2 METHODOLOGY
2.1 Objectives The objectives of the breeding bird survey were to: •
•
• •
identify the distribution of breeding birds across the site;
locate any birds protected under Schedule 1 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981;
identify any species which may require special mitigation during the works; and identify any further, species-specific surveys that may be required.
2.2 Breeding Bird Survey
The survey methodology is based on the Common Bird Census (CBC) methodology devised jointly by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Joint Nature Conservancy Council (JNCC), (Gilbert et al. 1998). All surveys were undertaken early in the morning at or just after sunrise to coincide with the period of peak bird activity. A route was walked incorporating all features that may function as nesting bird habitat within and immediately adjacent to the route of the proposed cable. All birds seen or heard were recorded onto base maps along with notes of behaviour that may indicate breeding.
Three breeding bird surveys were undertaken. Due to the size of the study site it would not have been practical to survey the whole route three times. One survey carried out in April aimed to survey the entire length of the proposed cable route across its entire width. This visit was to get a general impression of the habitats that would be affected by the cable route, the general assemblage of birds using the route and to identify key areas of habitat for more detailed survey. Two further week-long visits were then carried out in May and June in these areas (results are given in Section 3). This survey methodology and the locations surveyed were discussed with statutory consultees prior to commencement.
Some incidental sightings of notable bird species recorded by surveyors undertaking other protected species surveys are also included. Some of these are rare or uncommon species, species that are hard to detect.
2.3 Limitations
Surveys were undertaken at the ideal time of year and during good weather for breeding bird surveys. A table of all weather data is shown in Section 3.
In spite of the good conditions, generally it is not realistic to expect to record every bird using a site during three breeding bird visits. However, the surveys were sufficient to record any important assemblages, and to identify areas of particular interest.
East Anglia Offshore Wind Limited
Breeding Bird Survey Technical Report 854188 (Rev 02)
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