Olympic Park:
Kingfisher and
Sand Martin Nesting Surveys
Autumn 2007
CONFIDENTIAL
Prepared for the Olympic
Development Agency
by
Land Use Consultants
November 2007
43 Chalton Street
London NW1 1JD
Tel: 020 7383 5784
Fax: 020 7383 4798
[email address]
Olympic Park
Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys
CONTENTS
1. Summary............................................................................................. 1
2. Introduction ........................................................................................ 3 Background...................................................................................................................................................3
Legislation .....................................................................................................................................................3
3. Kingfisher survey ................................................................................ 5 Survey methodology...................................................................................................................................5
Results ...........................................................................................................................................................5
Conclusions and recommendations........................................................................................................6
4. Sand martin surveys........................................................................... 7 Survey methodology...................................................................................................................................7
Results ...........................................................................................................................................................7
Conclusions and recommendations........................................................................................................7
5. References........................................................................................... 9
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Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys
TABLES
Table 3.1: Kingfisher activity summary (visit 1) 15.10.2007 ................................................5
Table 3.2: Kingfisher activity summary (visit 2) 23.10.2007 ................................................6
FIGURES
Figure 3.1: Kingfisher survey.................................................................................................... 11
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1. SUMMARY
1.1.
Kingfisher and sand martin nest surveys were carried out in Autumn 2007 in areas
where nesting activity had been recorded in Spring 2007. The aim was to determine
whether nesting had been completed, allowing works to exclude the birds from these
areas thereby allowing enabling works within the vicinity to proceed.
1.2.
No sand martins were observed, and no kingfisher nesting activity was recorded.
Kingfishers were recorded at locations along the City Mill River, River Lea (middle),
and Waterworks River and at Carpenters Lock. Activity was particularly high on the
Waterworks River.
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Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys
2. INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
2.1.
As part of a term commission to provide call-off ecological consultancy services to
the Olympic Development Agency (ODA), Land Use Consultants (LUC) was
requested to carry out kingfisher and sand martin nesting surveys at previous nesting
locations. The aim of these surveys was to confirm whether nesting had been
completed, allowing works to proceed to reduce the suitability of the nest sites and
allow enabling works in the vicinity to proceed. This report presents the results of
these surveys.
2.2.
Previous surveys undertaken by LUC in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 have identified
kingfisher and sand martin activity and nest sites within the Olympic Park.
LEGISLATION
2.3.
All UK species of wild bird and their nests and eggs are protected by law (for the
whole or part of the year) by the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended
and strengthened by the CROW Act, 2000). This makes it an offence with certain
exceptions, to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take any wild bird and damage
or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.
2.4.
Kingfisher is afforded protection by special penalties at all times under Schedule 1 of
the Act. This makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb a bird while it
is at, near or constructing a nest.
2.5.
The UK’s leading governmental and non-governmental conservation organisations
have reviewed the conservation status of birds in the UK to keep track of changes in
bird abundance and range. Of the 247 species subject to review, red list status (high
conservation concern) has been assigned to 40 species, amber list status (medium
conservation concern) to 121 species, and green listed (no conservation status) 86
species. Sand martin and kingfisher are both amber list species (see Gregory
et al.
(2002) for more information).
2.6.
The conservation status lists contribute in part to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan
(BAP) process, and 26 BAP bird species are identified as ‘priority’ BAP species at the
national level. At a local level sand martin are subject of individual Biodiversity
Action Plans (BAPs) for London and Waltham Forest. Kingfisher has individual
species BAPs in the Waltham Forest BAP and the Lea Valley Regional Park Authority
BAP.
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Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys
3. KINGFISHER
SURVEY
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
3.1.
Vantage point surveys were conducted for a minimum of 3 hours on the 15 and 23
October 2007 in suitably discreet locations. These are shown in
Figure 3.1 and
include locations along the City Mill River, River Lea (middle), and Waterworks River
and at Carpenters Lock.
3.2.
All bird activity was recorded, with the following behavioural traits used to provide
an indication of nesting behaviour;
•
Carrying of fish.
•
Food exchange from male to female.
•
Food exchange from adult to juvenile.
•
Carrying of eggshells.
•
Courtship behaviour (copulation, posturing).
•
Tunnel excavation.
RESULTS
3.3.
No behaviour indicative of nesting was recorded on either visit. Sightings of
kingfisher are described in
Table 3.1 and 3.2.
Table 3.1: Kingfisher activity summary (visit 1) 15.10.2007
Map Time
Sex Activity
Comment
Ref
m/f
1
7.55
-
Non-cal ing bird flew out of elder on eastern bank Possible overnight
of waterworks river before immediately returning roost site.
then fluffing feathers and perching on sleeper for 4
minutes before flying north.
2
7.59
-
Flew north to perch next to Marsh Gate Lane
bridge
3
8.01
-
Flew north out of site.
4
8.25
M
Flew south along River Lea (upper), passing under
Carpenters Lane Bridge before perching close to
the north of Carpenters Lock. Downward facing
head and body posture characteristic of fishing
behaviour.
5
8.33
M
Caught fish, flew 3ft to land on floating debris
Indicative of a non-
before sunning and consuming fish.
nesting bird.
6
8.34
M
Flew north cal ing repeatedly before veering to
Cal ing indicative of a
confident territory
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Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys
the north and out of site.
holding bird.
7
9.01
Bird heard calling.
Believed to be a
separate bird to the
previous sightings.
Cal ing indicative of a
confident territory
holding bird.
