Surveys of Breeding Birds

Observations of breeding birds are carried out according to the quality standards for the use of ornithological data in spatial planning of the German Ornithological Society (Pannach 1995) or the methodological standards for the observation of breeding birds of the governing body of German bird specialists (Südbeck et al. 2005). Unless specified otherwise by the federal state, the observations are carried out at regular intervals from March to July depending on the habitat and the range of species. For owls and birds of prey it is necessary to observe at night or before foliation. Depending on the specific requirements of the federal state or the county, either a quantitative determination of the breeding grounds of all species or a habitat specific mapping of the conservation-related species (usually large birds such as raptors, storks, etc., grassland birds, breeding bird species on the Red List) in combination with a semi-quantitative detection of the ordinary types is conducted. During the survey a GPS device is used in addition to printed topographic maps and aerial photographs to ensure the precise localisation of the habitats. The evaluation of the data outlines the species range, breeding pair numbers and the spatial pattern of breeding bird distribution as a function of the habitat structures, and allows statements concerning possible emphasis or conflict areas. The expert evaluation covers the frequency (regionally, nationally), protection status (including current Red Lists), species conservation, species-specific sensitivity or adaptability with respect to the respective project. Especially when assessing the latter aspects, we consider the current state of research on the conservation status and development trends of the species groups.