NBC 2015 Season Report

In 2014 we enjoyed a much needed warm and settled breeding season. However, 2015 was that bit colder and wetter; spring started off mild and bright but we soon experienced a drop in temperature along with heavy downpours. The rain continued into the summer and results show that this may have had a negative effect on our breeding garden birds.

Participation in 2015

Many thanks to the 1,801 people who took part in NBC during 2015, monitoring breeding attempts in 1,836 gardens. This is the highest number of gardens where data has been recorded since 2010 (Figure 1).  Data for 45 species were submitted  from a wide variety of artificial and natural nest sites, the  top five being (in order) Blue Tit, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Blackbird and Robin.

Species coverage

As every year, Blue Tits and Great Tits were the stars of the show, with 2,107 nesting attempts monitored between them. These may both be common species that are increasing in number, but the data you collect allow us to find out how

Tree Sparrows by Angela Slater
breeding in urban areas affects birds more generally, including those that are currently in decline. Several Birds of Conservation Concern are also recorded by NBC participants, which shows the variety of garden habitats among participants. It is fantastic to see that Starlings, now a Red-listed species had 67 nesting attempts recorded in 2015. Pied Flycatcher, which is also Red-listed, had 19 breeding attempts monitored and 26 NBC records were received for the Amber-listed Dipper. Read more about birds of conservation concern - .

The results

The beginning of the 2015 breeding season for many species was slightly later than average, including the relatively early start in 2014. Results show that Blue Tit (Figure 2) and Great Tit (Figure 3) both started laying 2-3 days later than the average date over the previous five years, possibly due to the wet weather that we experienced during the spring.

As the rain continued, many species struggled with nest failures. Throughout the country users commented that Great Tits and Blue Tits were having a hard time,with many nests failing due to apparent starvation. The clutch sizes of Great Tits in particular were significantly below average (Figure 4), suggesting that females were in poor condition at the start of the season and produced smaller clutches. For Starlings the clutch sizes were lower than the past couple of years, but not significantly below the five-year average (Figure 5).

Taking part in 2016

Spring is in the air, and birds are beginning to carry material into their chosen nest boxes. Nest boxes have become an increasingly important part of wild bird welfare and conservation in the UK. As more hedgerows and woodland areas have been cut back or removed, and old abandoned houses are sold or destroyed, wild birds are having a harder time finding nest sites. Putting up a box can provide a home, but the real benefit comes from recording what happens inside, making Nest Box Challenge an important, as well as fun, way to spend your time.

Blue Tit by Jeff Jolly

If you enjoyed collecting data for NBC in 2015 then please consider getting involved in the Nest Record Scheme, which also allows you to submit information on nests found in sites other than your garden.

Hazel Evans, NBC Organiser

March 2016



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