Sunday 31st January 2010

These maps include all SOS, TTV, Birdtrack and roving records from the first two winter Atlas periods, November 2007-February 2008 and November 2008-February 2009, with the exception of most SOS records for 2009. Garden BirdWatch records only from the period November/December 2007 are included. These maps do not incorporate any records from this winter (November 2009 to date).

SHORT-EARED OWL – First two winter seasons provisional distribution map.

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Short-eared Owl was recorded in 3.5% of the county’s tetrads during the first two winter seasons, largely across the Downs and in coastal areas. These are birds of open country, and are often seen hunting in daylight hours, so look out for them, especially in open areas adjacent to tetrads where they have already been recorded. Also, do remember to look out and listen for other owl species (see Maps of the Week, 8 Nov 2009, for Tawny Owl and Little Owl maps).

GOOSANDER – First two winter seasons provisional distribution map.

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Goosander was recorded in 2.1% of the county’s tetrads during the first two winter seasons. These are primarily birds of freshwater habitats although they can also be found along the coast. As can be seen from the map above they are often found on reservoirs, but do also look out for them on the larger rivers.

YELLOWHAMMER – First two winter seasons provisional distribution map.

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Yellowhammer was recorded in 31.8% of the county’s tetrads during the first two winter seasons. The map above shows some good distribution along the Downs and some other areas, but sparse distribution in the northern half of the county. Look out for Yellowhammers on farms, heaths and commons, and along any hedgerow in open areas.