The last BTO survey was in 1996 when a sample census was carried out. There were 10 tetrads in GMC. However, I did attempt to find all rookeries (see article in the 1996 report) and 43 were located with a total of 956 nests (45 with 1418 nests in 1975).
I know there has been a considerable decrease since then with no nests now at (eg) Golborne Dale (57 in 1996), Brandlesholme Hall, and much reduced at most other sites. Therefore I think it's really important we find as many as we can for the new atlas. Rooks (like Feral Pigeons and Mute Swans) are often ignored by birdwatchers, sadly.

Henry - I fully take your point but surely it is best to have too much info rather than too little (which is more often the case)? If we did a comparison against the last full survey then that would seem to be a fair reflection of what is actually happening.

Steve - with regard to colonial species being picked up on TTV's for the Atlas project. One of my reasons for doing TTV's is to visit areas that I am not totally familiar with and the exciting prospect of what you might find! Because some people do not know the areas they are surveying and given that a breeding survey TTV might only cover 2 one hour visits, I would guess there is some chance that colonies might well be missed! I know from my own experience that I wasn't aware of colonial nesting birds near to an area where I regularly walk and birdwatch until I was told about them!. Plus counting colonial nesting birds does take some time and from my limited experience the only way to count them accurately.... is to wait and watch!

The other reasons I suggested it, was to try and encourage more records being put towards the atlas project, at the same time as birders are able to enjoy all of the sights and sounds and the spectacle of good numbers of commoner species which are on our "doorstep"and which we often overlook - I know I have!!

Cheers,

Bill.

If, as part of the Bird Atlas project, we do counts in every tetrad in the county (and that is our intention) we should get a reasonably accurate figure of Rookeries and nests. These should be entered in the Colony Counts section of the TTV forms.
I can't remember the date of the last comprehensive BTO survey of Rookeries (probably 15 years or so ago) but Judith will have the figures on the county database and a pretty accurate comparison can be made.

Steve

I attempted to count the "rookery" at Kiln Lane, Milnrow yesterday afternoon (18/3). Sadly, I could only find one nest (with a bird sitting). The 2006 county bird report indicates 6 nests here in that year and also the preceding year and 18 in 2004. Unfortunately, it looks like this particular rookery might be on its "last legs"?

Wouldn't it be great if as users of the forum we could count all of the rookeries in GM in the 2009 breeding season? I see from the statistics from the forum that there are now 384 registered members! I am sure between us over the next few weeks or so we could make an extra effort to count the rookeries - all will help towards the 2007-2011 BTO atlas project records.

Keep atlasing! (breeding records required Apr- Jul)

Cheers,

Bill.


-- Edited by Bill Myerscough on Thursday 19th of March 2009 08:06:50 AM

I'll add my min. of 64 nests counted at Birch on 14th March '09. Will make a further visit in April and may need to revise total slightly.

Bill.