CBS is a joint project ofBirdWatch Ireland and theNational Parks and WildlifeService of the Departmentof Arts, Heritage and theGaeltacht.

Cover pictures: Blackcap (female) (John Fox), Yellowhammer (Shay Connolly), volunteer bird surveyor (Ruth Gaj McKeever), Stonechat (Michael Finn).

Foreword

ContentsIntroduction ........................................................................................................................... 1

Frequently asked questions ..................................................................................................... 3

Recording in the field ............................................................................................................. 7

Identification challenges ....................................................................................................... 11

Recording habitats ................................................................................................................ 17

Submitting your data ............................................................................................................ 25

Ten steps to good CBS practice ............................................................................................. 27

Some terms explained ........................................................................................................... 29

Species and codes ................................................................................................................ 31

Resources ............................................................................................................................ 33

Knowing what species occur and how many individuals are present in our countryside seems likeinformation that is easy to collect. It is not, and yet such knowledge is critical to protecting our birds andtheir habitats. Birdwatchers have always been at the forefront of generating knowledge of our birds andtheir habits. Over a decade ago, BirdWatch Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and theHeritage Council got together to make perhaps one of the most significant steps for Irish terrestrialbiodiversity, when it established the Countryside Bird Survey (CBS).

The survey is straightforward to execute and, critically, is repeatable, year in, year out. The survey requiresthree visits per annum to areas pre-selected using statistical tools, in order to enable us to make validcomments and generalisations about the bird communities of the countryside.

The data are showing remarkable patterns, with some bird species increasing, others remaining stable,and others declining. Before CBS, we relied on data from outside Ireland to guide our conservation andresearch strategy. We had no choice. No other data existed. The hidden assumption in this translation ofknowledge from our colleagues and friends in Britain was that species are ecologically similar in Irelandand Britain. What CBS (and other) data are now showing is that many species do not behave in the sameway ecologically as their populations in Britain, and even less so European populations.

We need to understand the ecology of our species and their patterns. You are filling this gap byparticipating in this survey. There will be lots of interesting patterns to observe and interrogate in the future.If you are a regular contributor, thank you, and please, do continue. A few short visits, when added to allthe other data, will generate new knowledge and guide both our conservation strategies and measures toprotect our birds and habitats.

We hope that this new manual will continue to enthuse those who have contributed. We hope it willencourage others to think about participating – and that most of all it will help us generate fun andenjoyment in the data collection process as well as critical data on our rich and unique countryside birds.

John O’HalloranCBS ChairmanJune 2012

CBS Manual 1

Guidelines for Countryside Bird Survey participants

Breeding bird populations in Ireland have undergone large-scale changes insize and distribution range in recent decades. Farmland bird populations inparticular have been affected by the intensification of agricultural practicesthat have taken place to cater for increased demand for agricultural products,especially since the 1970s. The Countryside Bird Survey (CBS) was initiatedin 1998 as an ongoing scheme focused on tracking the fortunes of commonand widespread breeding bird populations in the Republic of Ireland. To date,it has been successful in monitoring the trends of more than 50 species. TheCBS addresses, in part, Ireland’s obligations under the European BirdsDirective. It also helps to identify conservation priorities among this large andvaried group of birds. Each year, the CBS relies on the efforts of more than200 observers.

Rationale for ongoingmonitoringThe first atlas survey of breeding birds inBritain and Ireland, undertaken between1968 and 1972, marked the firstthorough attempt at examining breedingbird populations. A repeat survey some20 years later between 1988 and 1991indicated that alarming populationdeclines (in size and range) hadoccurred, largely in farmland birds. Thus,there was a clear requirement for ascheme to monitor bird populations inIreland and to detect any significantdeclines in time for appropriate action tobe taken.

However, complete censusing ofcommon and widespread breeding birdpopulations in Ireland on a more regularbasis is not feasible due to large-scalegeographic considerations and highlydispersed bird distributions. An alternativesolution is to employ a sampling approachwhich involves repeated visits to a randomand/or stratified sample of sites over time.If the sampling design is robust, we maythen assume that the sample surveyed isrepresentative of the national population. Itis on this basis that the Countryside BirdSurvey (CBS) was designed and initiatedin 1998.

Survey designThe CBS is based on a random stratifiedapproach. The Republic of Ireland wasdivided into eight regions, and 10-kmsquares (based on the Irish National Grid)were randomly selected within each, andallocated in sequence. A minimum of 20%of 10-km squares are surveyed in eachregion. For each 10-km square selected, it isthe 1-km square at the extreme southwestcorner that is surveyed. The survey aims toachieve coverage of the same 1-km squareseach year, ideally by the same observer.

ObjectivesThe principal objective of the CBS is tomonitor the status of a wide range ofcommon and widespread breeding birdpopulations in Ireland across a variety ofhabitats. More specifically it aims to:

• Provide information on species trendsand distributions;

• Promote a greater understanding ofsome of the factors responsible for anydeclines that are occurring, so thatappropriate action may be taken;

• Promote the wider use of bird surveydata as an indicator of theenvironmental health of the countryside.

Introduction

Arable land, Co Wexford. – Dick Coombes

The Birds DirectiveThe EU Birds Directive is one of themost important pieces of naturelegislation that we have, and hascreated an extensive protectionscheme for all of Europe’s wild birds.More formally known as CouncilDirective 79/409/EEC on theconservation of wild birds, the BirdsDirective was the very first piece ofnature legislation of the EuropeanUnion, and was adopted by MemberStates in 1979. The Birds Directivebans activities that directly threatenbirds, such as the deliberate killing orcapture of birds, the destruction oftheir nests and taking of their eggs,and associated activities such astrading in live or dead birds.

The 10-km squares of the national grid in which a1-km square is surveyed by CBS every year. The 1-km squares are located in the southwest corner ofeach 10-km square. The eight CBS samplingregions are also illustrated.

CBS Manual2

Birdwatchers enjoy the early morning startsof the CBS when birds are most active.

Photograph: Dick Coombes.

Brackish lagoon, Broadlough, Co Wicklow. – Dick Coombes

CBS Manual 3

What will I have to do?The actual survey methods are quitestraightforward, and further details arepresented below. In summary, to take part,you will be required to:

• Undertake two early morning visitsbetween April and June (each visitusually takes no more than 2 hours).

• Walk two parallel transects, each1 kilometre in length.

• Record the birds that you see andhear, as well as the habitat types, asyou walk your transect routes.

• Allocate your recordings to 200-msections within your transect routes,and within three distance bands.

A reasonable ability to identify ourcommon and widespread birds isrequired. A good knowledge of birdsounds is also very important – see tableon page 10 for list of priority species toknow.

How can I get involved?Anyone interested in taking part in thesurvey should contact the CBSCoordinator at cbs@birdwatchireland.ie.The Coordinator will try to find a suitablesquare as close as possible to your homeaddress. You can sign up any time.However, most square allocations takeplace in February and March, just beforethe season starts on 1st April. Ideally,participants should continue surveying thesame squares from year to year.

What will I need?Before you head out into the field you willneed:

• Binoculars (typically 8x or 10xmagnification).

• Map of your square showing thetransects (supplied).

• Field Recording sheet (supplied).

• Pencil.

• Suitable footwear and clothing.

You will not need a telescope. Most of thebirds you record will be relatively close toyou and therefore easily identified usingbinoculars or naked eye.

In open or featureless country such asmountainside or bogland, you may need acompass to find your bearings and to helpyou find your transects. A tally counter(clicker) can be useful for pacingdistances, especially the 200-m sections,in such open country where there are fewreference points. If you possess a GPS,this will give you very accurate positions.

Frequently asked questions

Proper gear is essential for early morning fieldwork: it can be very cold at dawn, especially in earlyspring, and the grass can be covered in dew. You will need a coat, hat, waterproof leggings and boots.

Who can take part in the CBS?For a survey like the CBS to workproperly it needs to be carried outon a grand scale. The more samplesites surveyed across a broadgeographical spread, the morerobust the results. The only way thatsuch a vast amount of data can begathered is to have a great manypeople on the ground, counting allover the country. So, if you are abirdwatcher, you can almostcertainly help with this survey.

