2006 Breeding Season Report
Summary
The following report outlines the status of breeding waders on Dartmoor during the 2006-breeding season. Known wader breeding sites and known populations were monitored from March – July to assess breeding habits, response to habitat works and breeding productivity.
Curlew, snipe and dunlin pairs were higher than in 2005. Higher numbers of lapwing were also located although less pairs attempted to breed. Golden plover remained at one pair although sightings of another two birds were recorded.
Additional survey work by the RSPB, together with more focused record collation by the Dartmoor Study Group and Devon Birds is enhancing a better understanding of wader populations on Dartmoor together with an improved knowledge of their breeding sites and behaviour. This collective approach is proving to be of great benefit to the Operation Wader Project.
Wader breeding sites on which habitat management had been implemented saw increased breeding activity of both lapwing and curlew in 2006.
Predation of lapwing nests at egg stage to carrion crows was proven to be very high and is a major factor in preventing breeding success. The losses of nests of other species were not as conclusive.
Evidence of the numbers of fledged young of curlew, dunlin and golden plover proved very difficult to gather due to the successful alarming behaviour of adult birds and the ability of chicks taking cover in nearby habitat.
Recreational disturbance was a factor on Widecombe Commons particularly at the northern edge of Blackslade Mire where lapwing and curlew were disturbed during the early stages of nesting season. Increased disturbance was particularly noticeable over the Easter and May Day bank holiday weekends. Most other sites remained relatively undisturbed.
