The last time they were counted, we think there were at least 250,000 Golden Plovers and 1.5 million Lapwings in Britain in winter. Since then, much has changed in the plover world, with ongoing breeding population declines and major shifts in wintering range. Clearly it is time for an update and during winter 2006/07 there will be a major new survey of Britain's winter plovers.

Tetrad survey

We are looking for people to survey selected 2km by 2km squares (tetrads), making one visit each month from October to February. Some of these tetrads have been chosen as known plover sites, others are randomly selected to give us a measure of the number of birds we might otherwise have missed. On each visit you'll need to check all suitable habitat in the square and record on the form provided any flocks of plovers you find.

If you would like to assist with this important national survey, please indicating which tetrad or tetrads you would like to take on. Note that the selected dates have deliberately been chosen to coincide with the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) count dates, but winter plover counts do not need to be carried out in the morning. Although not ideal, they may be done within 3 days of the suggested date.

Casual records

If you see a large flock of Golden Plovers and/or Lapwings, you can submit the sighting to us using the simple casual records form on the BTO website. You can improve the value of your casual sighting by returning to the area to provide monthly updates. Remember that these two species can be rather mobile, so it is worth checking the area thoroughly and not simply checking the one field they were in last time.

Further information

View the BTO Wintering Plover Survey website

September 2006

© 2006 Herts Bird Club - a section of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society. Registered Charity number 218418