Goosander & Cormorant River and Roost Survey – final call for volunteers

If you haven’t already signed up to take part in the survey then it’s not too late as there are a few remaining opportunities, but please get in touch with us soon.

Since the river and roost survey was announced there has been a fantastic response with people wanting to take part. Coverage for the main rivers has already been agreed and given the level of interest we have also started to recruit people to take part in surveying the western valley rivers. There are some opportunities remaining to help with sections of the Rhymney, Sirhowey, Ebbw and Monnow rivers. The Afon Lwyd is not currently included, but if sufficient people come forward we will add the river to the survey.

There has also been a good response to the roost survey with many reservoirs/ponds already allocated. There are however still some sites available – mostly in the heads of the valleys but also Ponthir Reservoir. If you would like to take part in a simple evening survey of a local site then please get in touch.

Finally, we would also like to hold a reserve list of potential surveyors – people to “come off the bench” if necessary.

Most people should be able to take on a roll in the survey. The good news is that these are not difficult species to identify and therefore you don’t need a great deal of birding experience. Furthermore, you don’t necessarily need to spend considerable time in the field. For example, the Goosander evening roost project might only require up to 90mins of your time per monthly visit. With this survey it’s also great to be out birding at a different time of the day.

The river survey will require more effort, but it will ensure that you have time to fully appreciate the fantastic waterways of our county. The rivers will be divided into sections of 3-5 km so you do not have to walk far.

Survey work gets underway next month with the river survey on the 14th and the first roost visit on the evening of the 15th November. By taking part you will be contributing to an important survey, the results of which will help inform future policy decisions about fish-eating birds.

Where can I find out more?

Steph Tyler (river survey) and Richard Clarke (roost survey) are co-ordinating the survey work, so why not get in touch to learn more about how you can help with this important survey.

Contact details:

Richard Clarke (roost survey) – surveys@GwentBirds.org.uk or Tel: 01633 615581

Steph Tyler (river survey) – steph_tyler2001@hotmail.com