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Where will I survey?The selection of sample sitesIt would be impossible to count everybreeding bird in Ireland even once, nevermind year after year! So, a network ofsample sites (1-km squares) has beenselected from around the country, using arandomised selection process. Thisensures that a wide range of habitats iscovered at well-spaced locations andhelps eliminate any bias towards particularhabitats or sites. Ideally, the same squaresshould be counted every year.

More than 400 squares have beenrandomly selected to date, and most aresurveyed in any one year. Our target is toensure that a minimum of 300 aresurveyed each year. This provides us withenough information to adequately monitorbetween 50 and 55 species.

Your one-kilometre squareEvery participant is issued with a map oftheir square. In almost all cases, thesquare will have been surveyed before,and the map will clearly show the twotransect routes that have been walked.

Examples of transect (red lines) routes in two squares, showing the 200-m sections. The top figureshows ideal transect placement with each transect located roughly 500 m apart, while the bottom figureillustrates an example of where direct east-to-west routing was prevented, in this case due to a deepgully. Note that the more southerly transect of the bottom figure does not extend to the edge of thesquare because of the deviation that was necessary: each transect should not exceed 1 km.

Why two counts?Two counts are important. On the

early visit, some of the resident birds

are likely to be more vocal and more

active and therefore easier to detect,

as will freshly arrived Willow Warblers

and Chiffchaffs. However, the later

visit will pick up more summer

migrants and especially the later

arrivals like Spotted Flycatcher and

Swift. You also need to be careful

during later visits to avoid counting

juvenile birds. Try to schedule your

counts each year on roughly the

same dates, for consistency.

The totals for each species will be

different on each visit, and for the

analysis we take the highest number

recorded for each species in the two

counts.

CBS Manual 5

The survey maps provided are at quite alarge scale. They are based on the 6-inchmapping, most of which was based onimages from the early 1900s. While theyare in most cases out of date, they docontinue to show the main features, evenat field boundary level.

If your square has never been surveyedbefore, then you will have to decide onhow best to organise the two transects –this should be done on a date before yourcount visits, ideally in March. As much aspossible, transect routes should bestraight east to west or north to south,each roughly 500 m apart (as illustrated inthe top map, opposite page). Occasionallydeviations are necessary (bottom map,opposite page).

Please ensure that you stick to the sametransect routes every year – otherwise yourcounts are not comparable over time. Weunderstand that deviations to your regularroute may be required at times – pleasemake minor deviations only wherenecessary.

When do I carry outmy survey?What dates and how often?Each square should be counted twiceduring the three-month period betweenApril and June. The first visit should bemade between 1st April and 15th May, andthe second visit between 15th May and30th June. Visits should be approximatelyfour weeks apart.

History of your squareAlmost all CBS squares that have

been selected have been surveyed

before at least once and in some

cases every year since the survey

began.

A summary of square history is issued

each year to each counter. This

shows all of the species that have

been recorded in the square, together

with an indication of how often they

were recorded and the peak count.

ContactFor any CBS-related queries, or ifyou would like to take part, pleasecontact:

CBS Coordinator,BirdWatch Ireland,Unit 20, Block D,Bullford Business Campus,Kilcoole, Co Wicklow

Email: cbs@birdwatchireland.ieWeb: www.birdwatchireland.ie

Participants receive a summary of their square’s CBS bird records. The square history is updated annually.

What time of day?Counting should be done in the earlymorning, ideally commencing between 6am and 7 am, but no later than 9 am. Thisis when birds are most active. However, tryto avoid the concentrated activity at dawn.

In areas that are difficult to access, suchas mountain sites, a slightly later start isacceptable.

For consistency, try to start yourtransects at roughly the same time eachyear. Note the start and finish times ofeach of your two transects, using the24-hour clock system (e.g. 06:30).

How long will it take?Walking each 1km transect route shouldtake between 25 and 40 minutes,depending on the terrain, habitat and howbusy it is with birds. It may take tenminutes or so to get from the end of thefirst transect to the start of the second. Thetotal time in the square should take nomore than two hours on each visit.

Is weather important?Birds are most easily detected in goodweather, so avoid attempting to survey inheavy rain or strong wind. If there areshowers during the count, try to wait it outuntil conditions improve. On the FieldRecording Sheet, enter 1, 2 or 3 undereach of the headings: Cloud Cover, Rain,Wind, Visibility (see Field Recording Sheet,page 7). Note – please do not enter a ‘tick’or wind speed or other text in the boxesprovided – just 1, 2 or 3.

Countryside with mosaic of habitats from pasture to roadsidehedgerows, broadleaf woodland and human habitations.Photograph: Cóilín MacLochlainn.

CBS Manual6

CBS Manual 7

Western blanket bog, Co Mayo. – Dick Coombes

Recording in the fieldWhen heading out to survey your square,be sure to bring along your Field RecordingSheet. This is where you capture the detailsof all your counts. Before heading off onyour transect routes, complete some of thedetails of your visit, including your personaldetails, date and weather conditions (seefigure, right). During the count, take note ofand record the start and end times of yourtransects and note the weather conditions.

Record your square details, personal details andweather conditions on page 1 of the FieldRecording Sheet.The example here shows weatherdetails correctly completed. Note: for the weatherconditions, the codes 1, 2, or 3 only are required.

For your convenience, fold the field sheet so that the transect section thatyou are surveying is exposed. Use species codes for convenience – try tobecome familiar with these before going out in the field. These are availableon the back of your field sheet for reference.

Do not count juvenile birds like this young Robin. Only count adult birds.

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CBS Manual8

Count your transects sectionby sectionData are gathered in 200-m sections; thus,there are five sections in each transect.Your Field Recording Sheet is designed tocapture details in each of the ten sections.

When you begin your transect route, donot record the birds that are behind you asyou begin. Record all birds you hear or seeas you walk at a slow and methodical pacealong your transects. Pause briefly at timesto listen for song and scan for birds flyingoverhead. Fill in your bird records as youwalk along, carefully allocating each to oneof four categories:

1 Out to 25 m on either side of transect.2 Between 25 m and 100 m either

side of the line.3 More than 100 m either side of line.F Birds flying over (but not landing).

There is no need to record any otherdetails such as activity or sex of the birdsyou encounter. Any juvenile birdsidentified should not be recorded.

At the end of your first transect route,record the time and then break fromrecording until you reach the beginning ofyour second transect.

Bring along your Habitat FormIt is useful to bring along a copy of yourHabitat Form from previous years. Youmay then make any of the changes thatare required directly onto this form – butbe sure to complete a new form when youreturn from your field visit.

Page 2 of Field Recording Sheet (right), together with a close-up of one section (left) illustrating thefacility for reporting bird records in three distance bands and in each of ten 200-m sections.

Become familiar with distancesBe aware of where each 200-m section ofthe transect finishes. In most cases therewill be some landmark nearby (a tree, gate,bend in the path, etc). Ideally, mark suchfeatures on your map for easy reference.These distances need only be as accurateas you can gauge them – not down to thelast metre!

You may need to pace out your 200-m

sections, especially in an open and

featureless landscape such as a bog, and if

you do not have access to a GPS unit. In

this case, a tally counter is useful to keep

track of your steps. Measure out 100

metres using a measuring tape. Walk

normally between the start and end points

and take note of the number of steps you

take. Repeat the process a few times to get

an idea of variation – take an average. You

Transect route

25 m

100 mLimit of distance band 1

Birds seen/heard by the observer less than 25 metres away eitherside of the transect line are in distance band 1. Birds seen/heardbetween 25 and 100 metres away are in distance band 2.Anything more than 100 metres away is in distance band 3.

Limit of distance band 2

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CBS Manual 9

can double this figure to get an idea ofhow many steps you need to take tocover each of your 200-m sections. Thisis usually between 230 and 260 steps.(Beware: you will need to adapt thisfigure when in hilly landscapes to adjustfor shorter steps taken.)

To decide which distance bands birdsare in, think in terms of close (up to 25m), middle-distance (25-100 m) and far(beyond 100 m). These are estimateddistances at right angles to your transectroute (i.e. to either side of it) and theydon’t need to be precise – just make yourbest guess.

What species will I record?Being able to identify what birds you seeand hear on a walk in the countryside is afundamental requirement for anyonetaking part in the CBS. You are not likelyto see anything particularly rare(although, you never know!).

To date, more than 140 bird specieshave been recorded overall during theCBS. These are listed in the Species &Codes section (pages 31-32) togetherwith their Latin names and speciescodes.

The maximum number of speciesrecorded in any one square seldomexceeds forty. Most of the birds you will

encounter will be land birds. The topthirty most frequently recorded birds arelisted in the table (overleaf). If you feelconfident that you can readily identify allof these by sight and sound, then you willcertainly be well suited to this survey.

You only need to be familiar with themore common and widespread species –the ones that turn up again and again inthe survey. While it is interesting to recordrare or scarce birds during your fieldvisits, they are not what the survey is allabout – their numbers will always be toosmall for the species to be reliablymonitored by the CBS.

Practice makes perfectYou don’t become skilled at birdidentification overnight. It is a constantlyevolving process – one that is built uponevery time you see or hear a bird.Consultation of a good field guide isobviously important, but the best way tolearn how to identify birds is to gain fieldexperience on a regular basis and thenrefer to your books.

You probably already know most of thebirds you will encounter when carryingout your fieldwork, so when you areconfronted with a mystery bird, think interms of “What species does it most looklike?” and work from there.

This manual is not intended to be an

Use sight and sound to record birds (clockwise from top): Wren (usually identified by sound),Goldcrest (mainly sound), Woodpigeon (mainly sight), Pheasant (sight and sound equally).

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When are birds allocatedto the ‘Flight’ (F) category?Record any birds that are flying over

(and clearly not associating with your

square) as being in flight. This category

mostly applies to species which have

no direct connection with the

immediate landscape such as gulls,

crows and pigeons high overhead or

perhaps a fast-flying Peregrine. For all

other birds, try to assign them to a

distance band. Examples of where

birds should be allocated to a distance

band and not in flight include:

• Swift, Swallow and the martinsThese species are more often

recorded in flight than perched, yet

they are associated with the local

area and are usually seen when

hawking, etc. If you see any of

these birds, and they are

remaining in an area, then please

record them in the distance band

that you first see them in.

• Skylark and Meadow PipitThese are often seen when flushed

or when performing their song

flight.

• Hovering KestrelHovering indicates that they are

foraging over your area.

• SnipeWhen in song or displaying.

A Snipe drumming. Notehow the tail feathers are spread to createthe drumming sound.

CBS Manual10

identification guide; rather, it providessome useful guidance on handyidentification tips, and how todistinguish some of the trickier speciesthat you might come across duringyour field visits.

A list of recommended books andaudio-visual material that will help youwith your identification skills ispresented in the Resources section(page 33).

Colony countsThe CBS presents an opportunity togather additional details about thelocation and size of colonies, i.e. birdsthat nest in the company of others.

The species of particular interest areRook, Sand Martin, House Sparrow,Grey Heron, Little Egret and Black-headed Gull – these are nowpre-printed on your forms.

If you come across any breedingcolonies of these, or of any othercolonial-nesting species anywherewithin your square, then please countall occupied nests in the colony, ormake an estimate.

Most often you will come acrosscolonies while walking your transects,

but we will accept colony informationfrom any other time of the breedingseason, and also from anywhere withinyour square (not just along thetransect route). If you do come acrossa colony, then please visit it from yearto year so we can monitor its status.

Sand Martins at a colony in a sand-cliff.

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Rookery at dawn in early spring.

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Species Sight Sound

Wren !

Robin !

Blackbird !

Chaffinch !

Woodpigeon !

Swallow !

Song Thrush !

Magpie !

Rook !

Blue Tit !

Hooded Crow !

Pheasant !

Dunnock !

Jackdaw !

Starling !

Great Tit !

Willow Warbler !

Meadow Pipit !

Coal Tit !

Greenfinch !

Goldcrest !

Pied Wagtail !

House Sparrow !

Mistle Thrush !

Skylark !

Goldfinch !

Bullfinch !

Chiffchaff !

Linnet !

House Martin !

Top 30 speciesThese are the top 30 most widespread birdspecies recorded during the Countryside BirdSurvey. The table also indicates those thatare most often recorded by sight and thosethat are most often recorded by their songs orcalls.

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CBS Manual 11

Key things to look forThe following are the key characteristicsthat should be borne in mind whenidentifying birds:

• Size

• Shape

• Colour (plumage)

• Colour (bill, legs)

• Bill shape

• Location

• Habitat

• Behaviour or jizz

• Call and song

Any one (or a combination of several) ofthe above may be all you need to correctlyidentify a species – you don’t have to seeevery detail.

The first impression may well be of size,combined with a quick view of adistinctive colour feature, e.g., a large,crow-sized bird is glimpsed hoppingthrough the branches of a tree showing astriking white rump patch – it can benothing other than a Jay.

A smaller bird with a white rump seenfleetingly in a hedgerow can only be aBullfinch (see photo, below), while asimilar-sized bird on a mountain with awhite rump is a Wheatear.

Learn what to expectThe context in which a bird is seen orheard is all-important, before you evenstart to sort out the finer details. Takethree brown birds with dark streaking, allmuch the same size, but seen in differentcontexts, be it geographical location,habitat or position in relation to theground:

• A Dunnock creeps along the groundat the base of a hedgerow or sits outlow in a bramble.

• A female Reed Bunting clings high ona reed stem near wet ground.

• A Meadow Pipit is seen on heather ora fence post on open moorland orrough grassland.

None of these birds would readily befound in one of the other situations. Sothe process of elimination is wellunderway once you consider the context –you are reducing down the possibilities.Attention to plumage, bill shape, etc, canfollow immediately afterwards.

Process of eliminationIf you are having difficulty with identifying a particular bird, the keything is, don’t panic! Identification is largely a process of elimination –every time you see a bird, decide what it is not and you will find thatyou quickly reduce the possibilities to just a few species.

Identification challenges

Bullfinch: the only bird to show a white rump in hedgerows in spring.

Know what to expectA helpful tip when learning to identify

and count the birds in your Ikm square

is to know which species are most likely

to occur there. This will shorten the

process of elimination when you come

across a bird you are unsure of.

Species-rich wet grassland, Co Offaly. – Brian Caffrey

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Field experience is bestBirds in the field often don’t lookmuch like the pictures in the books!You will learn much more throughfield experience than looking atbooks.

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CBS Manual12

when in flight. Some birds fly in adistinctive way. For example:

• Mistle Thrushes undulate, flapping asthey rise and then drop withmomentarily closed wings, often flyingquite high.

• Song Thrushes are smaller and flymore evenly and at lower levels.

• Linnets fly in a series of abruptbounding movements, compared to theChaffinch, which flies with moremeasured undulation.

Watch out for unusual songflights:

• Greenfinch can look like a martin,zigzagging chaotically.

• Rooks fly with slow, upheld beats inspring, reminiscent of a bird of prey.

Some species show distinctive plumagefeatures in flight. For example:

• Woodpigeon shows a white panel onthe wing, quite different from StockDove, which has a plain greyupperwing. Stock Dove, therefore, isidentified by the lack of whitemarkings.

Distinctive behaviourBird identification becomes second natureafter a while, and very often it is the jizz orbehaviour of the bird that catches youreye and quickly clinches theidentification.

Even if seen only in silhouette, note thetypical behaviour of the following threesimilarly-sized birds when they land on apost:

• Robin – lands, remains still for asecond or two, then bobs abruptly,flicking the tail once, and faces aslightly different angle.

• Chaffinch – lands and immediatelystarts pumping the tail gently up anddown and looks around.

