THE STATUS OF BREEDING GREENSHANK TRINGA-NEBULARIA IN THE UNITED-KINGDOM IN 1995

A survey of breeding Greenshank Tringa nebularia was undertaken in 199 5, based on a stratified sample of 5-km squares selected at random fro m the UK breeding range. Approximately 8% of the breeding range was su rveyed. Surveyors visited 101 survey squares twice in the breeding sea son, covering suitable dry areas to within 500 nr, and all tact areas. Any Greenshank recorded were mapped. Breeding densities varied from z ero to art estimated 1.4 'territories' per km(2). The survey produced population estimates of 1440 summering 'pairs' (95% confidence limits: 1100-1790), based on half the peak count of adults, and 870 pairs wit h young (95% confidence limits: 570-1200). The distribution of sightin gs within survey squares was used to derive a possible mean territory radius of 800 in. Interpreting survey maps using this figure, art esti mate of 1080 occupied breeding 'territories' was produced (95% confide nce limits: 720-1480). Information is also presented on the altitudes of Greenshank sightings, variations in Greenshank 'detectability' thro ugh the survey period and regional variation in Greenshank abundance. The survey In?ls down a baseline for long-term population monitoring o f Greenshank by a repeatable method.