Can you find a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker?
From now to the beginning of May is the best time to try to find Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers.
The species is declining fast but it could be breeding in areas which are not being searched.
Any record in the next three months will be kept confidential.
Should you find one, please either email Dave Richardson (see contacts page) or use the DOS submit a sighting page but mark your submission as confidential.
The Woodpecker Network website provides help with finding the species and its nests here
The BTO's Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) monitors the population changes of over 100 species across the UK through the efforts of volunteers who survey their randomly selected 1km square each spring. It's a great way to make your birdwatching count. The only requirement is that you are able to confidently identify the species you are likely to encounter by sight and sound: remember, this is Derbyshire in spring, not Spurn in October!
The survey involves a recce visit to assess the habitat, and two early-morning visits to count all the birds that you see or hear while walking two 1km transects across the square, plus nest counts for any colonial species. You can optionally record any mammals that you come across, and visit the square later in the season to look for butterflies. Data can be entered to BBS-Online or paper copies can be returned for input by the BTO.
For BBS purposes, Derbyshire is divided into two regions, North and South. There are currently between 20 and 25 squares available in the county, covering a wide range of habitats.
Interested? You can register your interest online here , or contact Simon Roddis at simonroddis@yahoo.co.uk, and we'll try to identify a square which will work for you.
We have several opportunities you may be perfect for.
See the the list here
Suspected outbreaks of this very serious disease affecting wild and captive birds have been reported in Derbyshire
What to do if you find dead birds:
You should call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) if you find:
For the latest DEFRA guidance see here
The latest Derbyshire Bird Report published November 2023 and containing 224 pages in full colour. Complete Systematic List for the 207 species recorded in Derbyshire in 2022, including the county's second Red-flanked Bluetail and much more
During the breeding season, please be sensible and responsible when using social media to report sightings for sensitve breeding species - see here for more details. The Rare Breeding Birds Panel issued revised guidance see here. Advice on finding rarities from our Recorders is available here. Remember: the birds must come first.
If you witness or suspect wildlife crime then please contact the police (ask for a Wildlife Crime Officer) or RSPB. Your information will be dealt with in confidence but if, for any reason, you are reluctant to take either of those routes then please at least pass the information to Crimestoppers by ringing 0800 555111
Several of the sites in the county have some restrictions on access:
Safety first! Respect landowner's privacy. "The interests of the bird comes first". Follow the Birdwatchers Code of Conduct
Click here for information