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Olympic Park  
 
 
 
Black Redstart Survey Report  
 
 
 
October 2008 
 
 
  
Notice 
This report was produced by Atkins for the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) for the specific purpose of 
providing results of bird surveys. 
This report may not be used by any person other than the ODA without the ODA’s express permission.  In 
any event, Atkins accepts no liability for any costs, liabilities or losses arising as a result of the use of or 
reliance upon the contents of this report by any person other than the ODA. No information provided in this 
report can be considered to be legal advice. 
 
Document History 
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Contents 
Section Page 
Executive Summary 
3 
1. 
Introduction 
4 
2. 
Methodology 
4 
3. 
Results 
5 
4. 
Discussion 
7 
5. 
Conclusions and Recommendations 
7 
6. 
References 
9 
 
List of Tables 
Table 2.1 - The activities of the birds and their relation to the likelihood of whether a bird is breeding on site  4 
Table 3.1 - Specially protected species and species of conservation concern recorded during the bird 
surveys. 
5 
 
 
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Olympic Park Black Redstart Survey Report  
 
 
Executive Summary 
Atkins undertook black redstart surveys during the breeding seasons of 2007 and 2008 to ensure that any 
breeding pairs were discovered and suitably protected.  
 
No black redstarts were recorded on the Olympic Park throughout the whole survey period. 
 
All other birds seen using the site during the black redstart surveys were also recorded, with a total of 55 
species being noted.  Some of these are declining Birds of Conservation Concern and some are Biodiversity 
Action Plan priority species, for which action plans have been written. 
 
Mitigation strategies for the Olympic Park should address the requirements of these species in relation to the 
design of new habitats, the provision of nesting sites and feeding areas.  A selection of mitigation measures 
have been suggested in this document for some of the key species recorded on the site.  
 
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Olympic Park Black Redstart Survey Report  
 
 
1.  Introduction 
1.1 
Black redstarts (Phoenicurus ochruros) are small, robin-sized thrushes and are on the Amber List 
of Birds of Conservation Concern due to their UK population levels being at a mean level of 1-
3000 pairs over the past 5 years.  Black redstarts are amongst the 12 species (of which 5 are 
birds) that have an action plan under the London Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP, 2007).  They are 
also included in the Olympic Park Biodiversity Action Plan (Consultation Draft, September 2008). 
1.2 
Black Redstarts were originally a montane species, but have adapted to nesting on buildings and 
building sites (Downie and Robinson, 2008).  Black redstarts have previously been recorded in the 
area and the Olympic Park has been flagged as a potential site for breeding black redstarts during 
the development stages. 
1.3 
It was therefore deemed necessary to survey the Olympic Park during the black redstart breeding 
season, to ensure that any nesting birds were discovered and could be suitably protected by 
issuing a 50 metre buffer zone to avoid disturbance during construction. 
1.4 
The creation of the Olympic Park has caused a landscape change for a large area of land.  Some 
of this land contained pockets of habitat that supported many bird species.  As a result of the 
development, many birds that traditionally bred in this area will lose their nesting and foraging 
sites.  However, the creation of new habitats as part of the development of the Olympic Park has 
the potential to mitigate against such loss and provide new foraging and nesting areas for birds.  
During the black redstart surveys all birds were recorded, ensuring that any birds using the site 
can be considered in the site design process.  
 
2.  Methodology 
2.1 
The survey guidelines for black redstarts (Gilbert et al, 1998) state that a visit should be carried 
out fortnightly from the beginning of April until the middle of July, starting up to an hour before 
dawn, in suitable weather conditions.  This methodology was adhered to for all the Olympic Park 
black redstart surveys in 2007 and 2008. 
2.2 
The Olympic Park site was split into a north and a south site throughout the duration of the black 
redstart surveys and these two areas were surveyed separately, both receiving nine visits every 
two weeks between early April and late July in 2007 and 2008. 
2.3 
All zones within the sites were visited during the surveys and any birds seen or heard were 
recorded, together with numbers and activities.  Recording the activity can help determine if a bird 
is breeding on site, for example a singing bird is likely to be holding a territory and repeated 
sightings on consecutive visits would strongly suggest a nesting attempt.  Table 2.1 demonstrates 
some activities and their relation to the breeding behaviour. 
 
