|
|
The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) |
In 1946, The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) was founded on the banks of the River Severn at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire by the painter and naturalist, the late Sir Peter Scott. His aim was "to establish a centre for the scientific study, public display and conservation of the wildfowl of the world". In 1973, Peter Scott became the first person to be knighted for services to conservation.
WWT's mission - to save wetlands for wildlife and people - reflects the importance that is attached to bringing people and wetland wildlife together, for the benefit of both.
Wetlands - habitats where land and water meet, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, peatlands, estuaries and the seashore - are vital to the survival of many plants and animals including dragonflies, fish, frogs and otters and the birds which have been at the heart of WWT's work: swans, geese and ducks. They are also vital to our own survival, providing our water and many foods as well as services such as flood and erosion protection and places for birdwatching, sailing and swimming.
Yet wetlands are threatened by pollution, drainage, agriculture and development. WWT is committed to securing a safer future for wetlands so that they can continue to support the survival both of wildlife and of ourselves.
WWT has an excellent reputation worldwide for its knowledge of wildfowl and is evolving as a key source of information about wetlands. Between 30 and 35 scientists tackle a wide range of research projects in wildfowl biology, wetland ecology and management and conservation science for common and endangered species alike. WWT co-ordinates the efforts of over 2,000 ornithologists in Britain and Ireland, a vast force collecting information about waterbirds and wetlands. Techniques for the creation, restoration and creation of wetland habitats are being developed.
WWT monitors the numbers and distribution of wildfowl globally and draws up conservation assessments and action plans for threatened species, promoting their implementation with global partners. Long-term studies in arctic, temperate and tropical environments are on-going. Expert ecological consultancy services are provided through WWT's Wetlands Advisory Service (WAS).
River Stour (both sides in conjunction with Suffolk group)
Hamford Water
River Colne, including Mersea Island
River Blackwater, including Osea and Northey Islands
Dengie Coast - Bradwell to Holiwell Point
Rivers Crouch and Roach
Thames - Foulness Island to Canvey Point
Thames - East Tilbury
Thames - Pitsea Creek / Vange Creek
We also count at five Essex Reservoirs:
Abberton
Ardleigh
Coleman's
Connaught Water
Hanningfield
In all about 75 counters are involved - more are always welcome (see below for details).
The main emphasis for WeBS counts is in the winter season from September to March, although there is also interest in wader movements in August and April. Dates are specified for every month of the year and currently a few estuaries and most reservoirs are covered all year round.
Possibly the most important single species so far as Essex is concerned is the Dark-bellied race of the Brent Goose and our first wintering birds normally arrive early in September. On the WeBS count date September 6th 1999 seven Brent Geese were present at Foulness, while seven were counted at Peewit Island and Horsey Island on Hamford Water. Hamford is also notable for the numbers of waders present in September: no fewer than 24 species were counted there in 1998, including 108 Avocets and a single Temminck's Stint. By the October count on the 18th, Brent Goose numbers were building up with over 1,000 present on the Crouch and South Dengie area where there had been none on the previous count..
In the summer months unusual reservoir birds included, in 1997, breeding Arctic Terns at Ardleigh giving an August 23rd count of eleven, including six juveniles. Another notable occurrence that summer was the first breeding by Avocets on the River Crouch in 1997 - at Stow Creek. Three pairs bred in 1999 producing an August count of eight. There were also 17 Avocets at South Dengie and 15 on Foulness in that month.
On the estuary of the River Blackwater there are now two 'managed retreats' where the old seawall has been deliberately breached to allow the flooding of additional areas. One of these is at Bradwell Creek [Orplandsj where numbers of Black-tailed Godwits and Greenshank now feed and roost. The other managed retreat, at Old Hall Marshes RSPB Reserve, is monitored by the staff there. The latter also carry out the monthly WeBS counts at Old Hall Marshes and Northey Island.
In recent years two new coastal Essex Wildlife Trust reserves have been established - Tollesbury Wick on the northern side of the River Blackwater and Blue House Farm on the north side of the River Crouch. The wardens of both these reserves assist with the monthly counts.
There is a particular importance in maintaining the WeBS count coverage of our Essex estuaries - we have the longest coastline of any English county and much of it is rich in bird life. Volunteers are welcome to assist with WeBS counts - at the moment we particularly need additional help with counts in the River Crouch/South Dengie area. Anyone interested should contact: Jeremy Alderton 367, Baddow Road, Chelmsford, CM2 7QF. Telephone: 01245 471400.
The WeBs count in December 1999 produced the wonderful sight of a Dartford Warbler in the Wakering area.
Highlights of the last count on 11th February 2001 (Birds observed from River Crouch round to Canvey Point)
10 Red-throated Diver
43 Little Grebe
25 Little Egret
13 White-fronted Goose
90 Greylag Goose
167 Canada Goose
5124 Brent Goose
1 Black Brant
22 Eider
11 Red-breasted Merganser
1 Peregrine Falcon
11608 Oystercatcher
160 Avocet
10509 Lapwing
16215 Knot
24696 Dunlin
46 Common Snipe
4 Barn Owl
81 Fieldfare
137 Corn Bunting
Click here for details of the best places to see birds in the local area
         
|
?Webmaster: