Message from Claire Backshall, Tanat to Perry Curlew & Lapwing survey.
Message from Claire Backshaw,
Curlew and Lapwing Survey Success
The survey was hatched in March as part of an initiative led by Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Shropshire Ornithological Society. Between 1990 and 2010, Shropshire's breeding population of Curlew plummeted by 77% and that of Lapwing by 73%: our project aims to establish where they remain and then work with farmers and landowners to try to reverse the decline.
Our study area extends eastward from the Welsh border to the river Perry and southward from Oswestry to Kinnerley, totalling around 70 square miles: a lot of ground to cover! Our wonderful group rose to the challenge, with more than 70 volunteer surveyors jointly contributing over 450 hours' fieldwork. We also received dozens of casual sightings, useful historical records and valuable support from landowners and farmers.
Thanks to this mammoth effort, we can estimate that our study area currently holds between 11 and 15 breeding pairs of Curlew and 42 to 45 breeding pairs of Lapwing. The numbers may seem low, but we are optimistic on several counts.
Firstly, although these birds are distinctive and relatively large, they can be elusive; we are hopeful that we will locate more next year. Secondly, this part of Shropshire has been a hotspot for Curlew and Lapwing in the past and retains areas of suitable habitat. Finally, there is clearly widespread appreciation of these once-familiar birds: if we can harness this interest, they may yet enjoy a revival.
We will need more helpers next year, so please get involved if you can! The survey requires only three short visits between April and July, and you don't need to be an expert birdwatcher or experienced fieldworker to join in. Come to our meeting in March to find out more: you can be assured of a warm welcome! In the meantime, contact me if you'd like a copy of our full report for 2018.
Claire Backshall
Email: c_backshall@hotmail.com Telephone: 01691 830691
Next Meeting: 7.30pm Tuesday 5th March 2019 at Morda Village Hall, Weston Road, Morda, Oswestry SY10 9NS.
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