Thankfully we have seen a decline in oil pollution in recent decades, but the continued presence of oiled seabirds on our beaches is a clear indicator of whether this process continues and to what extent the dangers of pollution remain. This is why we need you to help us to undertake a Beached Bird Survey. With your help we can cover as much of the Dumfries & Galloway coastline as possible, in a co-ordinated count of birds washed ashore.
The only skills you need are basic seabird identification skills, and the ability to walk up to 3-4 miles along the most recent high tide mark of your allocated stretch of beach. We will ask you to accurately report evidence of pollutions and the species type and number of any 'beached' seabirds. All of the survey data our volunteers collect is then collated to give us a bigger picture of the current state of the British Isles coastlines. This can help us assess the impact that local, small scale pollution can have on the wider marine environment.
This is a great opportunity for you to take part in a very important research project, to contribute to the UK wide survey of seabird mortality in order to monitor oil pollution at sea, whilst getting to know your coastline better. The last weekend in February 2018 marks the next Beached Bird Survey where hundreds of volunteers will take to the beaches around the UK to join in with this vitally important survey. Without the contribution that our volunteers make, the cost and manpower of a commercially run Beached Bird survey would not be feasible, which means each and every one of our volunteers for this survey count.
Hazel Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway
Tel: 01556 670464
Email: Hazel.Stewart@rspb.org.uk
Appropriate training will be provided and expenses will be re-imbursed where necessary. The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for all of us. We belong to BirdLife International, the global partnership of bird conservation organisations. Your time and skills could make a real difference to the work of the RSPB and it would be great if you could join us.
Reference number 1443