Table 2.1 - The activities of the birds and their relation to the likelihood of whether a bird is breeding 
on site 
Activity 
Breeding Code 
Feeding Non 
breeding 
On site in suitable habitat but not showing  Possibly breeding 
any of below activities 
Singing Probably 
breeding 
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Olympic Park Black Redstart Survey Report  
 
 
Pair Probably 
breeding 
Territorial aggressive interaction 
Definitely breeding 
Agitated behaviour 
Definitely breeding 
Bird carrying nesting material 
Definitely breeding 
Bird carrying food 
Definitely breeding 
Nest Definitely 
breeding 
Recently fledged birds 
Definitely breeding 
Juvenile birds 
Non breeding 
 
 
3.  Results 
3.1 
There were no records of black redstart throughout the surveys for 2007 and 2008.  Due to the 
early starts, regular visits and thorough coverage of the park, it is highly unlikely that any black 
redstarts went undiscovered on the site during the summers of 2007 and 2008. 
3.2 
A total of 55 bird species were recorded during the 2007 and 2008 bird surveys.  Of these, 30 
species demonstrated behaviours that suggested they were likely to be breeding or attempting to 
breed on site.  A further 15 species may well have attempted to breed on site due to the presence 
of suitable habitats, but no indicative behaviour was recorded.  A list of the bird species recorded 
and their breeding statuses is listed in Appendix 1.   
3.3 
Some of the species recorded are of Birds of Conservation Concern or have national Species 
Action Plans.  The Olympic Park Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) list includes 10 bird species, 8 of 
which were recorded during the bird surveys.  All notable species that were recorded during the 
surveys are listed in table 3.1. 
 
Table 3.1 - Specially protected species and species of conservation concern recorded during the 
2007 and 2008 bird surveys. 
 
 
Species 
UK BAP 
London BAP 
Olympic Park 
Conservation 
BAP 
Status 
Bullfinch 
Priority Species 
 
 
Red List (BDp) 
Grey Heron 
 
Priority Species 
Priority Species 
 
Herring Gull 
Priority Species 
 
 
Amber List 
(BDMp) 
Linnet Priority 
Species    Priority Species 
Red List (BDp) 
Song Thrush 
Priority Species 
 
Priority Species 
Red List (BDp) 
Sand Martin 
 
Priority Species 
Priority Species 
Amber List 
(SPEC 2 or 3) 
Dunnock 
Priority Species 
 
 
Amber List 
(BDMp) 
House Sparrow 
Priority Species 
Priority Species 
Priority Species 
Red List (BDp) 
Starling Priority 
Species 
 
Priority Species 
Red List (BDp) 
Cuckoo 
Priority Species 
 
 
Amber List 
(BDMp) 
Kingfisher 
 
 
Priority Species 
Amber List 
(SPEC 2 or 3) 
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Olympic Park Black Redstart Survey Report  
 
 
Swift    
Priority 
Species 
 
Black-headed gull 
 
 
 
Amber List 
(BDMp0 
Common Gull 
 
 
 
Amber List 
(BDMp) 
Lesser black-
 
 
 
Amber List (BL, 
backed gull 
BI) 
Mute swan 
 
 
 
Amber List (BI) 
Cormorant 
 
 
 
Amber List (BL) 
Kestrel  
 
 
Amber 
List 
(BDMp) 
Peregrine falcon 
 
 
 
Amber List 
(SPEC 2 or 3) 
Swallow  
 
 
Amber 
List 
(SPEC 2 or 3) 
House martin 
 
 
 
Amber List 
(BDMp) 
Willow warbler 
 
 
 
Amber List 
(BDMp) 
Teal 
 
 
 
Amber List (WI) 
 
BDp = Rapid (> 50%) decline in UK breeding population over last 25 years 
BDMp = Moderate (25-49%) decline in UK breeding population over last 25 years 
BI = > 20% of European breeding population in UK 
BL = > 50% of UK breeding in 10 or fewer sites, but not rare breeders (BR) 
WI = > 20% of NW European (wildfowl), East Atlantic Flyway (waders) or European (others) non-breeding 
populations in UK 
SPEC 2 or 3 = Species with unfavourable conservation status in Europe (SPEC = Species of European 
Conservation Concern) 
 
