naturestimeline

Do you volunteer? 

If not, would you consider doing so?

I have been volunteering in many guises over the years, but more recently I have become a WeBS counter. This is a survey organised by the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) which covers a broad spectrum of wetland bird species. The surveys cover a large area of UK wetland habitats, currently approximately 2,300 in number. The counts are carried out by volunteers, who visit the sites through November to March, although some of which are visited all year round.

Yesterday (20th November) was my 2nd visit this season, to a local gravel pit complex where I undertake my count. These counts provide an invaluable dataset for the BTO researchers and it’s yet another good example of citizen science in action. Being a data geek, I look forward to the WeBS reports when they are issued to me as a participant. Over many years, trends become apparent in the statuses of the birds, although I would say too early to find them in my own data. Nevertheless, these trips to the local patch open my eyes as to what is out there to be seen. Furthermore, these additional efforts look good on my CV, in turn allowing further progress towards my career in conservation.

Happy Birding

Tony Powell