Wader survey on Uist in 2007

Quality Control

Data have been thoroughly checked for geographical and other errors. Please see the additional information sources for a detailed discussion of the survey methodology.

Method steps

1. The survey repeated the methods used for earlier surveys in 1983 and 2000 which involved extensive transect surveys of areas considered suitable for breeding waders. 43 areas covering 128km2 in total were surveyed once between 28th May and 8th June. The method used for the surveys was developed in 1983 specifically for use in the Uists (see Reed & Fuller (1983) for full details). The method involved a pair or team of observers walking adjacent parallel transect lines spaced 100m or 150m apart depending on habitat, topography and wader densities. The location and behaviour of all waders observed were recorded on 1:10,000 scale field maps using standard codes. Subsequently, all registrations were transferred to composite visit maps indicating the number and location of breeding pairs and non-breeding individuals.

Machair habitats on North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist