The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Bird count calls on eagle-eyed farmers
Scottish farmers and land managers have been asked to spend 30 minutes bird watching in February as part of the Big Farmland Bird Count.
The annual event, between February 4-20, is organised by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) to highlight the work being done to reverse the decline of bird species.
All farmers need to do is download a count sheet from bfbc.org.uk and spend 30 minutes counting birds on one spot on a farm, plus a few minutes inputting results via the website.
Count organiser Dr Roger Draycott said: “Farmers and gamekeepers are vital in helping to ensure the survival of many of our cherished farmland bird species such as skylark, yellowhammer, corn buntings and wild grey partridges.
“They are responsible for managing the largest songbird habitat in this country on their land, so they are in a position to make a real difference.”
The count has taken place every year since 2014.
Around 2,500 counts were completed in 2021, covering 2.5 million acres of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, up from 1.4 million acres the previous year.
Dr Draycott said modern farming methods mean there is often not enough natural food for wildlife in late winter and early spring.
He added: “One of the best ways to support wild and game birds is to provide extra winter seed. Supplementary feeding is particularly beneficial for birds of conservation concern like grey partridge, yellowhammer and corn bunting.”
The use of conservation headlands – wide field margins where little or no pesticides are used – is also beneficial.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is sponsoring the count, and it is being supported by other farmers’ unions as well as the National Sheep Association, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and LEAF.
NFU president Minette Batters said: “Not only are farmers producing climate-friendly food, they are also maintaining and protecting the great British countryside, creating habitats for wildlife and additional feeding for farmland birds.
“I encourage all farmers to get involved in the 2022 GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count.”
Guides to counting and identifying birds, biodiversity tips, and more details on taking part are all available on the website.
Participants are encouraged to share photos or videos of themselves counting on social media using #bfbc