, 297 bird information provides an essential species were recorded, bringing the baseline against which to evaluate known total for the area to an future management of the forest. White-necked picathartes Pygmy hippopotamus impressive 330 species. All endemic or threatened species with former Contact: The status of priority bird species within the Gola Forest, Sierra Leone records were relocated, including the [email protected] Lindsell JA, Klop E and Alhaji Siaka A (In press) binotatus endangered Gola malimbe, which had First record of Brown Nightjar Caprimulgus African Bird Club. English name Scientific name IUCN status Status in Gola not been recorded for 30 years in the The survey work described was for Sierra Leone. Bulletin of the forest after which it was named. The carried out by teams lead by Dr Erik White-breasted guineafowl Agelastes meleagrides Vulnerable Not uncommon Klop. The Gola Forest Programme is a enigmatic rufous fishing-owl, also See also: 2005: 32 Rufous fishing-owl Scotopelia ussheri Endangered Uncommon collaboration between the RSPB, the Brown-cheeked hornbill Bycanistes cylindricus Near-threatened Locally common endangered, proved extremely Conservation Society of Sierra Leone, elusive but at the very end of the and the Sierra Leone government Yellow-casqued hornbill Ceratogymna elata Near-threatened Very common survey the team were delighted to Forestry Division. This work was Yellow-footed honeyguide Melignomon eisentrauti Data deficient Rare find several along shaded forest funded over the last 2 years by the Western wattled cuckoo-shrike Lobotos lobatus Vulnerable Very rare RSPB, the Darwin Initiative through streams. Yellow-bearded greenbul Criniger olivaceus Vulnerable Widespread DEFRA and The Global Conservation Fund at Conservation International. Green-tailed bristlebill Bleda eximius Vulnerable Widespread Visits were made to 35 active Sharpe’s apalis Apalis sharpii Least concern Common colonies of the globally vulnerable Lindsell JA (2007) The status of Chattering Nimba flycatcher Melaenornis annamarulae Vulnerable Very rare white-necked picathartes, one of Cisticola Cisticola anonymus in Upper Guinea. Tessmann’s flycatcher Muscicapa tessmanni Data deficient Very rare Africa’s most bizarre birds. Whilst 109 Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club, 127: White-necked picathartes Picathartes gymnocephalus Vulnerable Localised active nests were recorded, over half 129-135. Rufous-winged illadopsis Illadopsis rufescens Near-threatened Common of the colonies were located outside Lindsell JA, van der Winden J and Alhaji Siaka A. Langden’s bush strike Malaconotus lagdeni Near-threatened Rare of the reserve in forest remnants in (2007) Extension of breeding range of Preuss’s Copper-tailed starling Lamprotornis cupreocauda Near-threatened Locally common areas of ‘farmbush’, and thus Cliff Swallow Hirundo preussi into south-east worryingly have no formal protection Sierra Leone. Bulletin of the African Bird Club, Gola malimbe Malimbus ballmanni Endangered Very rare status. 14:187-188 22 23

Breeding ecology of spotted flycatchers Mark Hamblin (rspb-images.com)

The ecology of threatened species

Research into the ecology of threatened species has been at the core of RSPB conservation science for many years and continues to provide a wealth of Spotted flycatcher information to guide our own conservation work and to influence others. Outside the UK, the emphasis of our ecological research is on globally threatened bird The spotted flycatcher is red-listed trends (one stable and one declining). trends. species and their habitats in RSPB ‘focal’ countries. Within the UK, where there are as a species of conservation More than half (59%) of all nests in few globally threatened bird species, research is directed mainly at those species concern in the UK with a gardens were successful, whereas Since the main proximate cause of that have declined most. We are also supporting research on threatened species in population decline of over 80% in less than a quarter of nests nest failure was predation, digital other taxonomic groups, particularly those occurring on our own nature reserves. the last three decades. Markedly succeeded in woodland (24%) and cameras were deployed at a sample different regional population farmland (22%). Within the time of nests to identify the species trends within the UK suggest that limits imposed by their migratory responsible. This revealed that avian this summer migrant might be schedule, spotted flycatchers can predators were responsible for 17 out facing problems on its breeding compensate for nest failure by re- of 20 documented predation events, grounds. nesting, or double-brooding following with jay being the most frequently successful nesting attempts. recorded (12 predations). Perhaps A study of breeding ecology in a However, even when this is surprisingly, the only mammalian range of habitats in lowland England accounted for, birds breeding in predator recorded was the domestic (2004-2006) discovered that birds woodland and farmland together have cat (3 predations), with no evidence breeding in gardens have significantly lower seasonal productivity than at all of predation by grey squirrels. higher nest survival than those those breeding in gardens. The breeding in woodland or farmland. relative proportion of birds able to Although there is currently no This effect was consistent across breed in each habitat type may evidence of a UK-wide increase in jay two regions with differing population influence future regional population numbers coinciding with the decline 24 25

Ring ouzel and changes in moorland habitat composition of the spotted flycatcher population, Predicted daily survival rates of nests of spotted flycatcher in relation to The breeding range of the ring are due to changes in moorland habitat data derived from a satellite ongoing work is investigating the date of laying of the first egg. Survival rates increase throughout ouzel in the UK contracted by 27% habitat composition. Secondly, image. Breeding sites were more the season and are consistently higher for nests within gardens. whether population trends of these between 1968-72 and 1988-91, and that habitat composition within likely to have remained occupied if two species are related at a more there was an estimated 58% currently occupied breeding sites they were at higher altitudes and had local level. Consideration is also decrease in breeding numbers differs from that within sites that more heather cover within radii of being given to any factors that may between 1988-91 and 1999, when otherwise appear to be suitable, 200 m and 450 m. have made flycatcher nests more the UK population was estimated but at which breeding has never vulnerable to predation over the to be 6157-7549 breeding pairs. been recorded. Measures of mean slope, altitude years and in the different habitats. Previous studies have indicated and distance to the nearest stream the importance of heather for nest Ring ouzel breeding site occupancy in were then used to identify a set of Contact: sites and short grass for foraging, the Moorfoot Hills, 30 km south of potential, but unused, breeding sites. [email protected] suggesting that changes in the fine Edinburgh, was determined during The habitat surrounding them was scale mosaic of moorland the periods 1952-1985 and 1998- then compared to that around actual This research is being carried out with Natural England as part of the vegetation may affect habitat 2000, and sites were classified as breeding sites. The latter were more Action for Birds in England quality for ring ouzels. This study either occupied or deserted during likely to have heather or grass- partnership and in collaboration with investigated two hypotheses. the latter period. Site occupancy heather mosaic within 100 m than Reading University. Firstly, that declines in abundance during 1998-2000 was then related to potential breeding sites, but there Stevens DK, Anderson GQA, Grice PV and Norris K (2007) Breeding success of Spotted Flycatchers Muscicapa striata in southern England – is woodland a good habitat for this species? Ibis, In press. Ring ouzel Bolton M, Butcher N, Sharpe F, Stevens D and Field Ornithology Fisher G (2007) Remote monitoring of nests using digital camera technology. Journal of Images from , 78 (2): 213-220. a nest camera, showing

