A METHOD FOR CENSUSING UPLAND BREEDING WADERS

A method for censusing upland breeding waders using constant search ef fort is described. Estimates of the size of breeding wader populations obtained using this method were usually underestimates compared to th ose derived from more intensive studies. In a sample of 28 fields, the numbers of breeding Lapwings Vanellus vanellus were underestimated by an average of 49%. This error was consistent across a range of breedi ng densities, thus allowing correction of the original population esti mates. Further validation studies are required for other species. Usin g the method a single field worker can survey approximately 80 km(2) i n a single breeding season. The method is well suited to extensive sur vey and may also be of value in the long-term monitoring of upland bre eding wader populations.