RSPB/RBBP Willow Tit survey (February-April 2019–21)

Unfortunately, the RSPB has announced the cancellation of survey plans for the national Willow Tit survey in 2021, due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. While the loss of a final year of gap-filling surveys is regrettable, given the huge coverage achieved through the efforts of volunteer surveyors already, there are sufficient data to enable robust analyses to be conducted. If Covid restrictions are eased before mid April and you are able to carry out some Willow Tit survey work, while adhering to the letter and spirit of Government regulation and guidance on outdoor activities in your local area, we would be able to make use of any additional survey data. In addition, all records of breeding Willow Tits made during other birdwatching activity should be submitted to the RBBP via the county recorder network, as usual. Further detail can be found in a blog from Simon Wotton, RSPB, here.

Introduction

The Rare Breeding Birds Panel, RSPB and Welsh Ornithological Society are delivering the first national Willow Tit survey from 2019 to 2021 (but see above for an update on the 2021 season). The aim is for county-level surveys to be conducted across the known range by Willow Tit study groups, county bird clubs and other organisations. Below you can find more information and links to copies of the survey instructions and forms. If you would like to get involved, please get in touch with the RBBP Secretary or the national organiser Simon Wotton.

Why survey Willow Tits?

Our endemic race of Willow Tit Poecile montanus kleinschmidti is the second-fastest declining species in the UK (after the Turtle Dove) and is Red-listed. RSPB and others have conducted research into causes of decline, and are trialling woodland management solutions for Willow Tits. They are highly sedentary, remaining in an area close to their breeding territory throughout the year. In recent years, they have been lost from large areas of southern and eastern England. Due to the declining numbers, monitoring is becoming increasingly difficult. While the BTO/JNCC/RSPB UK Breeding Bird Survey is still able to produce an annual trend, the sample was just 34 squares by 2018. The RBBP added Willow Tit to its list of species reported annually in 2010, but it is difficult to get complete coverage in those areas where it is still relatively numerous. Our reported totals (2010-2018) have been remarkably consistent, falling in the range 620-730 pairs, but this is likely to be a gross underestimate owing to limited coverage in those core areas. Although collation of records by the RBBP is nevertheless useful, it is currently insufficient to produce robust population estimates, measures of change or maps of current distribution – hence the need for a national survey. RBBP data have proven useful for the design of this survey.

The breeding season distribution of Willow Tits revealed in Bird Atlas 2007-11 can be seen here via the BTO map store.

A national survey is needed if conservation work is going to be properly underpinned by evidence. The 2019-21 survey will help establish a more robust population estimate but also help scientists investigate the causes of the decline, such as the potential impact of deteriorating habitat quality.

How will the survey work?

The aim is to conduct county-level surveys across the known range by Willow Tit study groups, county bird clubs and other organisations. The survey period is from mid-February to mid-April, during the pre-breeding season when the birds are territorial, with two visits per tetrad (2×2 km) during this period. Surveys will be conducted in all suitable habitat within tetrads, using a standardised playback method (with the recording provided, see link below). Over 2019 and 2020, over 1,500 tetrads were surveyed (see map, below), which is encouraging, but there are areas where more coverage is needed. The map shows all tetrads covered so far: red squares show tetrads where Willow Tits have been recorded and blue squares where they have not been found. Grey squares are those that still need coverage – please contact the organisers (details above) to get involved.

Downloads:

Full instructions: Willow_Tit_national_survey_methods_2020-21.

Survey form: Willow_Tit_survey_form_2020-21.

Recording to be used for playback:

The recording can also be downloaded here.

As Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers also occur in similar habitats to Willow Tits in some areas, please remember that this species is also a rare breeding bird. Therefore we ask that observers ensure that any sightings are reported to the county recorder or logged via BirdTrack.