Andy Hay (rspb-images.com) predation events by jay at spotted Lane (rspb-images.com) Mike flycatcher nests. 26 27

Corn buntings and agri-environment management in eastern Scotland were otherwise no habitat At the start of the 20th century, differences between actual and corn buntings were common potential breeding sites within radii throughout the British Isles of 200 m or 450 m. wherever cereals were grown. Since then, there have been These results indicate that breeding severe population declines and sites at higher altitudes and with a regional extinctions and, in higher cover of heather were less Scotland, the species is confined

likely to have been deserted, and Colin Carver (rspb-images.com) almost entirely to two areas (the that lack of heather for nesting may east coast lowlands from Fife to prevent topographically suitable Inverness, and the Western Isles), breeding sites from becoming where as few as 800 territorial occupied by ring ouzels. More males remain. Increasingly, within detailed field studies are needed to each area the distribution is understand the mechanisms fragmented and populations underlying these associations. continue to decline.

Contact: [email protected] From spring 2002, special management options were implemented on 14 farms in eastern We are grateful to the late William Brotherston for collecting, and the Scotland through Farmland Bird Scottish Ornithologists’ Club for Lifeline (FBL), an intervention project archiving, the historical data targeted specifically at corn analysed. This study was funded by the RSPB, and data collection during buntings. Management included 1998-2000 was co-funded by the spring-sown cereals with no Natural Environment Research herbicide applications and retained Council and the RSPB as a CASE as over-winter stubbles, set-aside left studentship. unsprayed and uncut throughout the Sim IMW, Burfield IJ, Grant MC, Pearce- Higginstorquatus JW and Brooke M de L (2007). The role summer, and cereal-based wild bird of habitat composition in determining breeding cover crops. site occupancy in a declining Ring Ouzel Turdus population. Ibis 149: 374-385.

See also: 2002: 25; 2006: 37 To determine whether FBL helped to halt or reverse the decline of corn buntings, counts of territorial males in 2002 and 2004 were compared Distribution of heather dominated (dark purple) and heather and across 53 2-km by 2-km squares (19 grass mosaics (light purple) within the Moorfoots study area. The with FBL interventions and 34 locations of occupied (black circles) and deserted (white circles) without). Between 2000 and 2002, historical ring ouzel breeding sites are shown. Other habitats are rough grass (light green), pasture (green), bracken (orange), cotton before FBL began, population grass (yellow) and conifer woodland (grey). The area shown is changes in these two groups of approximately 11 x 17 kilometres. squares did not differ. However, between 2002 and 2004, the number of territorial males decreased by only 5% in FBL Corn bunting 28 29

Satellite tracking northern bald ibis from Syria

tetrads, whereas it declined by 43% Contact: Ian Francis (RSPB) Until 2002, the only known wild these have returned to breed, in non-FBL tetrads. Management [email protected] population of the Critically implying unknown threats to their

intervention was therefore associated Farmland Bird Lifeline is led by Hywel Endangered northern bald ibis was survival on migration or in with reduced short-term probability Maggs and RSPB East Scotland in Morocco. Three pairs were then wintering areas. of corn bunting population decline. A Region, with contributions from discovered in Syria, where it was Scottish Natural Heritage, the longer-term study is in place to thought to have been extinct since Satellite tags were fitted to three Biodiversity Action Grant Scheme monitor population response to five- (supported by the Scottish the 1930s. Unlike the Moroccan breeding adults to follow their year management agreements under Executive), and the Farming and birds, these are migratory, only migration between July 2006 and the Scottish Executive’s Rural Wildlife Advisory Group. Adam being present in Syria from March 2007. They left the colony on Watson and Chris Smout monitored Stewardship Scheme (RSS) and will non-FBL farms in Aberdeenshire and February-July.The migration route 18 July along with an untagged adult, report in 2009. Fife, respectively. Natural England and wintering sites were three non-breeding sub-adults and six Set-aside left unsprayed and and the University of Edinburgh are uncut provides insect food and unknown, although historic fledglings. They flew directly south partners in ongoing studies of corn In response to the finding that one- nest sites for corn buntings records suggested locations in the across the eastern desert of Jordan, buntings. third of first nesting attempts were in Middle East and northeast Africa. down the west coast of Saudi Arabia

grass cut for silage, and that few of Perkins AJ, Maggs HE, Wilson JD, Watson A Allan Bull Discovering these is critically into Yemen, where they stayed for and Smout C (in press). Targeted management these nests fledged before the fields intervention reduces rate of population decline important for the successful three weeks. They then crossed the of corn buntings Emberiza calandra in eastern were mown during June and July, Scotland. Bird Study. conservation of this population. Red Sea directly to Ethiopia, arriving further work within FBL now includes Although 20 offspring have fledged at their wintering site, just northeast Wilson J, Anderson G, Perkins A, Wilkinson N trials of an option to delay grass and Maggs H (2007) Adapting agri-environment since 2002, only one or two of of Addis Ababa, by 19 August. They management to multiple drivers of decline of mowing until 1 August. Monitoring of corn buntings Emberiza calandra across their UK nesting activity in these fields will range. Aspects of Applied Biology 81: 191-198 test the value of this management See also: 2002: 27 for corn buntings, and its practicality and viability to farmers.

Corn bunting nest with chicks in grass silage

The relative abundance of corn buntings in tetrads in eastern Scotland before (2002) and after (2004) the start of Farmland Bird Lifeline (FBL).

5 FBL tetrads

Non FBL tetrads 4

The migration route of 1 northern bald ibis breeding in Syria as revealed by satellite 0 tracking in 2006-2007 Before FBL After FBL 30 31

Threats to Jerdon’s courser in India TBC

remained there until 9 February Jerdon’s courser is one of the From satellite images it was possible 2007 using a small area of upland world’s rarest and most threatened to map the total extent of scrub pasture and farmland. Field birds. Results from new field jungle and those parts of it most observations revealed that the methods have now been combined suitable for Jerdon’s courser. A untagged adult was with the three with the analysis of satellite considerable proportion of both tagged birds but none of the sub- images to assess the level of courser tracking strip records and