8
9.38
-
Bird flew from City Mil River across Carpenters
Indicative of possible
Lock before perching for a few seconds close to
territory divide at the
where previous bird was seen fishing, then flying
north of Carpenters
back across lock to south.
Lock.
9
9.50
M
Attempting to fish and preening at favourite perch
near to corner of City Mil River. Remained for 5
minutes before flying north over Carpenters Lock.
10
11.06 -
Bird flew south along south-eastern corner of
Cal ing indicative of
Waterworks River calling continuously.
confident territory
holding bird.
Table 3.2: Kingfisher activity summary (visit 2) 23.10.2007
Map Time
Sex ACTIVITY
COMMENT
Ref
m/f
11
9.09
-
Bird flew north from Waterworks River to River
Lea (upper) before veering to east and out of
sight.
12
11.00 -
Bird flew south calling continuously before
Cal ing indicative of
perching among supporting beams of pedestrian
confident territory
footpath under railway bridge in the south-
holding bird.
eastern corner of the Waterworks River. Bird
perched for 20 seconds before continuing to fly
south out of sight.
DISCUSSION
3.4.
Whilst kingfisher sightings were numerous, no characteristic behavioural traits
indicative of nesting were recorded and it can be assumed that birds within the study
area are not nesting.
3.5.
In contrast to previous surveys conducted during spring and summer (April-July),
kingfisher sightings were numerous on the waterworks river. This may be explained
by the unusual y high water clarity and low tide during both survey visits which would
provide optimum opportunities for fishing. This would provide exposed perches on
riverbed debris and with concentrations of fish in smal pools. In addition, the water
clarity of the City Mill and River Lea (middle) was unusually poor (murky sediment-
laden water was observed flowing into the channels from drainage pipes).
3.6.
Kingfisher frequency upon the Waterworks River may also be explained by birds
forming winter territories, with breeding pairs dividing, resulting in a wider
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Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys
distribution of birds. In addition, the temperature during the second survey visit was
approximately 2oC. The tidal nature of the River reduces its susceptibility to freezing
which represents one of the greatest threats to kingfisher survival.
RECOMMENDATIONS
3.7.
It has been proposed that vegetation clearance wil undertaken in Winter 2007/8. If
works are delayed and are not undertaken prior to February/March 2008 (weather
dependent) a further watching brief would be required to determine whether
kingfishers have re-established the nest and whether works may proceed in line with
legal protection.
3.8.
It is recommended that a survey is undertaken of waterways within the Olympic Park
in Spring 2008 to determine whether any new nesting locations are established, and
to inform works elsewhere in the Park.
3.9.
Works undertaken during the breeding season within areas which may potentially
support nesting kingfisher should proceed under a watching brief. Works should
cease immediately should a kingfisher be seen exhibiting any of the behavioural traits
described in paragraph 3.2 and an ecologist consulted as to how best to proceed.
4. SAND MARTIN SURVEYS
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
4.1.
Sand martin surveys were conducted during October 2007 to confirm the absence of
nesting birds prior to the closure of river bank drainage holes. Previous nest
locations in both 2006 and 2007 provided the focus for the survey.
4.2.
Mild weather during the autumn may have increased the likelihood of a late nesting
attempt by sand martin.
Method
4.3.
Vantage point surveys of previous nest locations were conducted for a minimum of 2
hours in suitable conditions.
4.4.
Tow paths in the area were also walked to locate flying sand martins.
RESULTS
4.5.
No sand martins were seen during the surveys.
4.6.
Several feral pigeons were observed roosting within river wall drainage holes.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4.7.
The absence of sightings is indicative that nesting has finished, with birds having
migrated south.
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Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys
4.8.
Prior to exclusion works, feral pigeons (and possibly other bird species) will require
flushing from the drainage holes.
4.9.
Exclusion works are scheduled for Winter 2007/08. As per kingfisher, if these works
are delayed until Spring 2008 a watching brief would be required prior to works. It is
also recommended that surveys are undertaken in Spring 2008 to identify nesting
locations and inform any works to be undertaken within the breeding season in areas
which may support breeding sand martin.
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5. REFERENCES
Boag, D. (1990) The Kingfisher. Blandford Publishing, London.
Gregory, R.D., Wilkinson, N.I., Noble, D.G., Robinson, J.A., Brown, A.F., Hughes,
J., Procter D.A., Gibbons, D.W. and Galbraith, C.A. (2002) The population status of
birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man: An analysis of conservation
concern 2002-2007.
British Birds 95. London.
HMSO (1981) The Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. HMSO, London.
HMSO (1994) The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations, 1994. HMSO, London.
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River Lea (upper)
(
6
(
4
(
11
!
.
(
3
(
5 "
/
Carpenters Lock
!
!(
2
(
8
! (
1
7
!
(
Waterworks River
(
9 !
.
!
.
CtiyM
River Lea (middle)
R livier
Old Ford Lock
!
(
12
(
10
±
0
100 m
Figure 3.1: Kingfisher survey
Date Prepared: 25/10/2007
kingfisher flight
!
perched bird
open water
!
.
fishing site
survey vantage points
50 m buf er from probable nest site
"
/
fish caught and eaten
1
(
report reference
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey information with the permission of The Control er of Her Majesty's Stationery Of ice, Crown Copyright, Land Use Consultants, Licence Number 100019265
S:\4000\4065 Olympic Park Ecology\GIS\Themes\ArcGIS9\4065-01_006_kingfisher_Oct_2007.mxd