• Great Tit – lands, then immediatelyjerks head and body in variousdirections, appearing agitated – it willnot stay there long before hopping toanother perch.

Birds in flightIdentifying birds in flight can be trickysometimes, but there are nearly alwaysclues to help you. Finches and buntings,for instance, usually call at some stage

Flock of Stock Doves with one Woodpigeon. (It would be more usual to see a single Stock Dove in a flockof Woodpigeons.)

Quick ID tips

• Think logically. What is it mostlikely to be?

• What are the obvious features?Note size, shape, overall colour,etc, and narrow it down fromthere.

• What is the habitat? This will givea good clue as to what is likely tobe there.

• Know what to expect in advance(refer to the list of mostcommonly recorded birds). Alsouse your “Square History” list tosee what has been previouslyrecorded in the square. Your birdhas almost certainly beenrecorded there before.

• Be patient! Give a bird a littletime to show itself again if itdives into cover, but not too long.It is better to let it go andcontinue counting other birdsthan spend too much time onone bird.

Most of the birds you see will bepasserines (songbirds) with small wingsand rapid flight, so plumage markings canbe hard to see. However, some aredistinctive:

• Chaffinch is about the only bird in ahedgerow that shows large whitewingbars in flight.

• Goldfinch shows a flash of yellow.

• Bullfinch displays a white rump inflight.

Look also at the shape of the bird inflight:

• Kestrel has pointed wings and hovers,while a Sparrowhawk has morerounded wings and either soars high incircles or dashes rapidly low overhedges and ditches.

• Compare the long scimitar-shaped, bent-back wings of Swift (usually flying high)with the zigzagging, smaller-wingeddarting Swallow and House Martin.

White crescentWoodpigeon

Stock Dove

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CBS Manual 13

Confusion speciesOnly a few species are likely to presentvisual identification challenges. Thehardest ones to sort out are often thosethat look similar to another species. Hereare some examples:

• Willow Warbler and ChiffchaffWillow Warbler is by far the morecommon of the two and therefore themost likely. It has pale legs (Chiffchaffhas dark legs). But beware, there isoverlap and leg colour alone is notreliable as a distinguishing feature. Thesong is completely different and isalways the best way to be sure (formales, anyway).

• Linnet and RedpollThe females are especially difficult todistinguish. However, the habitatshould help you decide which speciesyou have. Linnets occur in arablefarmland, on rough ground and incoastal areas. They especially likegorse and will often drop to the ground.Redpoll is more likely to be found inconiferous woodland or willow scrub,and it usually perches quite high intrees and shrubs. It is slightly smallerand neater than Linnet. The somewhatsimilar Twite is a very scarce breederand only likely to be found in theextreme northwest of Mayo andDonegal.

The importance of soundin identifying birdsBirds are very vocal, which is just as wellas we birdwatchers constantly use theirsounds to both locate and identify them,especially where there is a lot of cover.

For some species, a large proportion ofthe total we record on our field sheets willhave been detected and identified bysound only. It is likely, for example, thatmore than 90% of the Wrens you willrecord, and perhaps closer to 100% ofBlackcaps and Grasshopper Warblers, willbe heard only and not seen at all. So,being familiar with their songs and callsis vital.

In spring and early summer, males singto defend their territories, and both sexesregularly make contact calls.

There are some birds that everyoneknows already, such as Cuckoo, Pheasantand Woodpigeon. The trick is to keepbuilding on your knowledge, which onlycomes with practice – so, keep addingnew species to your repertoire.

Dawn in spring can be veryintimidating. Remember, you only reallyneed to know the sounds of a relativelysmall number of species for this survey.The species whose songs and calls youshould be most familiar with are listed inthe table on page 9. Some species, heardonce, are never forgotten and they don’tpose any real challenge.

Bird sound tips

• If you hear something you don’trecognise, try to track it downand actually see it. Theaudiovisual combination willhelp the sound stick in yourhead.

• Listen to CDs or tapes as oftenas you can, but concentrate onthe relevant species only.

• Alternate your “homework” withthe real thing in the field. Keepdoing this in small doses – it’slike learning a language.Mornings are always best forbirdsong, but evenings aregood too in spring.

• Gain confidence by slowlybuilding on what you alreadyknow – try to add a newspecies to your “memory bank”every few days.

Willow Warbler (left) and Chiffchaff (right) compared.

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Longer wings

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CBS Manual14

Linnet (left) and Redpoll (right) compared.

• Sedge Warbler and Reed WarblerReed Warblers are very rare breedersin Ireland, found at a few eastern andsouthern coastal sites. If you hear ajumbled chattering song emanatingfrom a reedbed or marshy area, it isalmost certainly a Sedge Warbler. Ifyou get even a distant view as it worksto the top of a reed, note the strikingpale stripe above the eye.

• Garden Warbler and Willow WarblerGarden Warbler is a rare and localisedbreeder – the name is deceptive! It issecretive and has very plain grey-brown plumage, showing no strongmarkings around the head, unlikeWillow Warbler, which has a darkeye-stripe and a yellowish supercilium(the stripe above the eye).

• Grey Wagtail and Yellow WagtailIf you see a wagtail showing a lot ofyellow on the body, it is sure to be aGrey Wagtail – they are found alongrivers and lake shores. Yellow Wagtailis a rare summer breeder in Ireland,found in damp farmland.

• Kestrel and SparrowhawkIn flight, the best way to tell theseapart is the shape of the wing. Kestrelhovers in a stationary position whenhunting – the wings are ratherpointed. Sparrowhawk has muchbroader, more rounded wings – ithunts by flying fast after small birds.Sparrowhawks can also be seensoaring in circles at some height, butnever hovering.

• Rook and JackdawIn flight, at long range, a flock ofcrows can cause problems. Besidesbeing bigger and longer-winged,Rooks have longer tails and the headand neck protrudes forward in a morepointed way than in the blunt-headedJackdaw.

• Reed Bunting and YellowhammerThe females of both of these speciescan appear similar if seen in poorlight. Both have pale “moustaches”and flick their tails. Habitat can beused to differentiate between thesespecies during the breeding season –Reed Buntings like marshes or dampground, while Yellowhammers arewidespread on tilled farmland.

Left to right: Female Reed Bunting (left) and female Yellowhammer (right) compared.

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Warm tones to head area

Small black bib

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Greyish head

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Distinctmoustachialmarkings

Yellowish tonesto head

Yellowish underside

CBS Manual 15

Meadow Pipit (left) and Skylark (right) compared.

• Woodpigeon and Stock DoveThese are both large grey doves.Woodpigeon is a little bigger and byfar the more common of the two. Inthe breeding season, Stock Doves areseen singly or in pairs, whileWoodpigeons are often seen in largernumbers, especially later in theseason. When perched, theWoodpigeon’s white collar on the sideof the neck is distinctive (absent onStock Dove). In flight, Woodpigeonshows a prominent white crescent onthe wing, while the upperwing of StockDove is plain grey. Beware ofconfusion with Feral Pigeons – theygenerally show white rumps or otherstrong markings.

• Swallow, House and Sand MartinsSwallows are the biggest, withdistinctive, long tail streamers and adark throat. But beware of youngSwallows late in the season, whichshow short tails like martins (remembernot to count any juvenile birds). Thepure white underside and white rumpmake House Martins easy to identify,while Sand Martins, though much thesame size and proportions, are sandybrown above and show a “dirty” markon the throat and upper breast.

• Song Thrush and Mistle ThrushMistle Thrush is the larger of the twospecies and is more often out in theopen or high in trees. Note the shapeof the spots on the breast – on MistleThrush they are round, on SongThrush they are arrow-shaped.

• Skylark and Meadow PipitBoth of these species often occurtogether in the same habitat,especially bogs, upland areas andrough grassland. Skylark is bigger andmore “wingy” than Meadow Pipit andin songflight it rises vertically for asustained period. The songflight of theMeadow Pipit is much shorter;it rises to no great height and thenparachutes down to the ground.

