With autumn fast approaching the Community Science Team at Moors for the Future Partnership is urging volunteers to be on the lookout for the return of the redwing.
These migratory birds traditionally arrive back in the UK from Scandinavia and Russia in the autumn.
By collecting data about redwings and also the ring ouzel while out and about in moorland areas you will help them to discover:
- the number of individuals visiting the survey area
- the habitats these species are relying on
- whether the distribution of these species is changing over time
- whether the number of sightings of these birds is changing
- whether the timing of migration is changing in response to climate.
The bird survey links to the ongoing surveys work being carried out into buds, berries and leaves.
Redwing sightings can be recorded via the survey postcards, via the Moors for the Future website or via the MoorWILD smartphone/tablet app (for Apple and Android).
The Community Science Team is leading a series of surveys that include butterflies, bees, moss and mountain hares to help record how the moorland environment and its wildlife are changing over time.
Details of all the surveys and how to get involved are available at http://www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk/community-science/surveys.
Image: Redwing - Credit Amy Lewis