adults or juveniles were present. threat to the species’ habitat. suitable habitat lay outside the Jeganathan Panchapakesan boundaries of the protected Their return route followed the The habitat preferences of Jerdon’s sanctuary. Furthermore, analysis of a western shore of the Red Sea courser were studied in the only sequence of satellite images showed though Eritrea into Sudan, where place in the world where it is known that, as scrub jungle outside the A Jerdon’s courser photographed by a camera trap while foraging at they crossed the Red Sea, at its to occur: scrub jungle in and near the sanctuary has been cleared for night widest point, back into Saudi Arabia. Sri Lankamaleswara Wildlife cultivation and pasture, 10-15% of The three tagged ibises and four Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, India. courser habitat had been lost Contact: [email protected] others returned to the colony in The presence of the nocturnal and between 1990 and 2000. Since then We acknowledge the help of the March. Careful checking of individual elusive coursers was detected using the rate of loss has accelerated. On Principal Chief Conservator of Forests head patterns revealed that the 300 randomly placed five-metre long top of this the construction of a new (Wildlife) of Andhra Pradesh Forest untagged adult that migrated to tracking strips consisting of a layer of irrigation canal has already led to the Department and the District Forest Officer of the Cuddapah District. This Ethiopia had not returned. Although powdery soil about 2 cm thick. The destruction of one known Jerdon’s study was part of a Bombay Natural the migration route and wintering birds left their characteristic footprints courser locality and further History Society/RSPB/University of site of some adults is now known, on these strips and the proportion of construction work and associated Reading project funded by the Darwin Initiative. young birds must have a different strips showing tracks per night was scrub clearance for farming seem strategy and there must be other used as a measure of abundance and likely to cause more habitat loss. The Jeganathan P, Green RE, Norris K, Vogiatzakis ibis wintering sites elsewhere. habitat use. Bombay Natural History Society is I.N, Bartsch A, Wotton SR. Bowden CGR, Tagging young birds to address this working closely with the Andhra Griffiths GH, Pain D and Rahmani AR (2004) Modelling habitat selection and distribution of question directly is now a priority. Coursers used lightly wooded scrub Pradesh Forest Department to help theApplied Critically Ecology Endangered Jerdon’s courser Rhinoptilus bitorquatus in scrub jungle: an jungle and avoided areas that were protect the remaining habitat both Contact: application of a new tracking method. Journal of 41: 224-237. [email protected] either completely open or that had a within and outside the sanctuary high density of bushes and trees. area. Jeganathan P, Rahmani ARand Green RE (2005) This work is being carried out with Construction of Telugu-Ganga Canal in and the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture around two protected areas in Cuddapah District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Immediate and Agrarian Reform; BirdLife Middle threatbitorquatus. to the world population of the critically East and the Ethiopian Wildlife and endangered Jerdon’s Courser Rhinoptilus Natural History Society and is Survey Report. Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai. funded by RSPB, the National Geographic Society, African-Eurasian Senapathi D, Vogiatzakis IN, Jeganathan P, Gill Waterbird Agreement, the JA, Green RE, Bowden CGR, Rahmani AR, Pain Ornithological Society of the Middle DJ and Norris K (2007) Use of remote sensing to measure change in the extent of habitat for East, the African Bird Club and the critically endangered Jerdon’s Courser in Chester Zoo. India. Ibis 149: 328-337.

Peske L (2007) Satellite tagging of three See also: 2002: 29 Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) in Syria in 2006 in Boehm, C., Bowden, C.G.R., Jordan, M. & King, C. (eds) 2007. Northern Bald Ibis Clearance of scrub jungle for a conservation and reintroduction workshop. new irrigation canal cuts a swathe Proceedings of the International Advisory through the courser’s habitat. Group for the Northern Bald Ibis (IAGNBI). Vejer, Spain. Agricultural development is likely to follow this route and further

See also: 2001: 24: 2002: 30 Bald ibis Jeganathan Panchapakesan erode the species’ living space. 32 33 Mike Edwards (rspb-images.com) Conservation management for the great yellow bumblebee Dave Beaumont Andy Knight Contact: [email protected]

The initial study was carried out as a studentship at the University of Cambridge, co-funded by NERC and RSPB, in association with the Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London. Nicola Redpath, the current PhD student at the University of Stirling is funded jointly by the University, RSPB, and The Bumblebee Conservation Trust, via Scottish Natural Heritage. Habitat management is being carried out with funding from Esmee Fairburn Trust, Forward Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund.

Charman TG (2007) Ecology and conservation genetics of Bombus distinguendus, the Great Nicola Redpath catching a Yellow Bumblebee. PhD thesis, University of GYBB queen in 2007, in a Cambridge. corncrake early cover crop in Orkney. A strip of corncrake early cover and GYBB flowers at Durkadale, Orkney. See also: 2002:16: 2006: 9

Formerly widespread, the great nest. They require a succession of flowering plants to set seed and Great yellow bumblebee yellow bumblebee is now a rare flowering plants to provide pollen and provide food for the workers and the species, closely associated with nectar during their flight season from next generation of queens. Bird cover machair and other species-rich May to September and thus used a crops, originally used to provide grasslands in the Northern Isles, range of habitats, such as machair winter seed for small birds, are also Pattern of use of flowers by great yellow bumblebees on South Uist in 2004. north coast of Scotland and pasture and silage fields, as flowers being adopted and investigated as Hebrides – shared strongholds of became available. Relatively few early cover for corncrakes and as May June July August the corncrake. A recent study by meadows are now managed in a way nectar and pollen sources for Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Mid Tom Charman investigated the that provides this diversity, but bumblebees. In early spring, when species’ ecology and conservation management for corncrakes appears queen bumblebees emerge from genetics. Genetic differences to be particularly beneficial, if hibernation, fodder rape, turnips and Bird’s foot trefoil among bee populations within 50 flowering plants are present and not mustards within these crops, are White clover km were minor, but were more mown before September. often the only flowering plants Kidney vetch marked for those on islands more around. than 100 km apart, indicating To increase bumblebee populations Yellow rattle limited dispersal. In the Hebrides, and make them more robust to To help expand the bee’s range and Tufted vetch nest densities were low (estimated changes in land use or climate, land increase its population, a further PhD at 20 per square kilometre in managed for corncrakes in the study is investigating cost-effective Red clover South Uist), but despite the small Hebrides, north Scotland and in methods of restoring flower-rich Lesser burdock populations, there was no Orkney is being enhanced by grasslands and machair. Work is also evidence of inbreeding. increasing the species richness of underway to identify areas suitable Black knapweed grass fields. Grazing and mowing is for restoration. Most foraging by worker bumblebees delayed, in some cases into occurred within one kilometre of the September, thereby allowing 34 35

