The Breeding Bird Survey Gòose numbers (6% less than in 1998). Nationally, figures for the period 1994 to 1999 show a 100% increase for Greylag Geese and an 18% increase for Canada Geese. This divergence was n©t reflected in the results from Suffolk; the relative proportions of the two populations have remained broadly stable. • Eurasian Sparrowhawk The Eurasian Sparrowhawk has certainly seen a considerable change in fortune over the past 40 ytars. From the nadir of the mid-1960s, numbers have recovered extraordinarily well. The past 20 years of national CBC survey results show a 294% increase. The Garden Bird Survey, organised by the BTO, shows nearly a 50% increase in gardens over the same period. The national results of the BBS survey, which only cover the period 1994-99, show a more stable picture. There was actually a decline of 2% in the 98 99 94 95 year 1998-99 but over the whole period — mean count -%age of squares Mere has been an increase of 1%. In Suffolk, both distribution and abundance show wliat seems to have been a decline in the mid-period with a late recovery. Overall, the results indicate a stable population over the period, in line with national results. • Northern Lapwing (Amber List) jt seems stränge to think now that the Northern Lapwing was once such a common breeding bird that its eggs were collected for the table. National figures show a 49Ve decline over 11 years, with the BBS slowing an 18% decline over the five-year ptriod to 1998. There was a further decline in 1999, giving an overall 20% decline for the period 1994-99. Strangely, the results for Suffolk do not appear to give such a - m e a n count - a — % a g e of squares clcar-cut picture. Although numbers have continued to decline, distribution went up in 1999. •
European Turtle Dove (Red List) This is a species that has been used as another high-profile example of the plight of formerly common species. National survey rlsults have indicated that a retreat from the north and west of its range. Recent research has indicated this may partly be due to a shorter breeding season caused by intensive farming (British Wildlife 11:3, 208). National BBS results show a steep decline of 9% between 1998 and 1999 with an overall decline of 18% for the period 1994-99. The Suffolk results clearly indicate a decline, which appears to be worryingly steady.
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95
96
97
98
99
-%age of squares — .— mean count
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