Whimbrel by Ian Francis

Whimbrel Survey 2021

During the 2021 breeding season, a full survey of breeding Whimbrels is underway, targeting the whole Scottish (UK) population. Recent information such as the 2008–11 national bird atlas (see the map here) suggests that almost all breeding birds are found in Shetland, and the aim of the survey is to cover all current known sites there and to check those thought to be abandoned. We also aim to cover known sites in other parts of Scotland where pairs may still be found – Orkney, Outer Hebrides and the north of the Scottish mainland. We expect that numbers will be lower than previously recorded, based on evidence from local bird records and a 29% decrease in breeding range between atlases. National population estimates have varied from c.150 pairs in 1968-72, up to 410–470 pairs in 1988–91 and down to c.290 pairs in the last survey in 2009. There has been little wide-scale or systematic survey work since then, though birds have been monitored and counted in some parts of Shetland, and some research on their biology in Shetland has taken place.

At present (May 2021), it looks like the survey will be able to proceed following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions. A blog from Christine Skene, Ian Francis and Allan Perkins here gives further details on the survey. In addition to the formal survey design, we would welcome any records of potential breeding Whimbrel from suitable breeding habitat. Please send any suitable records to your local recorder or to Ian Francis. Records can also be submitted via BirdTrack system www.birdtrack.net – please include precise location details and breeding evidence. All of the final data will be shared with local recorders and eventually lodged in RBBP archives. Of course, moorland areas in northern Scotland also host a range of other rare breeding birds, including Greenshank, Wigeon and both Red-throated and Black-throated Divers, amongst others. All are very under-recorded, so please also ensure any potential breeding records of these species are submitted to the relevant county bird recorder.

The survey is being coordinated by RSPB Scotland in Shetland, in conjunction with the RBBP.