Farmland bird database in Dumfries and Galloway, 1999-2011

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Description

Farmland birds in Europe declined by almost 50% between 1980 and 2005. To gain more insight into the farmland bird population in Dumfries and Galloway, this database was compiled. Species recorded include corn bunting, curlew, grey partridge, lapwing, linnet, reed bunting, skylark, snipe, tree sparrow, twite, and yellowhammer. This database collates data from various sources to provide a record of farmland bird distribution in Dumfries and Galloway. <br /><br />

The dataset contains some zero abundance records, corresponding to sites that were visited, where no birds were seen.

Geographic Description

Dumfries and Galloway, southwest Scotland. Coverage may be biased toward areas in which more observations have been made. Most records are reported at either 100m or 1km resolution.

Purpose

This dataset was compiled to provide a centralised record of farmland bird distribution in Dumfries and Galloway. This is a composite dataset. The original purpose of data capture, which likely differs from the reason for collating the data, has not been documented.

Data quality

These data have various sources. Most records are from experienced birders and/or are of species expected in areas they have been recorded. Any uncommon species have been verified. This is not a comprehensive dataset.

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These data have been mapped and checked for sensitivities and typographical/geographical errors.

Methods

The database was compiled by the using farmland bird data available from the following sources: Birdtrack, casual records from RSPB staff, partners and the general public, the Craig Whyte Merse report, the Dumfries and Galloway Birding Group, a lapwing postcard survey, a tree sparrow postcard survey, Dumfries and Galloway Environmental Records Centre, 2004-5 Dumfries and Galloway Bird report, Doon Hill Environmental Impact Assessment (Natural Power), Breeding Birds of the Solway Islands by R & B Mearns. The data source is indicated with each record.

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In order to verify records and validate the dataset, the data have been mapped and thoroughly checked. Geographical checks have include ensuring that records with the same area name are located close to each other.

Citation

No citation information available.

Rights

CC-BY

Digitised records