• House Sparrow and Tree SparrowThese two species may seem easy totell apart. Always check through yourHouse Sparrows and you may find oneor two Tree Sparrows mixed in. Lookfor the brown crown, white cheeks andblack cheek spot of the Tree Sparrow.They are easily overlooked becausethey are quite scarce.

Swallow (left), House Martins (middle) and Sand Martin (right) compared.

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Crest often raised

Streaking mainlyon upper breast

Heavy bill

Extensivebreaststreaking

Fine, pointed bill

Faintbreastband

Brown upperpartsincluding rump

White rump

Small fork in tail

Small fork in tail

Long tail streamers

Darkthroat White throat

CBS Manual16

Left to right: Chaffinch and Great Tit.

Left to right: Blackcap and Garden Warbler.

Left to right: Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush and Blackbird.

Left to right: Wren, Dunnock and Robin.

Confusion songs and callsSome songs and calls can sound a littlesimilar and confusing. Here are a few ofthe common queries. Make sure youbecome familiar with these calls:

• Song Thrush, Mistle Thrushand BlackbirdThe song of all three have a flutyquality. Song Thrush repeats eachphrase two or three times; Blackbirddoes not. Mistle Thrush is ratherhurried, monotonous and melancholy.

• Willow Warbler and ChaffinchBoth have a descending song.Chaffinch’s is more bubbly, with aflourish at the end.

• Great Tit and ChaffinchBoth make a “pink pink” call – besttry to see the bird!

• Goldcrest and TreecreeperBoth have high-pitched calls.Treecreeper’s is fuller and longer.Goldcrest’s call is very thin and high.

• Blackcap and Garden WarblerThe songs of these two species arealmost inseparable in the field, unlessyou are very experienced. However,Garden Warblers are very scarcebreeders and are mainly confined tothe upper Shannon region.

• Wren and DunnockThe songs are a little similar. Wren’s ismore shrill and sustained; Dunnock’sis a shorter, quieter, tinkling sound.

• Robin and WrenThe “ticking” calls are similar, butWren’s is more rapid, and the Robin’shas a metallic quality (like a clockbeing wound up).

Don’t despair! Once you get a goodgrasp of it and battle through thechallenges, bird identification is excitingand very rewarding. If you see or hear abird you are not sure about, the motto is:“If in doubt, leave it out!”

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CBS Manual 17

Habitat categoriesThe main habitats, together with theircodes (A-I), are as follows:

A WoodlandB Scrubland (or young woodland

that is <5m tall)C Semi-Natural Grassland/MarshD Heathland and BogsE FarmlandF Human SitesG Water Bodies (Freshwater)H CoastalI Inland Rock

Each of these habitats is explained inthe following pages, with someexamples provided.

Why record habitats during the CBS?Monitoring habitats as part of the CBS is important forappropriate interpretation of bird data. Most birdcommunities are influenced more by structure andmanagement than by floristic species composition. Byrecording your habitats on an annual basis, we canrelate bird data to habitat composition, and for somewe can examine whether the trends differ betweenhabitats. We can also compare differences betweenyears, which may help explain some of the birdtrends.

Recording habitats

Recording your habitatsThis habitat recording scheme wasdesigned for birdwatchers, so it doesn’trequire specialist botanical knowledge. Itincludes aspects of land management andhuman activities and is based on thestructural aspects of bird habitats.

Habitat data are recorded annually foreach square. For each of the ten sectionssurveyed we ask for a main primary, ordominant, habitat as well as for a secondhabitat.

In many cases, a second habitat is notnecessary, but it is useful to help usidentify why a species that is not typical ofthe main habitat has been recorded. Forexample, telling us about the small pondthat occurs in a 200-m section that ispredominantly broadleaf woodland clarifiesthe presence of Moorhen and Mallard inthat section.

Please record what you feel to be themost appropriate codes for each 200-msection. Describe what you feel are the

predominant habitats along your route.Your decision will be most influenced bythe habitats that are closest to yourtransect, i.e. out to 25 m on either side ofyou.

The coding scheme is hierarchical, sowe ask which is the most prevalent habitatfrom a selection of nine main habitat typeswhich form Level 1 of the habitat codingscheme (see ‘Habitat categories’ box).Further details about these habitats formLevel 2 of the coding scheme.

Habitat characteristics from Levels 1and 2 are the most important and they donot tend to change greatly between visits orbetween years.

Habitat characteristics from the lowerlevels, Levels 3 and 4, may be expected tochange on a more regular basis. Theyreflect management types (such as grazingregimes, etc) and habitat structure(hedgerow with trees, dense shrub layer,etc).

Improved grassland and wet meadow, Newcastle, Co Wicklow. – Dick Coombes

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CBS Manual18

Broadleaf woodland. Conifer forest.

Willow scrub woodland. Clearfelled plantation with regenerating scrub. Heath scrub with gorse and birch.

A. WoodlandWoodland is described here as being dominated by trees greater than5 m tall. Most will be either broadleaf or coniferous. However, youmay select the ‘mixed’ category where there is more than 10% ofconifer in a predominantly broadleaf woodland, or vice versa.Some woodland may be waterlogged; for example:

• Swamp woodland on permanently waterlogged land.

• Woodland dominated by alder or willow.

• Pine woodland on edge of bogs.

Other woodland definitions include: parkland (large, mature treesspaced widely across grassland). Woodland may include a shrublayer (plants less than 5 m tall) and/or a field layer (non-woodyplants, i.e. grass, forbs, nettles, bramble).

B. ScrublandScrubland is described here as being dominated by young woodlandless than 5 m tall. It includes habitats dominated by gorse.

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Mixed woodland (more than 10% conifer inbroadleaf woodland).

CBS Manual 19

2. Water meadow/grazing marsh.1. Swamp woodland habitat.

3. Farmland and forestry habitats. 4. Woodland habitat showing shrub layer (woody plantsless than 5 m tall) and field layer (non-woody plants).

Note: The habitat codes for the above habitats are presented in the Habitat Form shown on page 24.

CBS Manual20

Grass moor (in foreground). Machair: species-rich dry grassland. Water-meadow or grazing marsh.

C. Semi-natural Grassland/MarshDominated by grasses, or wet communities dominated by rushes, sedgesor reeds. Not managed intensively for farming – probably no herbicidesor direct inputs (fertilisers). Types include:

• Grass moor (unenclosed) – typically upland, hill grazing land onpeaty acidic soils, not enclosed (often confused with E: Farmland).

• Machair – flat, sandy, grass-covered plain, usually on landward sideof sand dunes; restricted distribution in Ireland.

• Water-meadow/grazing marsh – periodically flooded (freshwater),usually grazed by livestock.

• Reedswamp – dense beds of tall semi-aquatic vegetation.

• Other open marsh – waterlogged marsh/fen, not grazed.

• Saltmarsh – periodically flooded with saltwater.

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D. Heathland and BogsHeaths are dominated by heather and heaths, and include upland heathermoors and lowland heaths. Bogs are waterlogged peaty areas often coveredwith spongy moss. They are usually either:

• Raised bog – plains where drainage is limited, usually with gentlyundulating surface. Can contain hummocks of vegetation dominated byheather and separated by larger areas of bog mosses.

• Blanket bog – large continuous areas of bog covering entirelandscapes on flat or gently sloping land subject to wet climate.

• Bare peat – this refers to harvested peatlands.

Heather moor. Mountain blanket bog. Bare peat (harvested peatland).

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CBS Manual 21

E. FarmlandFarmland is defined by fields that are enclosed by hedges, walls,fences, etc. They can be:

• Improved – the grass is regularly treated with fertiliser. Brightcolour, lush growth. Includes tilled land that has been reseededwithin five years.

• Unimproved grassland – has not been treated with fertilisers but isgrazed or mown regularly. May be rank and neglected.

• Mixed grass/tilled land – areas containing adjoining fields of each.

• Tilled land – land ploughed, planted with crops.

Other farmland definitions:

• Ungrazed – includes land managed for hay/silage.

• Bare earth – includes furrowed or flat earth.

