West Midlands Ringing Group applied for PEBBLE funding to support its study of Jack Snipe habitats on farms across Staffordshire.
The study aimed to improve the Group's understanding of the Jack Snipe, a small and secretive species of snipe, and its preferred feeding environments.
Working with local landowners, the Group sought to expand and create suitable habitats while promoting farmland management practices and stewardship schemes that further support the species.
The Group was awarded £2,709 to purchase thermal imaging and ringing equipment to support the study and collect data on birds that do not return to survey sites.
Fifteen volunteers supported the project and received training in the use of the equipment, enabling them to conduct accurate surveys at selected locations across the county. By the end of the project, volunteers had developed the skills and confidence to undertake survey work independently, using thermal imaging to better understand the species, how it uses the landscape and what landowners can do to support it in the future.
Key observations included:
Jack Snipe are present in good numbers across the UK during winter and use a variety of habitats for daytime roosting and nocturnal feeding
Through ringing activities, the Group found that Jack Snipe are willing to travel up to 5km from their roost sites in search of suitable feeding areas at night
During the study period, Jack Snipe were likely dispersed more widely than initially anticipated, as exceptionally wet conditions created favourable feeding and roosting habitats across a larger area
Stewardship schemes appear to be having a positive impact, with increased numbers of birds observed on land managed as wet meadows or winter stubble fields
The project has had a far-reaching impact, with landowners and farmers continuing to engage with the Group on farming practices that can support the species. The project's findings have also been shared through social media, helping to establish connections with a group in Durham that is undertaking similar work to improve understanding of Jack Snipe habitats.