Bird surveys – Breeding bird, wintering bird, raptor and barn owl surveys

All birds are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) (as mended). Under this legislation it is an offence to kill, injure or take wild birds. It is also an offence to take, damage or destroy a nest whilst in use or being built and to take or destroy eggs of any nesting bird. Some bird species thought to be in need of greater protection are listed on Schedule 1 of this legislation. These include barn owls, kingfishers and red kites. For these birds it is also an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb adults while in and around the nest or to intentionally or recklessly disturb dependent young.

Ecological Sustainability can offer the following bird surveys:

• Breeding bird survey
• Wintering bird survey
• Raptor survey
• Barn owl survey

Some bird surveys are seasonal and/or take a number of weeks to complete. Because of this we recommend that advice is taken on potential bird issues at an early stage in the planning or development process. Ecological Sustainability can advise on mitigation required to enable development to take place without breaching legislation. On most sites birds are present and presence of nesting birds can delay development. The solution can often be as simple as ensuring site clearance is carried out outside the breeding season.