3.4 
An additional species that was recorded outside of the black redstart surveys was the grey 
wagtail.  A pair was seen foraging several times in the Channelsea Gorge during a kingfisher 
survey in August 2008 and may well have been provisioning for young.  A pair was also noted in 
the vicinity of Carpenters Lock repeatedly during October 2008   Grey wagtails are on the Amber 
List of Birds of Conservation Concern due to moderate declines of 25-49% of the UK breeding 
population in the last 25 years.  This species was, however, excluded from the Olympic Park BAP 
species list at the framework stage, as it was decided that they were unlikely to use the site (ODA, 
2008). 
Breeding birds on site 
3.5 
Of the 23 species listed in table 3.1, 10 demonstrated behaviour suggesting that they bred or 
attempted to breed, namely linnet, song thrush, sand martin, dunnock, house sparrow, starling, 
kingfisher, lesser black-backed gull, mute swan and willow warbler.  A further five species may 
well have attempted to breed on site, but this was not recorded, namely bullfinch, herring gull, 
swift, swallow and house martin.  
3.6 
Grey wagtails were also recorded on site outside of the black redstart surveys.  They were seen 
foraging in a pair and regularly flying off together and may well have attempted to breed on site. 
3.7 
Much of the Olympic Park site is currently being developed, leaving very few areas of habitat 
unaffected.  The remaining areas of habitat surveyed in 2008 included Channelsea Gorge, the 
Greenway and the Stratford City Land balancing pond (under bridge H08).  The balancing pond 
provided a good reed habitat, supporting singing reed and sedge warblers and the Channelsea 
Gorge and Greenway supported a wide range of birds.  During bird surveys in early spring 2008, it 
was noted that that nearly every remaining area of vegetation was occupied by singing birds.  The 
Olympic Park area was surveyed for breeding birds prior to development, between 2002 and 
2006.  These surveys indicated that the area supported many species of breeding birds, including 
Olympics BR-Final 22.12.08 
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Olympic Park Black Redstart Survey Report  
 
 
several UK BAP and Red List species.  The black redstart surveys conducted in 2007 and 2008 
confirm that a wide variety of bird species still breed within the remaining suitable habitats within 
the Olympic Park.  These findings allow these species to be incorporated into the mitigation 
process, ensuring that suitable habitats are provided in the future. 
 
4.  Discussion 
4.1 
Black redstarts were not recorded during the Olympic Park bird surveys, however several other 
notable species were and these species are listed in Table 3.1. 
4.2 
The Olympic Park BAP includes 10 bird species, of which 8 were recorded on site during the bird 
surveys.  Black redstart and reed bunting were not recorded during the surveys, but both could 
potentially breed on site if the correct habitat requirements are provided. 
4.3 
Action Plans have been created for the 10 Olympic Park BAP species.  These Species Action 
Plans outline habitat types and features that may fulfil the foraging or nesting requirements of 
these species.  Six of the species, namely black redstart, house sparrow, starling, swift, king fisher 
and sand martin also have the provision of nesting holes or nest boxes as part of their Action 
Plans. 
 
5.  Conclusions and Recommendations 
Black redstart 
5.1 
Although the Olympic Park was considered potentially suitable for black redstarts, thorough 
surveying of the area during the breeding seasons of 2007 and 2008 suggests that no black 
redstarts were present.  
5.2 
Although no black redstarts have been recorded so far during the construction process, black 
redstarts have previously been recorded in the area and could attempt to breed on site in the 
future.  The black redstart is a London BAP and Olympic Park BAP species and therefore it is 
important to try and provide for its nesting requirements as part of the Olympic Park mitigation 
process.  The Olympic Park BAP has recommended the provision of nest boxes and brownfield 
habitat within the Olympic Park.  This should provide nesting and foraging sites for this important 
species.  
5.3 
Construction works will continue until 2012 and during this time the Olympic Park could still 
potentially support breeding black redstarts.  Therefore it is recommended that the black redstart 
breeding surveys are repeated in future years, whilst the Olympic Park is still under construction. 
Other bird species 
5.4 
The bird surveys have also confirmed the presence of a variety of species on the Olympic Park 
site.  Some of these are already considered within the Olympic Park BAP.  It is important to 
recognise that the absence of a species during 2007–08 does not mean that it no longer needs to 
be taken into account in the Olympic Park design and Biodiversity Action Plan.  These must also 
continue to take account of species that were recorded prior to site clearance and species that 
could colonise the redeveloped site in the future. 
5.5 
The Olympic Park BAP includes 10 bird species. These birds have Species Action Plans which 
aim to provide suitable foraging and nesting conditions within the Olympic Park.  The provision of 
habitats and nesting boxes for the target Olympic Park BAP species should also help other 
Olympics BR-Final 22.12.08 
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Olympic Park Black Redstart Survey Report  
 
