The aim is to record and to map the number of willow tit territories found along transects through suitable habitat in a selection of 2km x 2km squares (tetrads). The selection of priority tetrads allocated for coverage was based on previous positive distribution evidence in the most recent (2007-11) national breeding birds atlas. The current survey (utilising a playback method) collected records between mid Feb and mid April.
Preliminary results from the first year recorded some 38-44 willow tit territories in the county. As expected, NE Pembs turned out to be quite an important "core area" for them, with between 2 and 7 territories per search area in some tetrads. It was a different story though in S/SE Pembs, and at some locations in NE Pembs, where none were found.
The distribution of the tetrads visited in 2019 is shown on the map below. Solid circles = willow tits recorded; open circles = no willow tits recorded.
Contributors to this years fieldwork were: Chris Taylor, James Roden, Jane Hodges, Mark Underhill, Paddy Jenks, Wendy James and ourselves.
This important national survey will continue between mid Feb. and mid April in 2020 when hopefully all the remaining allocated priority tetrads will be surveyed - most of these are in the NE of the county. Anyone who wishes to help would be welcomed. For more information see here