Conservation UK Projects - Fund-a-Bird

Introduction: Habitat, nest sites and cavity nesting birds of prey

Since the mid-20th century, Kestrel and owl populations have faced increasing pressure in Britain as areas of suitable habitat became increasingly limited. Areas of rough grassland, grazed pastureland and suitably wide crop field margins are now important to populations of these birds, as they represent the main hunting and foraging areas for them.

In addition to habitat pressures, nest site availability can be a limiting factor for bird of prey populations that use secondary and/or artificial cavities for nests. This limitation can be addressed by the provision of artificial nest sites (nest boxes). Nest boxes can be an effective conservation tool in areas where existing breeding sites are threatened with destruction, or are subject to human disturbance. Where suitable habitat exists, nest boxes can provide nesting opportunities for cavity nesting birds of prey. Nest boxes also facilitate access to nests for the purpose of population monitoring. However, without suitable foraging habitat, the provision of nest boxes is likely to be less effective and so the protection of suitable habitat in addition to the provision of potential nest sites are two conservation methods that should proceed together.

The Hawk Conservancy Trust's Fund-a-Bird project

Fund-a-Bird is aimed at four British bird of prey species with the overall conservation goal of maximising the population potential of the target species. The primary method is to increase nest site availability for these species in areas of otherwise suitable habitat. The four target species are: Barn Owl, Kestrel, Little Owl and Tawny Owl.

In order to achieve this overall conservation goal, a broad range of research objectives must be met. These objectives are addressed primarily through a combination of habitat assessments, population surveys, analyses of breeding data and studies on diet.

There are numerous research topics associated with Fund-a-Bird, each falling under one of three general areas of investigation. These are listed below, with an example of a specific research topic under that area:

• The overall effectiveness of nest box provisioning
              Do local populations of Kestrels change in response to nest box provisioning?
• Influences on nest box occupancy, breeding and productivity
               How does variation in land use affect productivity?
• Inter-specific comparisons
               Does dietary over-lap between species change in relation to proximity?

The expected outcome of population monitoring and the associated research objectives will be improved conservation techniques, and an improved understanding of the ecology of the four target species.

Fund-a-Bird is a Hawk Conservancy Trust project that receives generous support from its sponsors. To find out about becoming a Fund-a-Bird supporter, please click here.

Supporters

Support for the Fund-a-Bird project was received from the following in 2008/2009/2010:

• Arqiva
• Lloyds TSB
• Nigel Lewis
• Terry Verney
• Adam Rose
• Sean Lawes
• Rob Clarke
• Keith Matthews and Kestrel Guards
• Gary & Liz Eagling
• Adrian Phillips
• Tool With A Mission (John Grimaldi)
• Roy Chandler
• Steve May
• Amanda & John Govett
• The family of John Rhodes
• The family and friends of Carol Mitchell
• Geordie Ward & Aspire Defence
• Rich Harris
• Herriards Sawmills, Basingstoke
• Sir George Young MP
• Kath & Wilf Davis
• All subscribers to the Fund-a-Bird project