Ecology and conservation E. Rotheray E. Rotheray of the aspen hoverfly

stands in the Scottish Highlands, suggest some dispersal is occurring together covering just 160 ha. Annual but it is not known if they will fly over dead wood surveys of a sample of open areas or whether aspen stands sites are used to predict when the need to be connected for population amount of breeding habitat might expansion to occur. become limiting. From 2002 to 2004 there was a shortage of dead wood Methods to create suitable rot but subsequent winter storms have conditions are being tested at Insh resulted in a plentiful supply and Marshes. Initial success was short- numbers of larvae estimated from lived and the rot dried up after a year. standard counts increased to 1000 in Different ways of cutting dead aspen 2006. trees are now being investigated to Aspen hoverflies breed in dead or see if suitable conditions can be decaying aspen trees and are a Detailed studies of adult flies, by sustained for longer. flagship for many other saproxylic Ellen Rotheray from Reading (dead wood) insects. The core University, found larger numbers of Contact: Ecological process population is in the Scottish adults emerging than expected from [email protected] Highlands and includes RSPB Insh simple larval counts: 231 adults RSPB is working in partnership with Marshes reserve, with four smaller emerged from one log alone. SNH and the Malloch Society to and issues research populations elsewhere. Although providing a measure of conserve this UK Biodiversity Action Plan species. relative abundance, the standardised While studies of individual species will remain a cornerstone in RSPB’s Eggs are laid under the bark of large counts clearly underestimate the Rotheray E (2006) The ecology, abundance and research portfolio, we are now studying an increasingly broad range of dead or fallen trees and branches. total larval population. Adults took adult requirements of the BAP hoverfly, Hammerschmidtia ferruginea (Diptera, The larvae feed on microbes in the pollen and nectar in succession from Syrphidae) in relation to the management of ecological processes and issues that affect birds. These include studies aspen (Populus tremula). Unpublished MSc rotting tissues and, within each tree bird cherry, hawthorn and rowan. thesis, University of Reading. of habitat management and restoration, the impact of disturbance, or branch, conditions only remain Mark-recapture methods Rotheray GE (2006) Restoring the BAP predation and pollution on bird populations, and the wide-scale impacts suitable for about two years. Large demonstrated that adults can live for hoverflies, B. fallax and H. ferruginea (Diptera, Syrphidae): research, survey and recovery of land uses such as agriculture. Overarching all these is the increasing stands of aspen, generally over five up to 55 days and disperse between attempts 2002-2005. Unpublished report to SNH hectares, appear to be required to 1 to 1.5 km. Several factors, including and RSPB. need to understand and make allowance for the impacts of a changing provide a constant supply of fresh the appearance of unmarked climate. Wherever possible, our research seeks to design novel solutions See also: 2004: 20; 2005: 25; 2006: dead wood. There are only 14 such individuals within the study area, 27 to mitigate the effects of any deleterious impacts.

The estimated number of larvae of aspen hoverfly in Scotland 36 37

Is the Scottish crossbill a species?

Piertney SB, Summers RW and Marquiss M (2001). Microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA homogeneity among phenotypically diverse crossbillRoyal Society taxa in of the London UK. Proceedings B of the , 268: 1511-1517.

Summers RW, Dawson RJG and Phillips RE (2007). Assortative mating and patterns of inheritance indicate that the three crossbill taxa inBiology Scotland are species. Journal of Avian

38: 153-162. Mike Richards (rspb-images.com)

Summers RW, Jardine DC, Marquiss M and Rae R. (2002). The distribution of crossbills Loxia spp. in Britain, with special reference to the Scottish crossbill Loxia scotica. Ibis 144: 393-410.

Scottish crossbill See also: 2001: 23: 2006: 15

Danny Green (rspb-images.com) Danny Scottish crossbill

Populations are regarded as which also breeds in Britain in partners with similar bill size and call The relationship between the bill depths of paired The relationship between mean bill depth (mm) species if they are largely small numbers. type. Only two of 46 pairs (4.3%) male and female crossbills. Individuals using the of young male Scottish crossbills and the mid- three common crossbill call types are shown as point in bill depth of their parents(filled circles). reproductively isolated and if they were mixed species. triangles; the Scottish crossbill type as squares; and Data for three pairs of parrot crossbills (open have a diagnostic feature that Despite this, the apparent resilience the parrot crossbill type as circles. The ellipses circles) are also shown. Ranges are given for the enables individuals within that of the Scottish population in the face A study with captive-bred crossbills enclose the 95% ranges for common crossbill and sizes of young within broods of more than one parrot crossbill bill sizes. Pairs 1 and 2 fell outside chick. population to be identified. of potential loss through hybridisation showed that bill depth was highly the parallel lines between the 95% ranges and were Although the Scottish crossbill has led to the subsequent elevation of heritable; small-billed crossbills gave regarded as mixed species pairs. been regarded as a species for over the Scottish crossbill to species rise to small-billed young and large- 20 years there has been some status. Although the discovery of billed birds produced large-billed doubt over this classification. distinct calls supported this view, a young. These two strands of Being slightly larger, it was initially recent study failed to find genetic evidence, showing that there is classed as a sub-species of the differentiation in neutral microsatellite reproductive isolation between the common crossbill. Its larger bill and mitochondrial DNA among the crossbill groups and that bill size is size is believed to be adapted to three species. heritable, indicate that the Scottish opening Scot’s pine cones, crossbill can be treated as a species. whereas the common crossbill Species status was further tested by The current lack of genetic specialises on the cones of Norway examining mating patterns and bill differentiation in neutral DNA spruce. Common crossbills size inheritance. If crossbills have between the three crossbill taxa may regularly invade Britain after partners with similar bill size and simply reflect a small amount of failures of the spruce crop in calls, and produce young with similar cross-mating. Fennoscandia and Russia, so have bill sizes, then their separate species the opportunity to hybridise with status would be upheld. Pairs were Contact: Scottish crossbills. This also trapped close to their nests and calls [email protected] applies to the parrot crossbill, recorded. Birds largely mated with 38 39

Poisoning of reintroduced red kites through exposure to lead ammunition

Contact: [email protected] Comparison of lead isotope ratio values in tissue from red kite and from gunshot, petrol and coal. This work was a collaboration between RSPB, Natural England, the Institute of Zoology, NERC, CEH and Aberdeen University. Chemical analyses were funded by Natural England and RSPB.

Fisher IJ, Pain DJ and Thomas VG (2006) A

David Kjaer (rspb-images.com) Kjaer David reviewConservation of lead poisoning from ammunition sources in terrestrial birds. Biological 131:421-432.

Pain DJ, Carter I, Sainsbury AW, Shore RF, Eden P, Taggart MA, Konstantinos S, Walker LA, Mehargmilvus AA and Raab A (2007) Lead contamination and associated disease in captive and reintroduced red kites Milvus Environment in England. Science of the Total 376:116-127.

See also: 2002: 32; 2006: 42 46 47

Exceptional heather die-back at Abernethy Forest Reserve Mark Hamblin(rspb-images.com) Laurie Campbell (rspb-images.com)

