Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) Counters

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) monitors non-breeding waterbirds in the UK, and is a joint scheme of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the RSPB and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) in association with The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT). The principal aims of the scheme are to identify population sizes, determine trends in numbers and distribution, and to identify important sites for waterbirds across the UK. If you go birdwatching at a wetland, you can help us by counting the birds for WeBS. New sites, however small, are always wanted, and help is also often needed by teams at larger estuaries.

Good ornithological skills, in particular an ability to identify and count sometimes-distant wildfowl and waders. Willingness to work out of hours (early am and late pm). Able to follow instructions and record clearly. Must be reliable.

Minimum:

Time required for WeBS counts vary, but are generally 1-4 hours

Duration:

Ongoing

Period:

One day a month throughout the winter

To make valuable use of your birding skills and get outside for a good part of the day once a month throughout the winter. The RSPB is an active and exciting conservation charity, the largest in Europe! We can help you gain skills, give you a valuable insight into our work, learn about bird monitoring partnerships such as WeBS, and contribute to conservation of the UK's internationally important numbers of waterbirds.

Contact

Simon Wotton, Conservation Science
Tel: 01767 680551
Email: simon.wotton@rspb.org.uk

Notes

Find out more about WeBS at the website www.bto.org/webs. Appropriate training for beginners is available through WeBS training courses, organised by the BTO. The RSPB works for a healthy environment rich in birds and wildlife. It relies on the support and generosity of volunteers to make a difference. The RSPB is the UK Partner of the global federation of conservation organisations, BirdLife International.