• Autumn or spring cereal – by April, autumn cereals will be taller,bushier, darker than spring cereals, which will only be starting toemerge; may be at single-leaf stage.

Unimproved grassland (sheep pasture). Improved grassland. Ungrazed (managed for silage).

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Tilled land. Cereal (barley). Active farmyard.

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CBS Manual22

G. Water BodiesAreas with significant coverage of water of a variety of types, definedmostly by size:

• Water bodies – includes ponds, small water bodies, lake/unlinedreservoirs, lined reservoirs.

• Gravel pit, sand pit, etc.

• Waterways – ditches, streams, rivers.

• Canals – small or large.

Other ‘water body’ definitions relate to water quality, which is oftendifficult to define. If unsure, please do not feel compelled to provide acode. These quality categories include:

• Eutrophic – usually in or near lowland farmland with high nutrientinputs, often with green algae or water weeds, with substrate oftenmuddy.

• Oligotrophic – clear water, low productivity (few plants or algae),with substrate usually stony.

• Dystrophic – black water, stained by peat, found in areas of bogs.

• Marl – clear water containing large waterweeds, in limestone areas.

Woodland and parkland (with river as secondaryhabitat).

Public gardens.

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F. Human SitesAreas of human habitation, described as:

• Urban – densely built-up area

• Suburban – inhabited area surrounded by rural land orcontaining large gardens, parks, recreational areas.

• Rural – Without buildings, or containing a few scattered houses orother buildings.

Other ‘Human Site’ types:

• Municipal parks/recreational areas – public areas with regularlymown lawns, playing fields, golf courses, etc.

• Gardens – areas containing lawns and beds of flowers, ornamentalshrubs, etc.

Suburban human site.

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CBS Manual 23

6. Improved pasture with stream habitat.5. Fen marsh with scrub woodland habitat.

7. Coastal sand dune habitat. 8. Mountain-top heath habitat.

Note: The habitat codes for the above habitats are presented in the Habitat Form shown on page 24.

CBS Manual24

Marine open shore. Limestone karst (inland rock).

I. Inland RockAreas of significant inland rock, including: cliffs, scree/boulder slopes,limestone pavement, quarries, mine/spoil/slag heaps, caves.

H. Coastal SitesHabitats bordering the coast. They are broken into: marine open shore,inlet/cove/loch, estuarine, brackish lagoon, open sea.Other ‘coastal site’ definitions:

• Dune slack – wet area with marshy vegetation within a dune system.

• Note that Saltmarsh is described under ‘C: Semi-natural Grassland’as it is more similar in structure and avifauna to grassland than torocky shores.

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Habitat Form illustrating the completed habitat codes for the habitats shown in images 1-4 (page 19) and 5-8 (page 23):

CBS Manual 25

Dawn. – Cóilín MacLochlainn

Submitting your data

Count Summary Sheet. Your personal details and information on the conditionsof your count.

Bird counts. Take care to ensure that the bird counts are entered in the relevantsections and distance bands. Please provide total counts only, with no other textin the count cells (i.e. don’t use c., or +, or any other text).

Try to complete the details on the Count Summary Sheet or enter your records online soon after your count is completedwhile the details are still fresh in your mind – especially if you can’t read your writing very well! That way, you will quicklyidentify any unusual records that might have been due to an error when recording the data on your field sheet (such asthe use of an incorrect code, etc). Ideally, you should complete and submit your data by the end of July each year.

Entering data onlineWe welcome your records online – it’s the quickestand easiest way to get your data to us! Justregister for online surveys on the BirdWatchIreland website and you will then be set up forentering your data.

Online entry is a helpful way to speed up thevalidation process, and it means analyses can beprocessed much more efficiently.

If you submit your records online, then youwon’t need to return the Count Summary Sheetsor the Habitat Forms to us. But please do returnyour Field Recording Sheets as they are handy forus when we are checking the data. Please alsoreturn your map, especially if you have had tomake any changes to your route.

Submitting paper formsIf completing a hard-copy Count Summary Sheet,then please complete the form carefully.

Please also return your Field Recording Sheetsas they are handy for us when checking the data.

Also return your map, especially if you have hadto make any changes to your route.

If you are still uncertain about any part of theform-filling, then please study the examples ofcompleted forms shown here and on the followingpage.

CBS Manual26

Adding species. When adding other species that arenot pre-printed on the form, please ensure that youprovide the correct species code and the full speciesname.

Habitat Recording Form. Refer to the coding schemeon the reverse side of the form. Ensure that individualdigits are entered in each cell.

Colony counts. Please enter the details of anycolonies you are aware of that are in your 1-kmsquare. These details can be collected at any time ofthe breeding season.

Habitat change. Please identify any changes thatoccurred to the habitats between visits in the‘Recording Habitat Change’ section.

CBS Manual 27

1 Check your forms and maps when they arrive in the post. Makesure you have been provided with the relevant material forcovering your square, including (for each square covered):

• 2 Field Recording Sheets

• 1 Habitat Recording Sheet (green)

• 2 Maps of your square

• 1 Permission Letter signed by the CBS Coordinator

• 2 Count Summary Forms (yellow)

2 Complete your first visit before 15th May and your second visitby 30th June.

3 Let the CBS Coordinator know in advance if you cannot surveyyour square.

4 When carrying out your first field visit, make sure to completeyour habitat details.

5 Become familiar with the species codes provided at the back ofthe Field Recording Sheets before undertaking your field visits.

6 During your field visits, allocate sightings of birds to distancebands where species were associating with the section. Note:This includes Swift, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin,Meadow Pipit, Skylark and hovering Kestrel which may be inflight but which are associating with a particular area. If you seea bird fly out of a bush, allocate it to a distance band (wherethe bush was located) rather than to the ‘Flight’ category.

7 Take care not to record the same bird on more than oneoccasion. Be especially wary of vocal species such as Wren,Robin, Blackbird and Song Thrush.

8 When recording your bird records onto the field recordingsheets, take care to carefully record your bird counts in:

• The correct 200-m section

• The correct distance band

9 Complete your Count Summary Sheet or enter your recordsonline soon after each visit. When transferring the data, pleasetake special care to ensure that records are allocated to thecorrect distance band and 200-m section.

10 Submit your data either online or by post to the CBSCoordinator as soon as possible, preferably before the end ofthe summer.

Ten steps to good CBS practice

Some items you’ll need for your CBS fieldwork. A pen is generally easierto write with than a pencil, but do bring a pencil in case it rains and yourpen doesn’t work.

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Kestrel. If hovering (as in this case), it is hunting and should be allocatedto distance band 1, 2 or 3 and not to F (flying over).

Mullaghmore, Burren, Co Clare. – Cóilín MacLochlainn

CBS Manual28

consideration or common sense in thecourse of fieldwork activity.

Accordingly, in your own interest and forthe sake of your family or dependants,please be conscious of your own safetyand that of others at all times.

Respect for private property and therights of its owners is fundamental to ourcontinued access to farmland for this andother surveys.

AccessYour square will almost certainly be onprivately-owned land. This survey dependsheavily on the goodwill of landowners andit is important that the same sites can becounted again and again for years tocome. So please ask permission fromlandowners before you enter onto theirland. They are almost always helpful andaccommodating and, indeed, often enjoy a

Health & SafetyObservers are asked to take great care toavoid any situations which could placethemselves or others in danger.Landowners’ cooperation is vital to ourwork.

Farmland (where much of the fieldworktakes place) is a working environment,with its own attendant hazards. The 1995Occupiers’ Liability Act puts the onus on“recreational users” (that includesvoluntary surveyors) to take all necessaryprecautions to ensure their own safety.The 1995 statute leaves the landownerwith a relatively minimal duty of caretowards recreational users; i.e. simply notto intentionally (or with “recklessdisregard”) injure them or damage theirproperty.

This updating of the law in 1995 wasfully supported by the farming andconservation organisations. It was seen asa necessary step to dispel previouslywidespread fears that landowners mightbe open to huge compensation claims inthe event of accidents involving peopleentering their lands (despite the fact thatno such claim had ever actuallysucceeded in the courts).

