The Wetland Bird Survey (2025 Review)

Pensthorpe Wetland Bird Survey (2025)

After a gap of some years, it was decided to resume the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS).  We have now completed our first full year of recording.

So, what is WeBS? It is a national survey involving monthly counts of wetland birds on designated sites.  These counts are carried out on set “core” dates each month across the country.  Surveying at the same time helps reduce the possibility of double counting, and birds flying over the site are not included.

At Pensthorpe, the survey covers 10 lakes, two marshes, and the river within the site.  We currently have a team of three—Nick, Howard, and myself.

Where large, mobile flocks are involved—such as Lapwing—we make a careful estimate if birds do not settle long enough to be counted individually.

Over the last twelve months we have counted over 16,000 individual birds among 27 different species.  “That’s not many species” I hear you say.  Of course there are many more species of bird on site, but this survey is specific to wetland species i.e. birds such as ducks, waders, swans, egrets and gulls —many other species present on site fall outside the scope of the survey.

It can be a challenge, counting over 200 ducks over a large body of water, it can certainly test your skills.  The weather plays its part to; fog and ice can affect visibility and results.  However, all this information is included when the data is loaded to the BTO database.

We have been privileged to witness some great birds.  In the first month last year over 500 Lapwing recorded.  Back in the summer when the water levels were low exposing the mud on the lakes, we recorded up to 12 Green sandpiper on the Wetlands Lake.  A great number in one place.  Pensthorpe is also one of the best places in Norfolk to see Mandarin Ducks.  Early morning has rewarded us with views of Kingfisher, while an icy Wader Scrape brought out the Bitten.  Not a web-footed bird, but we also enjoyed great views of a Short-eared Owl.

Pensthorpe never fails to deliver outstanding wildlife experiences, and not just because of the birds.  Here’s to another twelve months of survey work and great birding—because you never quite know what might show up next.

Mark Hill.