The principal aim of the WeBS count is to record and monitor non-breeding waterbirds(herons, ducks, geese, gulls, waders etc) in the UK, identifying population sizes, trends in numbers and mapping there distribution.
If you are interested in assisting the BTO in the surveying of a site local to where you live, I've pulled some information from the BTO website to try and give you an overview of the process and the requirements needed in volunteering for this survey.
What type of counts are carried out?
There are two main counts which make up WeBS, the Core Counts and Low Tide Counts.
Core Counts - is the principal scheme of the Wetland Bird Survey. Counts are made annually at around 2,000 wetland sites of all habiats; estuaries and large waters predominate.
Low Tide Counts - despite involving only a relatively small number of sites, estuaries collectively represent the most important habitat for wintering waterbirds in the UK.They are also inherently different from the thousands of inland sites counted for WeBS.The influence of the tide means that the birds have to be much more mobile, both within and between sites. WeBS Core Counts on estuaries have, in general, been based around high tide roosts. Although important in themselves, roost sites are usually secondary in importance to the manner in which waterbirds make use of a site for feeding. Therefore, information gathered about these sites at high tide will only provide part of the picture.
Core Count Priority Dates
2012
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15th January
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12th February
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11th March
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8th April
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20th May
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24th June
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22nd July
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19th August
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16th September
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14th October
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18th November
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16th December
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2013
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13th January
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10th February
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10th March
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14th April
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12th May
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23rd June
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21st July
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25th August
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22nd September
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13th October
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10th November
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15th December
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What is required?
The survey involves visiting a local wetland site once a month throughout the winter, counting the waterfowl there. Counts from all months of the year are necessary but the main period for the volunteer counters is concentrated from September through to March.
What skills are required?
Anyone can take part, even beginners to birdwatching. Unlike many bird surveys, to carry out WeBS Counts, you don't have to know bird songs or calls, just the ability to identify common waterbirds.
WeBS runs a number of 1-day and weekend training courses, centered on teaching bird survey techniques. If you are interested in a course, check the BTO website at the foot of this page for training dates and further information.
How is the survey organised?
The survey is organised via a network of voluntary Local Organisers (LOs). The LO will give you more information, and will be able to allocate you a WeBS site to count if there is one available.
How do I get involved?
To register for WeBS, contact your Local Organiser or the WeBS Office - all the information you need is provided on the BTO link below.
Where are the survey sites?
A WeBS site can be any wetland area, be it an estuary, lake or reservoir to a river, stream or even your local village duck pond. Many of the larger sites are regularly counted, but vacant sites do appear from time to time, even counts from small waterbodies are still important.
How do I return my data?
WeBS Online is the easiest and most convenient way to send your data to the BTO. Alternatively, you can send back completed count forms to your LO.
You can find out more about taking part, training courses, vacant sites, results, data and the history of the BTO and the WeBS surveys by clicking on this link - There is also a very good questions and answers page to assist you.
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