Capercaillie

Heather is dominant over large The effects and possible causes of The die-back of heather in old forest unexpected changes in plant Minimum daily humidity readings for Aviemore, near Abernethy areas of old native pinewood and this event were investigated using stands was linked to a doubling in communities of conservation Forest RSPB Reserve, winter 2002/3. The greyed area and central line show the long-term smoothed mean, plus and minus two adjacent moorland at the RSPB data collected for the management bilberry cover over the subsequent importance. In this case, the standard deviations. The points show the daily record for winter Abernethy Forest Reserve. To trials, microclimate measurements three years, thus making an changes probably benefited key 2002/3. The exceptional low humidity period is circled. improve conditions for capercaillie and meteorological data. In February unexpected extra contribution to management objectives at and encourage natural forest 2003 there was a period of record- reserve management objectives. Abernethy, but where heathland expansion, a series of breaking low humidity, during which Heather die-back on open moorland conservation is the priority, such an management trials is testing the unusually low heather shoot moisture was more severe where heather was event might have been viewed very effects of different approaches to levels were recorded, especially in initially less abundant, and hence led differently. reducing heather dominance. In areas that later had more severe die- to an increase in heather patchiness. Contact: 2003, shortly after these trials back. Locations with colder This may provide enhanced [email protected] started, heather suffered microclimates and longer, (and opportunities for tree colonisation This work was supported by the EU exceptional and unexpected therefore probably older) heather also and thus also aid reserve Life fund, BP through the Scottish natural die-back, both on the suffered greater die-back. This management objectives. Forest Alliance, Edinburgh University reserve and more widely in the suggests that die-back followed and Scottish Natural Heritage. central Scottish highlands. In severe ‘winter desiccation’, caused Local meteorological data revealed an UK Meteorological Office weather data were supplied by the British monitored heather-dominated by extremely low humidity, combined eight-fold increase in the variability of Atmospheric Data Centre areas of the reserve, live heather with low temperatures, lack of snow winter humidity minima between the cover declined by a third, with cover, and heather vulnerability due last two decades. This event minimal recovery after three to advanced age. highlights the potential for increasing growing seasons. climatic variability to cause major, 48 49

The global spread of H5N1 avian influenza

By autumn 2006, highly While three-quarters of known where it is absent – through infected Contact: Mike Lane(rspb-images.com) pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza introductions into Asian countries poultry, and into mainland US by [email protected] had been found in 53 countries, were most likely to have been due to subsequent movement of migrating Kilpatrick AM, Chmura AA, Gibbons DW, hundreds of millions of poultry poultry trade, nearly all of those into birds from neighbouring countries Fleischer RC, Marra PP and Daszak P (2006) Predicting the global spread of H5N1 avian had died or been culled to prevent European countries were most likely such as Canada or Mexico. influenza.of Sciences Proceedings of the National Academy 103: 19368-19373. spread of the virus, and 150 to have been caused by migratory Consequently, current surveillance people had died. movements of wild birds, principally plans focussing on the Alaskan See also: 2006: 49 out of Eastern Europe during very migratory bird pathway may fail to In order to predict and prevent future cold weather in early 2006. detect the introduction of H5N1 into spread of the virus it was essential Furthermore, H5N1 is most likely to the Americas in time to prevent its to determine how it had spread. be introduced into the Americas – spread to poultry. RSPB, with colleagues from the Consortium for Conservation Medicine and the Smithsonian Institute, investigated the importance of three possible pathways: migratory birds, the Spread of H5N1 up until autumn 2006. Pie charts show the total number of infectious bird days and proportion transport of poultry, and trade in wild from each pathway for birds moving between previous outbreak countries and the focal country. Arrows give birds. the month of outbreak and hypothesized direction of spread for 2003-05 introductions. White pie charts show introductions into countries, which were inconsistent with reported wild bird and poultry trade and the direction of migratory birds in the months of outbreak. The most likely pathway for the introduction of H5N1 into each country was determined using data on trade in poultry and wild birds, and the migratory and cold weather movements of wildfowl, the main reservoirs for highly pathogenic avian influenza. For each pathway, the number of birds entering a country from those previously infected was determined, and multiplied by estimates of the prevalence of H5N1 and the number of days for which each bird would be infectious. Pathways that clearly had the highest risk were considered the most likely for that country. A genetic analysis of the relatedness of viruses from different countries helped refine the most likely pathway where there were multiple Mute swan candidates. All 23 H5N1 country outbreaks detected first in wild birds were in dead or sick wildfowl (17 swans, six geese and ducks). This suggests that surveillance should focus on dead or sick wildfowl in order to detect H5N1 quickly. 50 51

Research project Student University Partner

Agriculture and biodiversity: India Malvika Onial Cambridge DH Stone curlews and conservation management Alison Johnston Cambridge NE Agriculture and biodiversity: Ghana Ben Phalan Cambridge StJC, RG, BOU Water levels for breeding waders Sarah Eglington East Anglia NERC, NE Disturbance in Caledonian pine forests Mark Hancock Edinburgh Corn bunting declines in Scotland Allan Perkins Edinburgh SNH Farmyard manure and breeding waders Charlotte Horton Harper Adams Controlling ragwort without herbicides Eleanor Seargent Open University Leader+, NE, EA Conservation of Bryozoa Samantha Hill Reading EA Breeding ecology of spotted flycatchers Danaë Stevens Reading NE Manipulating vegetation structure for birds Tony Morris Reading Managed retreat on the Cromarty Firth Amy Crowther Stirling Flora and blanket bog management Lindsey Rendle Wales, Newport Kite population dynamics Andrew Simkins Wolverhampton Metapopulation dynamics of willow tits Finn Stewart Nottingham NERC PhD training Population change in European birds and bio-climate models Nathalie Doswald Durham NERC Gough island birds conservation Ross Wanless Cape Town The RSPB funds and supervises a wide range of PhD studentships each year.This is IBA programme in Sri Lanka Chinthaka Kaluthota Colombo a valuable mechanism for undertaking important research, and shows the RSPB’s Corncrakes on Shannon callows Anita Donaghy Cork Dúchas commitment to the training of new conservation biologists. Remote sensing of African IBAs George Eshiamwata Nairobi BLA, GEM Forest management and globally threatened birds Dami Filibus Danjuma Nigeria APLORI Conservation ecology of the St Helena wirebird Fiona Burns Bath The following list shows PhD studentships involving the RSPB that were underway or Management of forest restock plantations for newly started during 2006 and 2007. RSPB staff have been involved in the supervision of black grouse Jenny Owens Stirling SNH, FR all these and the majority were also supported by varying amounts of funding and other Disease in urban house sparrows Daria Dadam Liverpool IoZ in kind support. RSPB helped to initiate and continues to help fund the annual Student Determining the causes of ring ouzel declines Innes Sim Aberdeen SNH Conference on Conservation Science at Cambridge.

Key: APLORI - Leventis Ornitholigical Research Institute (APLORI) at Jos, Nigeria; BOU – British Ornithologists Union; BLA – BirdLife Africa Partnership Secretariat; DH – Dorothy Hodgkin postgraduate award; EA – Environment Agency; FR – Forest Research; IoZ – Institute of Zoology; GEM – GEM EC Joint Research Centre; Leader+ – Somerset Moors and Levels Leader+; NE – Natural England; NERC – Natural Environment Research Council; RG – Robert Gardner Memorial Trust; SNH – Scottish Natural Heritage; StJC – St John’s College

Congratulations are also due to the following former students who have been awarded their PhD/DPhils: Oskars Keiss (Riga), Giselle Murison (UEA), Elisabeth Taylor (Cambridge), Tom Charman (Cambridge), James Gilroy (UEA), Sandra Pratt (Edinburgh), Irena Herzon (Helsinki), Dave Smith (Reading), Panchapakesan Jeganathan (Bombay) 52 53

Animal Ecology continent-wide impacts of agricultural Sutherland WJ (2006) Census error and the trends of widespread woodland birds in Europe. intensification on European farmland birds, detection of density-dependence. Journal of Ibis doi: 10.1111/j.1474-919x.2007.00698.x. Publications in scientific journals, 1990–2000.Environment Agriculture, Ecosystems and 75: 837-851. Gruar D, Barritt D and Peach WJ (2006) 116: 189-196. Summer utilization of Oilseed Rape by Reed Fuller RJ, Atkinson PW, Garnett MC, Conway Buntings Emberiza schoeniclus and other proceedings and books Donald PF, Sanderson FJ, Burfield IJ, Bierman GJ, Bibby CJ and Johnstone IG (2006) farmland birds. Bird Study 53: 47-54. SM, Gregory RD and Waliczky Z (2007) Breeding bird communities in the upland The complete list of all of the RSPB’s scientific publications for 2006 and the first half of 2007. International conservation policy delivers margins (the Ffridd) of central Wales. Bird Study Henderson IG, Morris AJ, Westbury DB, benefits for birds in Europe. Science 317: 810- 53: 177-186. Woodcock BA, Potts SG, Ramsey A and Study 54 Ibis 813 Coombes R (2007) Effects of field margin Allison M and Ausden M (2006) Effects of 149: 255-263. and distribution of European Nightjars Gibbons DW, Bohan DA, Rothery P, Stuart RC, management on bird distributions around cereal removing the litter and humic layers on Caprimulgus europaeus in the UK in 2004. Bird Drewitt AL and Langston RHW (2006) Haughton AJ, Scott RJ, Wilson JD, Perry JN, fields. Aspects of Applied Biology 81: 53-60. Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds. Clark SJ, Dawson RJG and Firbank L (2006) heathland establishment following plantation BoltonOrnithology M, Butcher N, Sharpe F, Stevens D and : 98-111. removal. Biological Conservation 127: 177-182. Fisher G (2007) Remote monitoring of nests Ibis 148: 29-42. Weedof the seedRoyal resources Society, for birds in fields with Hilton GM, Thompson DR, Sagar PM, Cuthbert using digital camera technology. Journal of Field Cuthbert RJ, Green RE, Ranade S, Saravanan contrasting conventional and genetically RJ, Cherel Y and Bury SJ (2006) A stable Eaton MA, Dillon IA, Stirling-Aird PK and modified herbicide-tolerant crops. Proceedings isotopic investigation into the causes of decline Amar A, Smith K and Lindsell J (2006) 78: 213-220. S, Pain DJ, Prakash V and Cunningham AA Biology Population changes of some bird species in (2006)Animal Rapid Conservation population declines of Egyptian Whitfield PD (2007) Status of Golden Eagle B 273: 1921-1928. in a sub-Antarctic predator, the rockhopper Scottish and Welsh Atlantic Oakwoods between Bolton M, Tyler G, Smith K and Bamford R vultures (Neophron percnopterus) and red- Aquila chrysaetos in Britain in 2003. Bird Study penguin Eudyptes chrysocome. 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Bellamy PE, Rothery P, Amar A, Hewson CM Anderson GQA and Fergusson MJ (2006) DJ (2006) NSAIDs and scavenging birds: , in Scotland in the winter 2003-04. and Gosler AG (2007) Habitat selection by Energy from biomass in the UK: sources, Bradbury RB and Kirby WJ (2006) Farmland potential impacts beyond Asia’s critically Bird Study 54: 145-153. Gilbert G, Tyler GA, Dunn CJ, Ratcliffe N and Marsh Tits Poecile palustris in the UK. Ibis doi: processes and biodiversity implications. Ibis birds and resource protection in the UK: Cross- endangered vultures. Biology Letters 3: 90-93. Smith KW (2007) The influence of habitat 10.1111/j.1474-919x.2007.00691.x 148: 180-183. cutting solutions for multi-functional farming? El Bekkay M, Oubrou W, Ribi M, Smith K and management on the breeding success of the Biological Conservation 129: 530-542. Cuthbert R, Pain DJ, Green RE, Swan G and Bowden C (2007) Un programme de Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris in Britain. Ibis Huntley B, Collingham YC, Green RE, Hilton Aratrakorn S, Thunhikorn S and Donald PF Swarup D (2006) Comparative toxicity studies of conservation pour l'ibis chauve au Maroc. 149: 53-66. GM, Rahbek C and Willis SG (2006) Potential Ostrich 78: 155-157. impacts of climatic change upon geographical (2006)Conservation Changes International in bird communities following BrookeConservation M de L, Hilton GM and Martins TLF NSAIDs in birds: A criticism of Reddy et al. conversion of lowland forest to oil palm and (2007) Prioritising the world's islands for Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology23: cyaneus GodfreyWildlife A and Middlebrook I (2007) distributions of birds. Ibis 148: 8-28. & Migration rubber plantations in southern Thailand. Bird vertebrate eradication programmes. Animal 254-255. Etheridge B and Summers RW (2006) Invertebrates associated with coarse woody 16: 71-82. 10: 380-390 Movements of British Hen Harriers Circus debris in streams and rivers in Britain. British Jackson DB (2006) The breeding biology of Dalsgaard B, Hilton GM, Gray GAL, Aymer L, outside the breeding season. Ringing 18: 178-183. introduced hedgehogs (Erinaceus europeaus) on Atkinson PW, Austin GE, Rehfisch MM, Baker Brooke M de L, Hilton GM and Martins TLF Boatswain J, Daley J, Fenton C, Martin J, 23: 6-14. a Scottish island: lessons for population control H, Cranswick P, Kershaw M, Robinson J, (2007) The complexities of costing eradications: Martin L, Murrain P, Arendt WJ, Gibbons DW Goss-Custard JD, West AD, Yates MG, Caldow and bird conservation. Journal of Zoology 268: Langston RHW, Stroud DA, Van Turnhout C and a reply to Donlan & Wilcox. Animal Conservation and Olesen JM (2007) Impacts of a volcanic Evans AD and Green RE (2007) An example of RWG, Stillman RAS, Castilla J, Castro M, 303-314. 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(2007)Ornithology Prioritising the world's islands for Danielsen F, Burgess ND, Balmford A, Fjeldsa J, Zoology Biological Conservation 130: 549-559. vertebrate eradication: or how to obtain Andrianandrasana HT, Becker CD, Bennun L, 10.1007/510336-007-0216-3. Nagarajan R, Owens IPF, Pacheco C, Perez- Uist in the absence of natural predators and the maximum bangs for bucks spent. Journal of Brashares JS, Christiansen S, Donald PF, Hurtado A, Rogers D, Scheiffarth,G Sitters H, implications for nesting birds. Journal of Ausden M, Allison M and Kemp M (2006) 147: pp 115. Eguino S, Enghoff M, Funder M, Gray M, Evansrustica. KL, Agriculture, Wilson JD Ecosystemsand Bradbury and RB (2007) Sutherland WK, Triplet P, Worral DA, Zharikov Y, 271: 210-217 Creation of heathland and acid grassland on Hubertz H, Jones JPG, Oetting I, Poulsen MK, EffectsEnvironment of crop type and aerial invertebrate Zwarts L and Pettifor RA (2006) Intake rates agriculturally improved land. 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Aspects of Peach W, Dodd S, Westbury DB, Mortimer SR, Pain D and Norris K (2007) Use of remote Summers RW, McFarlane J and Pearce- Birds. Ibis 148:1-3. 81: 23-30. Harris SJ, Brook AJ, Lewis P, Buckingham DL sensing to measure change in the extent of Higgins J (2007) Measuring avoidance of Whittingham MJ, Devereux CL, Evans AD and and Chaney K (2007) Cereal-based Wholecrop habitat for the critically endangered Jerson’s woodland by capercaillie in pine woodland. Bradbury RB (2006) Altering perceived Langston RHW, Fox AD and Drewitt AL (2006) Mortimer S, Westbury D, Dodd S, Brook A, Silage: a Potential Conservation Measure for Courser Rhinoptilus bitorquatusin in India. Ibis Wildlife Biology 13: 19-27. predation risk and food availability: Conference plenary discussion, conclusions and Harris S, Kessock-Philip R, Chaney K, Lewis P, Farmland Birds in Pastoral Landscapes. In: 149: 328-337. managementEcology prescriptions to benefit farmland recommendations. Ibis 148: 210-216. 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Vickery JA, Wilson JD and Freckleton RP (2007) productivity of breeding Nightjar Caprimulgus enhance nest survival. Bird Study 54: 168-175. ShouldLetters conservation strategies consider Ibis 149: 27-36. Murison G, Bullock JM, Underhill-Day J, Pearce-HigginsChange in Mountain JW and Regions. Beale C (2006) Swan GE, Cuthbert R, Quevedo M, Green RE, generality? Farmland birds show regional not Langston RHW, Brown AF and Sutherland WJ Assessing the impacts of climate change on Sim IMW, Burfield IJ, Grant MC, Pearce- Pain DJ, Bartels P, Cunningham AA, Duncan N, national patterns of habitat association. Ecology Langston RHW, Smith T, Brown AF and (2007) Habitat type determines the effects of upland birds in the UK. In: Price MF (Ed) Global Higginstorquatus JW and de L Brooke M (2007) The role MehargLetters AA, Oaks JL, Parry-Jones J, Shultz S, 10: 25-35. 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Reports, theses and other publications

