Nightjar breeding season surveys in Dumfries and Galloway between 1981 and 2011
Citation
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Nightjar breeding season surveys in Dumfries and Galloway between 1981 and 2011. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/d3oo4b accessed via GBIF.org on 2025-02-14.Description
The UK population of nightjar declined by 50% between 1972 and 1992. These surveys were undertaken to monitor the change in range and population of nightjar in Dumfries and Galloway. This dataset contains data collected between 1981 and 2011, and was conducted by the Dumfries and Galloway Nightjar Study Groups.Absence records are included, and denote areas that were surveyed where no nightjars were seen.
Purpose
The UK population of nightjar declined by 50% between 1972 and 1992. These surveys were undertaken to make an annual estimate of the status and distribution of Dumfries and Galloway's nightjar population, so that conservation effort can be targeted effectively.
Sampling Description
Quality Control
These data have been gathered by trained field-workers and the data are of a high quality. These data have been mapped and checked for sensitivities and typographical/geographical errors.Method steps
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The methods are based on those described in Bird Monitoring Methods (Gilbert et al.). Briefly, two site visits were made, during which the number of churring males were counted. Most visits occurred between June and mid-July, at dusk or half an hour before dawn. Sites (1 km squares) were surveyed by walking at a steady pace, stopping every few minutes to listen for nightjar calls. When churring was heard from two locations less than 400 m apart, up to 30 seconds apart, the calls were recorded as two male individuals. Records more than 400 m apart were recorded as 2 birds.
In order to verify records and validate the dataset, the data have been mapped and thoroughly checked. Geographical checks have included comparing the distribution with that shown in the published paper and ensuring that records with the same area name are located close to each other.
Taxonomic Coverages
Geographic Coverages
Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
The majority of the records are reported at 100 m or 1 km resolution.
The majority of the records are reported at 100 m or 1 km resolution.
Bibliographic Citations
Contacts
originatorRoyal Society for the Protection of Birds
metadata author
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
distributor
NBN Atlas
27 Old Gloucester St, Holborn
London
WC1N 3AX
London
GB
email: admin@nbnatlas.org
The Conservation Officer
administrative point of contact
email: dumfriesandgalloway@rspb.org.uk