 
notable species.  For example dunnocks, which are a UK BAP and Amber List species, would 
benefit from the scrub and hedges required as part of the song thrush Species Action Plan.  
5.6 
The Olympic Park BAP also has Habitat Action Plans which aim to provide habitats such as 
brownfield sites, grassland, scrub and reed beds.  The provision of these habitats will tie in with 
the Species Action Plans, providing habitats required by the target bird Olympic park BAP 
species.   
5.7 
Grey wagtails were recorded foraging in Channelsea Gorge and Carpenter’s Lock.  This species 
was originally intended to be an Olympic Park BAP species, but was not included as it was 
thought unlikely that they would breed on site (ODA 2008).  Since this species has been recorded 
on site during the 2008 surveys and is on the Amber List of Birds of Conservation Concern, it is 
recommended that this species is incorporated into the mitigation proposals.  The simple erection 
of grey wagtail nesting boxes under appropriately located bridges would aid this species with its 
breeding attempts. 
5.8 
Swifts are an Olympic Park BAP species and some swift nest boxes have already been erected 
within the Olympic Park; these were successfully used in 2008.  House martins and swallows 
were also recorded on site and although these birds are not on the Olympic Park BAP, they are on 
the Amber List of Birds of Conservation Concern due to large declines in recent years.  It is easy 
and relatively cheap to erect artificial nests to encourage swallows and house martins to nest and 
this would benefit these declining species.  It is recommended that artificial nests are provided 
under building eaves as part of the mitigation process. 
5.9 
Channelsea Gorge may be lost as part of the Olympic Park design.  This area is an important 
foraging site for kingfishers and has previously provided a nesting site for them (LUC, 2007).  
Kingfishers are an Olympic Park BAP species.  Grey herons, another Olympic Park BAP species, 
have also been noted at the site and the shallow channel may also provide this species with 
fishing habitat.  If possible, Channelsea Gorge should be kept as it provides habitat for many 
birds, including two of the Olympic Park BAP species.  If retention of this area is not possible, then 
increased consideration of these species in the design of new wetland / waterway habitat and 
through the provision of new nesting opportunities for kingfishers is necessary. 
5.10 
Some of the mitigation suggestions outlined within the Olympic Park BAP will benefit a whole 
range of birds and other species, not just the target bird species.  Some species, such as grey 
wagtails and swallows require specific nesting conditions and the mitigation options proposed 
above would benefit these species.  The Olympic Park site originally supported a good number 
and range of birds, and careful consideration when planning the creation of future habitats would 
ensure that the completed site also supports a large number and range of birds, making it a 
biodiversity friendly and attractive site to visit.   
 
 
 
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Olympic Park Black Redstart Survey Report  
 
 
6.  References 
Butler, C. (2008) Implementation Guidance for Project Teams Biodiversity - Part 1 Buildings and 
Structures, Internal Document  
 
 
CLM (2007) Olympic Park Ecological management Plan, Internal Document 
 
 
Downie, I., Robinson, R. (2008) Black Redstart Bird Facts   
<http://blx1.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob11210.htm> (Accessed 09.10.2008) 
 
 
Gilbert, G., Gibbons, D.W., Evans, J. (1998) Bird Monitoring Methods, RSPB, Spectrum Flair 
Press.  
 
 
LBAP (2007) London Biodiversity Partnership: London’s BAP priority species 
<http://www.lbp.org.uk/londonpriority.html> (Accessed 09.10.2008) 
 
LUC (2007) Olympic Park: Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys 2007, Internal Document 
 
Mead, C. (2000) The State of the Nations Birds: House Sparrow  
<http://www.birdcare.com/bin/showsonb?house+sparrow> (Accessed 09.10.2008) 
 
 
ODA (2008) Olympic Park Biodiversity Action Plan: Consultation Draft, Internal Document 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Olympic Park Black Redstart Survey Report  
 
 
 
Appendix 1: List of birds recorded during the surveys and their breeding 
status on site 
Species 
Breeding Status 
 
 
Blackbird 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Blackcap 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Black-headed Gull 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
Blue Tit 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Bullfinch 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Canada Goose 
Not likely to have bred on site 
Carrion Crow 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
Chaffinch 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Chiffchaff 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Collared Dove 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
Common Gull 
Not likely to have bred on site 
Common Tern 
Not likely to have bred on site 
Coot 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Cormorant 
Not likely to have bred on site 
Crow 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
Cuckoo 
Not likely to have bred on site 
Dunnock 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Feral Pigeon 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Garden Warbler 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
Goldfinch 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Great Black-Backed Gull 
Not likely to have bred on site 
Great Spotted Woodpecker 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Great Tit 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Greenfinch 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Grey Heron 
Not likely to have bred on site 
Grey Wagtail 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
Herring Gull 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
House Martin 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
House Sparrow 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Jay 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Kestrel 
Not likely to have bred on site 
Kingfisher 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Lesser Black-Backed Gull 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Linnet 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Long-Tailed Tit 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Magpie 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Mallard 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Mistle Thrush 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
Moorhen 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Mute Swan 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Peregrine Falcon 
Held territory but did not breed 
Pied Wagtail 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Reed Warbler 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
Robin 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Sand Martin 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Sedge Warbler 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
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Olympic Park Black Redstart Survey Report  
 
 
Song Thrush 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Starling 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
Swallow 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
Swift 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
Teal 
Not likely to have bred on site 
Common Whitethroat 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Willow Warbler 
Possibly bred, no signs seen 
Wood Pigeon 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
Wren 
Demonstrated signs of breeding 
 
 
Olympics BR-Final 22.12.08 
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