Amar A, HewsonUK Sustainable CM, Thewlis Development RM, Smith Strategy KW, Indicator, Unpublished report to the RSPB. Bird Distribution and Change in the Peak Fuller R J, Lindsell J, Conway G, Butler S and RSPB and BTO, Thetford and Sandy. District.Moors for the Future Report 11, Moors MacDonald MA (2006) What's happening to our Jimenez-Armesto M, Boehm C and Bowden C for the Future Partnership, UK. woodland birds? Long-term changes in the EFSA (2006a) EFSA Scientific report on (Compilers) (2006) International Single Species populations of woodland birds. RSPB Research Migratory Birds and their Possible Role in the Action Plan for the Conservation of the Northern Rotheray E (2006) The ecology, abundance and Report No 19, RSPB, Sandy. Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita. AEWA Technical adult requirements of the BAP hoverfly, ISBN: 1 901930734 Adopted by written procedure 12 May 2006. Series No. 10. Bonn, Germany. Hammerschmidtia ferruginea (Diptera, EFSA-Q-2005-243. Annex to The EFSA Journal Syrphidae) in relation to the management of Anderson G, Shorrock G and Hunter F (2007) (2006) 357, 1-46. European Food Standards Johnstone IG, Thorpe RI and Noble DG (2006) Aspen, Populus tremulus. MSc report, Surveys for key threatened birds and mammals, Agency, Milan. The State of Birds in Wales 2005. RSPB Cymru, University of Reading. a preliminary survey of Odonata and casual Cardiff. records of Amphibians along major river EFSA (2006b) Addendum to the Scientific Rotheray G (2006) Restoring the BAP Hoverflies systems in Gola Forest; November - December Opinion on Migratory Birds and their Possible Johnstone IG, Bladwell S and Noble DG (2007) Blera fallax and Hammerschmidtia ferruginea 2006. Unpublished report, RSPB, Sandy. Role in the Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian The State of Birds in Wales 2006. RSPB Cymru, (Diptera, Sryphidae). Unpublished report to Influenza. Addendum adopted 11 December Cardiff. SNH and RSPB. Angel A, Brown D, Cooper J, Hilton G and 2006. EFSA-Q-2005-243. Annex to The EFSA Sanders S (2006) The introduced rodents of Journal (2006) 357, 1-18. European Food Jones CA, Basch G, Baylis AD, Bazzoni D, Biggs Ryan PG (2006) Inaccessible Island Bird Tristan da Cunha and Gough Islands (South Standards Agency, Milan. J, Bradbury RB, Chaney K, Deeks LK, Field R, Monitoring Manual. RSPB Research Report Atlantic): impacts and management options. Gómez JA, Jones RJA, Jordan VWL, Lane MCG, No.16, RSPB, Sandy. ISBN: 1 90193070x RSPB Research Report No 17, RSPB, Sandy. Fisher IJ, Pain DJ and Thomas VG (2006) A Leake A, Livermore M, Owens PN, Ritz K, ISBN: 1 901930696 review of lead poisoning in terrestrial birds. Sturny WG and Thomas F (2006) Conservation Smith D (2007) Managing agri-environment RSPB, Sandy. Agriculture in Europe: An approach to grass fields and margins for Orthoptera and Boehm C, Bowden CGR, Jordan M and King C sustainable crop production by protecting soil farmland birds. PhD thesis, University of (Eds) (2007) Northern Bald Ibis Conservation Gibbons DW, Amar A, Anderson GQA, Bolton and water? SOWAP, Jealott’s Hill, Bracknell. Reading. and Reintroduction workshop. Proceedings of M, Brdabury RB, Eaton MA, Evans AD, Grant 2nd Meeting of International Advisory Group for MC, Gregory RD, Hilton GM, Hirons GJM, MacDonald MA (2006) The indirect effects of Stevens D (2007) The Spotted Flycatcher Northern Bald Ibis (IAGNBI), Vejer, Spain, Hughes, L, Johnstone I, Newbery P, Peach WJ, increased nutrient inputs on birds in the UK: a Enquiry - 50 years on. In: Devon Birds .DBWPS, September 2006. Ratcliffe N, Smith KW, Summers RW, Walton P review. RSPB Research Report No 21, RSPB, Okehampton. and Wilson JD (2007) The predation of wild birds Sandy. ISBN: 1 901930777 Bright J A (2006) Insects on farmland and their in the UK: a review of its conservation impact Stevens D (2007) The RSPB/English Nature importance to granivorous birds. PhD thesis. and management. RSPB Research Report no MacDonald MA, Densham JM, Davis R and Spotted Flycatcher Project in South Devon 2006. University of Stirling. 23, RSPB, Sandy Armstrong-Brown S (2006) Force-feeding the In: Devon Birds. DBWPS, Okehampton. countryside: the impacts of nutrients on birds Bright JA, Langston RHW, Bullman R, Evans R Gilbert G (2006) Ecological requirements - the and other biodiversity: Evidence review. RSPB, Stevens DK and Anderson GQA (2007) Spotted J, Gardner S, Pearce-Higgins J and Wilson E currentEurope. knowledge of bittern ecology. In: White Sandy.filiformis, flycatchers - low productivity, but are grey (2006) Bird sensitivity map to aid location of G, Purps J and Alsbury S (Eds) The bittern in squirrels really the cause? Biodiversity News 38, onshore wind farms in Scotland. RSPB Research The RSPB, Sandy. Middlebrook I (2006) Species Dossier: Synaptus Defra, UK. Report No 20, RSPB, Sandy. ISBN: 1 901930750 bittern in Europe. the hairy click-beetle. Action for Gilbert G (2006) Survey and Monitoring. In: Invertebratesnobilis Report. StevensBird Report D, Fisher 2005. G, Bone R and Anderson G White G, Purps J and Alsbury S (Eds). The (2006) The RSPB/English Nature Spotted Charman TG (2007) Ecology and conservation The RSPB, Sandy. Middlebrook I (2006) Species Dossier: Lipsothrix Flycatcher Project in South Devon 2005. Devon genetics of Bombus distinguendus, the Great , a cranefly. Action for Invertebrates 198-200. oedicnemus Yellow Bumblebee. PhD thesis, University of Godfrey A (2006) Survey and study of report. Cambridge. Lipsothrix nigristigma in Britain in 2005. Action Taylor EC (2007) Stone curlews Burhinus for Invertebrates Report. Middlebrook I (2006) Action for Invertebrates: and human disturbance: effects on Cook SK, Morris AJ, Henderson IG, Smith B, 6th Annual Progress Report. Action for behaviour, distribution and breeding success. HollandSAFFIE J,Project Jones Report NE and Bradbury A (2007) Gregorycalculating RD, population Field RH, indicesFreeman and SN, trends Siriwardena Invertebrates Report. PhDEurope's thesis. Common University Birds of Cambridge2005. Experiment 3: assessing the integrated effects GMsite-based and Baillie alert SR systems (2006) forMethods UK Birds. for of crop and margin management. In: The . In: Morris AJ, Bradbury A and Bradbury RB (2007) Vorisek P and Gregory RD (2006) The State of . ADAS, Boxworth, UK. Baillie SR and Rehfisch MM (Eds). National and Causes of nest depredation of ground-nesting PECBM, Raptors of the World: Their Ecology and BTO farmland passerines in the SAFFIE project. Final CSO/RSPB, Prague, Czech Republic. Conservation Cuthbert R (2007) Book review: Migrating Research Report 226. Report for Action for Birds in England. Webb L, McCracken, D, Beaumont D and Nager Conservation (Keith L. Bildstein, Cornell Gregoryalerts system RD, Field for terrestrialRH, Freeman birds SN, using Siriwardena General Morris AJ, Smith B, Jones NE and Cook SK R (2006) Project Information Note: Conservation University Press, Ithaca, NY). Biological GMAdditive and Baillie models. SR (2006) Developing a national (2007) Experiment 1.1 - manipulate within crop considerations regarding the use of avermectin 137: 484-485. agronomy to increase biodiversity: crop animal health products. RSPB/ SAC, University In: Baillie SR and Rehfisch MM architecture. In: The SAFFIE Project Report. of Glasgow. Eaton MA, Ausden M, Burton N, Grice PV, (Eds). National and site-based alert systems for ADAS, Boxworth, UK. of the UK’s birds 2005. UK Birds. Hearn RD, Hewson CM, Hilton GM, Noble DG, BTO Research Report 226. Wotton S and Morris A (2007) White-necked Ratcliffe N and Rehfisch MM (2006) The state Morris AJ and Wiltshire JJJ (2007) Introduction Picathartes Picathartes gymnocephalus surveys RSPB, BTO, WWT, CCW, Hammond PM (2006) Survey for the ground to the Sustainable Arable Farming For an in Gola Forest, Sierra Leone. Unpublished EN, EHS and SNH, Sandy, Bedfordshire. beetle Anisodactylus poeciloides (Stephens) in Improved Environment project. In: The SAFFIE report, RSPB, Sandy. southern and south-western England in 2005. Project Report. ADAS, Boxworth, UK. Eaton MA, Austin GE, Banks AN, Conway G, Action for Invertebrates Report. Yahr R (2006) Alectoria ochroleca: Monitoring Douse A, Grice PV, Hearn R, Hilton G, Hoccom Pain DJ, Cuthbert R, Green RE, Bowden CGR, core populations at Ciste Ridge, An t-Aonach, D, Musgrove AJ, Noble DG, Ratcliffe N, Rehfisch Hill SLL (2006) The Ecology and Conservation in Taggart M, Swan GE, Naidoo V, Wolter K, and Creagan Gorm. 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Other RSPB reports available

