Tree sparrow recovery project summary data, North West England, 2004-2010

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Description

The project was set up as a result of a massive decline in tree sparrow numbers which had fallen by 95% between 1970-1995. The project's main objective was to provide a good supply of seed to help support wintering birds, and nestboxes for breeding. Data was collected on a farm by farm basis. Feeding station sightings and additional sightings were recorded, nest box monitoring was also undertaken.

<br /><br />

This summary dataset consists of : 1. the maximum number of nestboxes used by tree sparrow per farm per year, 2. the maximum number of tree sparrow seen at any one time during the breeding season per farm per year, 3. the maximum number of tree sparrow seen at any one time during the winter per farm per year.

<br /><br />

Where the maximum number of recorded birds or nestboxes was uncertain, the Count Type has been marked as Estimate. The grid references refer to the centroids of sites (exact site boundaries are not available), the average site size is about 66 Ha. Data collection was mainly done by volunteers and sites visits have not always been regular.

Geographic Description

North West England. The grid references refer to the centroid of the sites. The average site size is 66Ha, most of the data is available at a 100m resolution (some at 1km).

Purpose

The project was designed to halt the decline of tree sparrows in the north-west of England by supplying supplementary feeding, and nestboxes. Farmers were offered support and advice for entry into agri-environment schemes and further habitat management practices that could be put in place to support existing populations of tree sparrows.

Data quality

This isn't a full survey, these data only give an indication of the Tree Sparrow population. Standard monitoring methods have not always been followed through due to lack of time/personnel and some visits weren't made. These data have been gathered by trained field workers. The data have been mapped and checked for sensitivities and geographical errors.

Methods

Targeting farms in hotspot areas feeding stations and nest boxes were installed. Feeding stations were monitored monthly throughout the year, nest boxes were monitored monthly during the breeding season, and all additional sightings within the survey area were recorded. Some nest boxes were checked after the breeding season to establish if they have been used by tree sparrow and to check box condition. The nest boxes that were found to be used by tree sparrow were recorded and included in the dataset.

Citation

No citation information available.

Rights

CC-BY

Digitised records