Wings desire of

As many of our native birds face decline, Caroline Lindsay meets a man who is helping to save one species from extinction

They have always been a favourite of mine, despite their lack of showy plumage – or maybe because of it

If you thought birdwatching was solely the realm of bearded blokes toting notebooks, binoculars and flasks of tea, you might want to think again.

According to Kirsty Nutt, communications manager for RSPB Scotland, the hobby is probably more popular than ever now that social media has made it possible for enthusiasts across the country – and around the world – to chat, meet up and share knowledge.

And there’s more good news for our feathered friends – thanks to organisations like A Focus on Nature and events like the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, a whole new generation are getting hooked on watching the birdie.

The attention is long overdue, say experts. Reports suggest more than a quarter of our most familiar birds have suffered a dramatic decline in numbers since 1970, including starlings by 80%, song thrushes by 53% and house sparrows by 66%.

“Many iconic farmland birds like curlews, lapwings and skylarks have declined too, while corn buntings have declined by a staggering 90%,” says Kirsty. “We shouldn’t lose hope though as there is plenty that can be done to help.”

One man on a mission to help save the corn bunting – a dumpy little seedeating brown bird usually seen perched on wires or posts – is Simon Hayhow, 59, who has been dedicated to recording wildlife since he was 12. A museum director at the Scottish Fisheries Museum by day, in his spare time he swaps boats for binoculars, devoting early mornings, evenings and days off to the RSPB’s corn bunting recovery project in Fife.

They may not be the most eyecatching examples of avian beauty but, for Simon, they have a charm of their own. “They have always been a favourite of mine, despite their lack of showy plumage – or maybe because of it,” he smiles. They are charismatic birds with a very distinctive ‘jangling keys’ song and to me they epitomise a summer’s day on our farmland.”

A combination of a late breeding season, a preference for nesting in growing crops and an insect and seed diet centred on grains, have all played their part in making these little birds especially vulnerable to modern agricultural practices

By studying the ecology and needs of the species, birders like Simon are helping the RSPB to work with farmers to halt the decline.

Measures, such as planting plots of winter seed crop mixed with clover to provide ideal cover for nests, are making a real difference, along with cutting crops late in the year so they don’t destroy nests and young.

“There is real optimism that we can help the future of this species,” Simon smiles.

“I love getting out into the countryside with a real sense of purpose and feeling that I’m helping in a small way to secure the survival of this characterful bird.”

To find out more, visit www.rspb.org. uk and if you’d like to get involved go to the website’s volunteering page.