When volunteers take part in the census of nocturnal birds of prey
On Friday, February 7, around ten volunteer residents met at the Maison du Parc to learn how to recognize and count nocturnal birds of prey, as part of their mission as “Star Watchers.”
The origin of the Star Watchers
For several years, the Park has been working on preserve the night environment and to reduce light pollution through an approach to reducing energy consumption. In this context, a residents' group was formed to participate in monitoring sky quality. These volunteer "Star Watchers" are responsible for taking light pollution measurements throughout the year. To go further, the Park is offering them the opportunity to integrate a "biodiversity" dimension into their mission this year, by participating in the census of nocturnal birds of preyThe quality of the nocturnal environment is in fact essential for many species to be protected.
Learn to recognize nocturnal birds of prey
Six species are known to potentially nest in the Périgord-Limousin region. During their first meeting of the year, the Star Watchers learned to identify the Scops Owl, the Little Owl, the Barn Owl, the Long-eared Owl, the Tawny Owl and the Eurasian Eagle Owl. While some of these species mainly frequent hedgerow environments, others prefer forest environments or cliff areas. This is essential information to avoid making an identification mistake.
After learning to recognize species using photos, the Star Watchers practiced identifying them identify with their songs and cries. Not such an easy exercise for the most novice! Nesting and diet were also discussed and participants were able to stock up on resources to deepen their knowledge.
Participate in the census
Subsequently, the Star Watchers were able to familiarize themselves with the census protocol that they will have to put in place. Each person is invited to choose 2 listening points in their municipality (at least 1 km apart) and to make 2 passes over specific periods.
A first passage (realization of the 2 listening points, only once) will be carried out between February 15 and March 15 and will allow the detection of the little owl, the barn owl, the long-eared owl, and the tawny owl. A second passage will be carried out between May 15 and June 15 and will allow the presence of the scops owl to be detected and that of the little owl, the barn owl and the long-eared owl to be confirmed.
To date, the municipalities thus monitored are: Nantheuil, Pensol, Rochechouart, Videix, Thiviers and Saint-Paul-la-Roche. Anyone wishing to join the volunteer group is invited to contact Laura, “Black Web” project manager at the Park: l.csukonyi@pnrpl.com
The information collected by the Star Watchers will make it possible to advance knowledge of these species on the scale of Périgord-Limousin, in order to better take this into account in local policies, particularly in terms of town planning.
The Star Watchers will meet again at the beginning of April to take stock of the data collected and what to do next with their commitment.