BirdWatch Ireland maintainsappropriate public liability and personalaccident insurance cover in relation to itslegal obligations. However, much as wevalue the work of our volunteers(participating National Parks and WildlifeService personnel will be operatingaccording to their statutory functions), theorganisation obviously cannot providethem with total immunity from theconsequences of any lapse of care,

chat about birds that you record.You will be provided with a letter from

BirdWatch Ireland that indicates thepurpose of your visit and that you arecovered by BirdWatch Ireland publicliability and personal accident insurance.Please carry this letter with you whenundertaking CBS fieldwork.

The following basic rules are particularlyimportant:

• Obtain prior permission for entry onland.

• Leave all farm gates just as you findthem.

• Do not obstruct farm entrances whenparking.

• Do not disturb livestock or damagecrops.

• Guard against fire risks and avoidcausing litter.

• Avoid damage to fence walls – usegates, stiles or other recognisedaccess.

• Take heed of any warning signs – theyare there for your protection.

Let someone knowAs you will be out and about early in themorning and may be climbing gates,jumping ditches or walking over mountainbogs, depending on where your square is,it is a good idea to pre-arrange withsomeone that you will phone when you arefinished safely or back in your car.

Also, set in place a procedure that, inthe unlikely event of your having anincident, will let them know how to locateyou (maybe leave a copy of your map withthem).

CBS deadlines

March

Receive newsletter,forms and maps in thepost from the CBSCoordinator.

CBS first/early visit:1st April - 15th MayContact CBS Coordinator in advanceif not likely to complete early visit.

CBS second/late visit:16th May - 30th JuneContact CBS Coordinator in advanceif not likely to complete late visit.

Compile data:Enter records onlineor enter onto CountSummary Sheet andHabitat Form and postto CBS Coordinator.

April May June July

Use gates, stiles or other recognised access points.

CBS Manual 29

Listed below are descriptions of some terms related to bird monitoring and in particular the Countryside Bird Survey.

200-m section – Observers are asked to subdivide their CBStransects and record their bird and habitat details in 200-m sections.

Base year – The CBS commenced in 1998, so all population trendsgenerated from data gathered in succeeding years are calculated inrelation to the start or base year, 1998.

Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) – The UK Breeding Bird Survey hasbeen running in Northern Ireland and Great Britain since 1994 andis co-ordinated by the British Trust for Ornithology. The CountrysideBird Survey uses the same methodology as the BBS and with only afew minor modifications. Thus, BBS data from Northern Ireland canbe easily merged with CBS data to generate trends at an all-Irelandscale.

Birds Directive – The informal name of the European Directive onthe Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC). The directive providesfor the protection, management and control of naturally occurringwild birds within the European Union. One of the key mechanismsis the establishment of a network of Special Protection Areas (seeNatura 2000) for birds. Seehttp://europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/lvb/l28046.htm.

BirdWatch Ireland – BirdWatch Ireland (BWI) is the largestindependent conservation organisation in Ireland, with over 14,000members and supporters and a local network of over 20 branchesnationwide. The aim of the organisation is the conservation ofIreland’s wild birds and their habitats. BirdWatch Ireland wasestablished in1968 as the Irish Wildbird Conservancy (IWC) andwas re-named BirdWatch Ireland in 1993.

British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) – The BTO is a scientificorganisation, combining the skills of professional scientists andvolunteer birdwatchers to carry out research on birds in all habitatsand throughout the year in the UK. Data collected by the variousBTO surveys form the basis of extensive and unique databaseswhich enable the BTO to objectively advise conservation bodies,government agencies, planners and scientists on a diverse range ofissues involving birds. The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) in the UK isjointly run by the British Trust for Ornithology, the Joint NatureConservation Committee and the Royal Society for the Protection ofBirds. See www.bto.org.

CBS News – The annual newsletter of the CBS, produced everyspring and circulated to all survey participants. Contents usuallyinclude an update on progress so far, some results of the surveyand anecdotal accounts from participants.

CBS report – Updated and summarised results are presented in areport that has been produced every three years since the start ofthe survey in 1998.

Distance band – All birds seen or heard are allocated to one ofthree distance bands: out to 25 metres, 25-100 metres and morethan 100 metres away. Birds in flight are recorded separately.

Grid reference – The 1-km squares that were selected for surveyare based on the Irish National Grid. The squares selected forsurvey are located at the southwest corner of the 10-km squareswhich have been randomly selected. Every square has a letter andfour numbers: e.g., M2010. The first two numbers reflect theeasting coordinate while the latter two are the northing.

Some terms explained

Some CBS outputs: Countryside Bird Survey Report (1998-2010) and somerecent issues of CBS News.

Unimproved grassland, Co Galway. – Dick Coombes

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Habitat recording – Habitat data are required for each 200-msection and for each year surveyed to help with the interpretation ofthe bird data and trends.

Heritage Council – The Heritage Council is a statutorilyindependent body in Ireland funded by the Department ofEnvironment, Community and Local Government. The Council’sstatutory functions include proposing policies and priorities for theidentification, protection, preservation and enhancement of thenational heritage, both natural and built, and promoting education,knowledge and pride in, and facilitating appreciation and enjoymentof, our heritage.

Indices – Population change is usually displayed as an index, wherethe results from one season are set at some arbitrary figure, usually1 or 100, and index values are calculated for all other seasonsaccording to how each relates to the base season. Index values arethus measures of relative abundance for a species.

Local Organiser – In some areas, Local Organisers are asked tohelp co-ordinate survey participants.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) – The NPWS is part ofthe Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and isresponsible for the conservation of a range of habitats and speciesin Ireland. NPWS funds the Countryside Bird Survey. Seewww.npws.ie.

Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme (PECBMS) –Every year, bird monitoring data from countries throughout Europeare compiled as part of the Pan-European Common Bird MonitoringScheme to provide an assessment of the status of birds in Europe.Further details and results can be found at www.ebcc.info.

Random selection – In order to ensure that the sampling system isunbiased and not influenced by observer choice, squares havebeen randomly selected within each of eight sampling regions andthen allocated in sequence.

Recording period – This runs from 1st April to 30th June, with thefirst visit between 1st April and 15th May and the second visitbetween 16th May and 30th June.

Region (sampling region) – When the CBS was initiated, theRepublic of Ireland was divided into eight regions based on theNational Parks and Wildlife Service administrative regions at thattime. Within each region, 10km squares were randomly selectedand allocated in sequence.

Significant trend – The 95% confidence interval of a trend estimateis computed by multiplying the standard error by 1.96. If thisinterval does not include the value 1, then the trend is statisticallysignificant at the P = 0.05 level. The 99% confidence interval of atrend estimate is computed by multiplying the standard error by2.58. If this interval does not include the value 1, then the trend isstatistically significant at the P = 0.01 level.

Species code – This is a two-character coding system that has beenadopted from the BTO’s Common Bird Census. Most species codeshave two letters; e.g., RO = Rook. Others have a letter and a fullstop; e.g., B. = Blackbird.

Square – The CBS sample sites are 1-km squares. At present, onlythe square at the southwest corner of each 10-km square that hasbeen randomly selected are surveyed.

Tally counter (clicker) – Small mechanical device used for repetitivecounting and tallying.

Transect – The route that is walked while recording birds. Eachtransect should be as straight as possible, but may have to deviateto avoid obstacles or features in the landscape. The length of thetransect should not exceed 1 km.

Trend – Pattern of bird population change over a particular timeperiod, classified as increasing, declining or stable. Trend ispresently measured as the slope (gradient) of the line of best fitthrough the annual indices: a positive slope reflects an increasingtrend, while a negative slope is a negative trend.

CBS Manual

Trend graph for Goldfinch (1998-2010), showing the species’ dramaticincrease over the course of the survey.

CBS Manual 31

Below is presented a full list of species recorded on the Countryside Bird Survey, together with their Latin names andspecies codes.

