Bird abundance and diversity data from Sheffield green spaces in summer 2018 ...

• Main Authors: Cameron, R.W.F., Brindley, P., Riley, J., Goodrick, J.
• Format: Dataset
• Language: English
• Published: NERC Environmental Information Data Centre 2019
• Subjects: Sheffield; Bolehills Park; Crookes Valley Park; Devonshire Green; Endcliffe Park; Graves Park; South Street Park; Weston Park; Valuing Nature Programme; IWUN; UK; Blackbird; Blue tit; Carrion crow; Goldfinch; House sparrow; Long-tailed tit; Magpie; Wren; Jackdaw; Robin; Swift; Woodpigeon; Collared dove; Chaffinch; Jay; Starling; Song thrush; Blackcap; Chiffchaff; Dunnock; Feral/hybrid goose; Great tit; Nuthatch; Coot; Mallard; Moorhen; Pied wagtail; Goldcrest; Greenfinch; Lesser black-backed gull; Black-headed gull; Grey wagtail; Great spotted woodpecker; Treecreeper; Swallow; Canada goose; Tufted duck; Mistle thrush; Coal tit; Canada; Crookes; Canada Goose; Black-headed Gull
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.5285/aff674ee-cf95-4378-b002-f41c0a5a6a4e; https://catalogue.ceh.ac.uk/id/aff674ee-cf95-4378-b002-f41c0a5a6a4e

The data records bird species and number in different green spaces within Sheffield City Region during June and July 2018. Activity of individual birds is also noted. Ten green spaces (parks) were surveyed on three occasions, with a researcher walking along six pre-designated line transects in each location. Birds were recorded by their common names and British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) code. Date and time were recorded for each observation. The data was collected as part of the NERC IWUN Project (Improving well-being through urban nature). ... : The first survey (rep 1) was conducted between 6-22 June 2018, the second (rep 2) between 27 June and 10 July 2018 and the third (rep 3) between 11 and 18 July 2018. Surveys were carried out in the early morning (05:30 to 09:30). Transects were 60 m long and were selected to provide stratified sampling, in an attempt to ensure all habitats were observed within each green space. Transect lines did not overlap. The researcher walked slowly along the transect lines noting any birds on either side of the line, within designated ranges (0-25 m, 26-50 m and 51-100 m). A single experienced ecologist was employed throughout for consistency, and used binoculars to verify more distant sightings. The data sheet was checked to ensure data was logical. There is no guarantee that certain birds were not counted twice, but as the methodology was systematic, the assumption is that the error potential was consistent throughout the entire data set. ...