House Martin Nest Study 2016-2017

This survey involved volunteers making regular observations at individual nests to collect information about nesting activity.

The analyses of the 2016 and 2017 data are complete and reported on in a peer-reviewed paper published in the journal Ibis.

A summary of the results appeared in an article in BTO's Bird Table in Spring 2021. Read it here:
An earlier summary of the provisional results appeared in.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey in 2016 or 2017 - we collected data from over 9,000 nests in total across the two years of the survey.

What did the survey involve?

Survey participants were asked to carry out an initial visit to record some simple information about the site and any existing nests. After this initial visit, they observed the nests for just a few minutes approximately once a week to record any activity seen. Detailed survey instructions can be viewed on the Resources page for the Nest Study.

Analysing the Nest Study Data

The analyses of the Nest Study data looked for differences in the timing and outcome of nesting attempts across different geographical areas, and at how they may also be affected by other environmental factors. A summary of the results can be read on the Publications pages of the website, from where there is also a link to the journal article. .


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