Planned Surveys

The HOS Scientific Committee has reviewed its Survey Strategy which can be read here.

Breeding season records – including breeding evidence – is welcome for Nightingale, Turtle Dove, Cetti’s Warbler, Water Rail, Firecrest and any species that fall under the remit of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel.

National Winter Gull Roost Survey (WinGS) – 2023/24 to 2024/25

Black Headed Gull by Brian Cartwright 31st Oct Anton LakeThis BTO project’s overarching aim is to provide updated information on the numbers and distribution of wintering gulls in the UK, its constituent countries, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Information will be provided for all gull species, but with a focus on Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull and Mediterranean Gull as the six most numerous and widespread species that occur in the UK during the non-breeding seasons.

The survey will also assess how numbers have changed since the last survey in 2003/04–2005/06 and will enable updated 1% thresholds to be calculated to help identify sites of national importance for gulls.

If you would lke to help with this survey, please contact the co-ordinators (below). Further details about timing and methododlogy will appear here.

The survey will be co-ordinated in Hampshire by Glynne Evans – inland (hantsbto@hotmail.com) and John Shillitoe – coastal (jshillitoe@googlemail.com).