![]() ![]() Your RO will give you the land-owner's details, but it is up to you to give them a ring to ask permission to cross their land. This being the UK, so most squares will be near roads, but, this being the UK, most squares will be on private land. Once you are registered and equipped, you will probably need to obtain permission to actually visit your square. You can buy CDs, DVS and software for learning birdsong, even an iPhone app. If not, your RO will be able to send you a CD or cassette of British birdsong, or you can browse it on the net (for instance, the RSPB website has audio recordings of most of the birds you are likely to see, as well as video clips of many). You can do training courses on survey techniques, but the best thing is to practice birding at every opportunity. You do not need to be an expert birder, but you do need to have a reasonable awareness of the species you are likely to encounter. Tramping around on private land, you may run into people who don't know you are allowed to be there, so take your ID, and make sure you carry the (supplied) letter from BTO that acknowledges you are doing an official survey. Not essential, but useful if your square is fairly uniform, or your map-reading skills are rusty. The Ordnance Survey site can help you select the map you need, as well get a digital image of your square. You will get a map of your square, but not of where it is - especially the first time you visit your square, you will need to orient yourself with the landscape. Better than a pen, because it won't run if it gets rained on. You will be making a written record of your observations in the field. ![]() ![]() If you can, avoid the garish hiking gear - you don't need to go full camouflage, but wearing fluorescent yellow Gortex will keep you dry but bird-free. I went poorly-prepared the first time, and came back soaked to the skin, even though it wasn't raining. Prepare for the worst - in my square, I spend part of the survey pushing through chest-high grass and following deer-tracks to get over waterways with no bridges. Where BBS differs from "normal" birding is the likelihood of going "off piste" - most of the time you will be on private land, away from public access and footpaths. If possible, visit a specialist local dealer to try them for feel and ease of use.) Otherwise, go with a brand you know, and spend as much as you can afford. Naturally, you will have a decent pair of binoculars (if you don't, the Viking 8x30 Standards are good value at around £30 ($45). So far, all you have done is click a few buttons online, but you will eventually be taking part in an official, national survey. ![]()
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January 2023
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