Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) | Goose & Swan Monitoring (GSMP)

@webs-gsmp.bsky.social

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) and Goose & Swan Monitoring Programme (GSMP) are volunteer-based UK monitoring schemes for non-breeding waterbirds. https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/wetland-bird-survey

@webs-gsmp.bsky.social

Time for a #WeBSSpeciesSpotlight✨

Today we have the gorgeous Shelduck. These chunky, charismatic birds are usually seen on estuaries and coastal marshes, and they nest in burrows!

To learn more about Shelducks and other WeBS species, visit BirdFacts➡️www.bto.org/birdfacts

#Ornithology #UKBirding

A photo of a shelduck with latin name Tadorna tadorna, with labels showing a dark green head, a bright red bill (males have a fleshy bump at the base of the bill), a white body with black patches, and a chestnut brown band around the body. Their seasonality is present throughout the year, peaking during winter and spring migration. Weight is 1250g. Eggs are 8-10. Diet is small invertebrates, and some vegetation and seeds. Habitats are estuarine, marine and intertidal, and wetland.
@bto-ni.bsky.socialReposted by @webs-gsmp.bsky.social

Were you out doing a @webs-gsmp.bsky.social count over the weekend? Did you see anything of note? Jemma had to decide whether she was looking at Tufted Duck or Scaup at her WeBS site in Co. Antrim. It was a tricky call but she landed on Tufted Duck in the end. IDing diving ducks can be tricky!

@webs-gsmp.bsky.social

Zero counts count! 🦸‍♀️

With the dry weather that much of the UK has experienced this summer, many of our wetland sites have dried up. We ask that counters still continue visiting dried up WeBS sites, as counts with zero birds is still incredibly important data. #zerohero

Photo showing a grassy field, which is a dried up wetland.
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