Each year the RSPB produces a range of reports, which describe different aspects of our work. Some recent examples are illustrated below and copies of these can be obtained by contacting the Conservation Science Department, The RSPB, UK Headquarters, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL or RSPB Scotland, Dunedin House, 25 Ravelston Terrace, Edinburgh EH4 3TP. You can also e-mail [email protected].

RSPB Advocacy 2007 RSPB Reserves 2007 The predation of wild Reports birds in the UK The report sets out the progress we A crucial part of the RSPB’s core have made on reserves for priority This report reviews the effects of business is the advocacy we species and habitats for which land predation on bird populations in the undertake to influence change in acquisition and management play a UK, outlines ways in which predation policy, legislation, attitudes and significant part in their conservation. can be managed where necessary, behaviour to benefit birds and the This is supported by a range of case points to future research needs, and environment. We have produced studies illustrating the breadth and considers the implications of the four reviews of RSPB policy and depth of our reserves work. review for conservation. advocacy in 2007 (one for each of the four administrations in the UK) and these highlight the key areas where the RSPB has sought to make a difference and identifies the major challenge wildlife faces within the UK, Europe and further afield. The RSPB

UK Headquarters The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL Tel: 01767 680551

Northern Ireland Headquarters Belvoir Park Forest, Belfast BT8 7QT Tel: 028 9049 1547

Scotland Headquarters Dunedin House, 25 Ravelston Terrace, Edinburgh EH4 3TP Tel: 0131 311 6500

Wales Headquarters Sutherland House, Castlebridge, Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF11 9AB Tel: 029 2035 3000 www.rspb.org.uk

As a charity, the RSPB is dependent on the goodwill and financial support of people like you. Please visit www.rspb.org.uk/supporting or call 01767 680551 to find out more.

Front cover: fern leaf by Genevieve Leaper (rspb-images.com)

Registered charity England and Wales no 207076; Scotland no SC037654 210-2119-05-06