SPECIES MONITORED BY THE CBS

Code Common name Latin nameMA Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

PH Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

H. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

SH Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

K. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

MH Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

FP Feral Pigeon Columba livia

SD Stock Dove Columba oenas

WP Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

CD Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

CK Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

SI Swift Apus apus

S. Skylark Alauda arvensis

SM Sand Martin Riparia riparia

SL Swallow Hirundo rustica

HM House Martin Delichon urbica

MP Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

GL Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

PW Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba

WR Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

D. Dunnock Prunella modularis

R. Robin Erithacus rubecula

SC Stonechat Saxicola torquata

W. Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

B. Blackbird Turdus merula

ST Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

M. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

GH Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

SW Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

BC Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

WH Whitethroat Sylvia communis

CC Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

WW Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

GC Goldcrest Regulus regulus

SF Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

LT Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

BT Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

GT Great Tit Parus major

CT Coal Tit Periparus ater

TC Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

MG Magpie Pica pica

JD Jackdaw Corvus monedula

RO Rook Corvus frugilegus

HC Hooded Crow Corvus corone cornix

RN Raven Corvus corax

SG Starling Sturna vulgaris

HS House Sparrow Passer domesticus

CH Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

GR Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

GO Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

LI Linnet Carduelis cannabina

LR Redpoll Carduelis flammea

BF Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Y. Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

RB Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

WATERBIRD SPECIES NOT ADEQUATELYMONITORED BY THE CBS

Code Common name Latin name

CA Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

SN Snipe Gallinago gallinago

CU Curlew Numenius arquata

BH Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

CM Common Gull Larus canus

LB Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

HG Herring Gull Larus argentatus

GB Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Species and codes

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Brackish lagoon, Kilcoole Marsh, Co Wicklow. – Dick Coombes

CBS Manual32

SS Sanderling Calidris alba

KN Knot Calidris canutus

DN Dunlin Calidris alpina

JS Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus

WK Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

BW Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

BA Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

WM Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

RK Redshank Tringa totanus

GK Greenshank Tringa nebularia

CS Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

TT Turnstone Arenaria interpres

NX Great Skua Stercorarius skua

MU Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus

KI Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

TE Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis

CN Common Tern Sterna hirundo

AE Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea

AF Little Tern Sterna albifrons

GU Guillemot Uria aalge

RA Razorbill Alca torda

TY Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle

DV Rock Dove Columba livia

TD Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

BO Barn Owl Tyto alba

LE Long-eared Owl Asio otus

SE Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

KF Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

RC Rock Pipit Anthus spinoletta littoralis

DI Dipper Cinclus cinclus

WC Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

RZ Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus

FF Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

RE Redwing Turdus iliacus

RW Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

GW Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

WO Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

J. Jay Garrulus glandarius

CF Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

TS Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

BL Brambling Fringilla montifringilla

SK Siskin Carduelis spinus

TW Twite Carduelis flavirostris

CR Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

LESS FREQUENTLY RECORDED SPECIES

Code Common name Latin nameMS Mute Swan Cygnus olor

WS Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus

NW Greenland White-fronted

Goose Anser albifrons flavirostris

GJ Greylag Goose Anser anser

CG Canada Goose Branta canadensis

SU Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

WN Wigeon Anas penelope

T. Teal Anas crecca

PT Pintail Anas acuta

SV Shoveler Anas clypeata

TU Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

CX Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

RM Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

GD Goosander Mergus Merganser

RG Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus

RL Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

P. Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

Q. Quail Coturnix coturnix

RH Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata

ND Great Northern Diver Gavia immer

GG Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

LG Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

F. Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis

MX Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus

GX Gannet Sula bassana

SA Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

ET Little Egret Egretta garzetta

HZ Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus

MR Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

HH Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus

GI Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

BZ Buzzard Buteo buteo

ML Merlin Falco columbarius

PE Peregrine Falco peregrinus

WA Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

CE Corncrake Crex crex

CO Coot Fulica atra

OC Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

RP Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

GP Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

L. Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

RESOURCESCBS outputsCrowe, O. & Coombes, R.H. 2005. Monitoring breeding bird populations

in the Republic of Ireland. Bird Census News 18: 42-51.Coombes, R.H., Crowe, O., Lysaght, L., Noble, D., O’Halloran, J.,

O’Sullivan, O. & Wilson H.J. 2002. Countryside Bird Survey1998-2000. BirdWatch Ireland Report, Dublin.

Coombes, R.H., Crowe, O., Lysaght, L., O’Halloran, J., O’Sullivan, O. &Wilson H.J. 2006. Countryside Bird Survey 1998-2005.BirdWatch Ireland Report.

Coombes, R.H., O. Crowe, A. Lauder, L. Lysaght, C. O’Brien, J.O’Halloran, O. O’Sullivan, T.D. Tierney, A. Walsh and H.J.Wilson. 2009. Countryside Bird Survey 1998-2007. BirdWatchIreland Report.

Crowe, O., Coombes, R.H., Lysaght, L., O’Brien, C., Choudhury, K.R.,Walsh, A.J., Wilson, H.J. & O’Halloran, J. 2010. Populationtrends of widespread breeding birds in the Republic of Ireland1998-2008. Bird Study 57: 267-280.

Crowe, O., Coombes, R.H., Lauder, A., Lysaght, L., O’Brien, C.,O’Halloran, J., O’Sullivan, O., Tierney, T.D. & Walsh, A.J.2012. Countryside Bird Survey Report 1998-2010. BirdWatchIreland Report, Wicklow.

Newson, S.E., Crowe, O. & Noble, D.G. 2004. Scoping study onintegrating Countryside Bird Survey and Breeding Bird Surveydata to generate all-Ireland trends. BTO Research Report No.376. The Nunnery, England.

CBS News is the annual newsletter of the Countryside Bird Survey. ithas been produced annually since 1999.

Other useful referencesBibby, C.J., Burgess, N.D & Hill, D.A. 1992. Bird Census Techniques.

Academic Press, New York.Crick, H.Q.P. 1992. A bird-habitat coding system for use in Britain and

Ireland incorporating aspects of land management and humanactivity. Bird Study 39: 1-12.

Gibbons, D.W., Reid, J.B. & Chapman, R.A. 1993. The New Atlas ofBreeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991. T. & A.D.Poyser, London.

Hutchinson, C.D. 1989. Birds in Ireland. T. & A.D. Poyser, Calton,England.

Pannekoek, J. & van Strien, A.J. 1996. TRIM: Trends & Indices forMonitoring Data. Research Paper No. 9634, StatisticsNetherlands, Voorburg.

PECBMS 2009. State of Europe’s Common Birds, 2008. CSO/RSPB,Prague, Czech Republic.

Sharrock, J.T.R. 1976. The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain andIreland. Poyser, Berkhamsted.

Vořišek, P. & Marchant, J.H. 2003. Review of large-scale genericpopulation monitoring schemes in Europe. Bird Census News16: 14-38.

WebsitesBirdWatch Ireland: www.birdwatchireland.ie (see Countryside Bird Surveyin Volunteer Surveys in Our Work)British Trust for Ornithology (BTO): www.bto.org (see Breeding BirdSurvey in Volunteer Surveys in Our Work, on www.birdwatchireland.ie)European Bird Census Council: www.ebcc.infoHeritage Council: www.heritagecouncil.ieNational Biodiversity Data Centre: www.nbdc.ieNational Parks & Wildlife Service:www.npws.ie/researchprojects/animalspecies/birds/

Recommended books and audio-visual material

Field guideThe Complete Field Guide to Ireland’s BirdsBy Eric Dempsey & Michael O’CleryGill & Macmillan (2010)

CD & bookCommon Garden Bird Calls(Covers more than 60 bird species)By Hannu Jännes and Owen RobertsNew Holland Publishers (2009)

DVDDVD Guide to Common & Garden BirdsBy Paul DohertyBird Images Video Guides

Field guideCollins Bird GuideBy Killian Mullarney, Lars Svenssion,Dan Zetterström and Peter GrantCollins (2010)

CDGarden Bird Sounds(Covers 70 bird species)By Geoff SampleWildSounds

CBS is a joint project of BirdWatchIreland and the National Parks andWildlife Service of the Departmentof Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.