BirdSoc Blog

By Gavin Woodbridge Meadow Pipit ( Anthus pratensis ) & Tree Pipit ( Anthus trivialis )   These two grass and woodland dwelling species are common UK birds. Meadow Pipits are present all year round, though in fewer numbers during winter months typically; and breeding very commonly in long grassy meadows and countryside. Tree Pipits are a summer visitor (April-September) and tend to frequent woodlands and more rural countryside settings to breed and are seen less commonly. Both species can be seen overhead in visible migration ‘vis-mig’ or grounded at particularly coastal locations during Spring and Autumn migration periods.   Below I have highlighted key features that are useful in separating the two in the field. They can be a tricky species group to work with, often flying high, or foraging in the distance on grass disappearing for periods. Tuning into their calls is very utile in alerting their overhead presence and separating them reliably without the need for exc...

By Fiona McAuliffe Before moving to Edinburgh to begin my PhD I worked as an ecological consultant in the southwest of Ireland. One of my main projects was to undertake winter and breeding season vantage point surveys of a windfarm. Vantage point surveys involve selecting points from which you can have a clear view over your observation area. These are stationary surveys and are usually carried out in fine weather with good visibility. I had a total of five vantage points from which I could observe the windfarm, and each survey lasted 6 hours, split into 3-hour blocks (provided the Irish weather complied!). I have a keen interest in raptor ecology and conservation, and my target species for these surveys was the Hen harrier ( Circus cyaneus ). A male hen harrier gracefully flying over a field. Footage by Fiona McAuliffe. The Hen harrier is a medium-sized ground-nesting bird of prey that breeds between April and July in upland areas. They spend winter at communal roost sites distributed...