Nightjar breeding season surveys in Dumfries and Galloway between 1981 and 2010 (Dumfries and Galloway Nightjar Study Group)
The UK population of nightjar declined by 50% between 1972 and 1992. These surveys were undertaken to monitor the change in range and population of nightjar in Dumfries and Galloway. This dataset contains data collected between 1981 and 2010, and was conducted by the Dumfries and Galloway Nightjar Study Groups.
The data were loaded onto NBN Gateway 07/02/2011
The methods of data capture are based on those described in Bird Monitoring Methods (Gilbert et al.). Briefly, two site visits were made, during which the number of churring males were counted. Most visits occurred between June and mid-July, at dusk or half an hour before dawn. Sites (1 km squares) were surveyed by walking at a steady pace, stopping every few minutes to listen for nightjar calls. When churring was heard from two locations less than 400 m apart, up to 30 seconds apart, the calls were recorded as two male individuals. Records more than 400 m apart were recorded as 2 birds.
In order to verify records and validate the dataset, the data have been mapped and thoroughly checked. Geographical checks have included comparing the distribution with that shown in the published paper and ensuring that records with the same area name are located close to each other.