Blackbirds remain most common bird species on Scottish farms
Blackbirds remain the most commonly seen species of bird on Scottish farms
Blackbirds remain the most commonly seen species of birds on Scottish farms, crofts and estates, according to results from this year’s Big Farmland Bird Count.
The count, which was launched in 2014 by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), aims to assess the effect of conservation schemes on farms and estates, such as supplementary feeding or growing wild bird seed or game cover crops.
A total of 93 species were recorded by 117 Scottish farmers, who collectively farm more than 98,000 acres, in this year’s count.
FREEZING temperatures and snowfall have hindered land owners’ efforts to complete the annual Big Farmland Bird Count. The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust has had to extend the wildlife survey so people can do the count safely. More than 1,500 people took part in the event last year, as land owners are being asked to go outside for half an hour and count the birds they see. It usually ends today, but now people can continue the count until February 21. The GWCT’s Dr Roger Draycott, who organises the event, said: “We have heard from a number of farmers and gamekeepers that they are keen to complete the count, but the weather has so far been unsuitable or unsafe.