Kent Ornithological Society 
KOS Nightingale Survey 2023
Murray Orchard, Chair of the Conservation and Surveys Committee writes:- 'It’s over ten years since the last national Nightingale census (see 2012 map), which confirmed that Kent is the most important county for them.
KOS is organising a survey this spring, so that we can track the population trend since 2012, identify which areas have most, and continue to promote their conservation.
We’ll need lots of volunteers, but it won’t be too difficult or time-consuming. The survey involves two visits to a one-kilometre square in the period 27th April-14th May. Visits should be made between first light and 0830 (i.e. not at night, when paired males may not be singing) – a perfect time to be out enjoying the spring countryside.
To take part, visit the survey website, and select the square or squares you’d like to cover. Some of them will hold lots of Nightingales, some none, but all the results are important to be able to know how well they are doing. And even if you don’t find any Nightingales, the survey provides an opportunity to record other scarce birds, and also mammals, such as deer, which may affect Nightingale habitat.
Once a square is allocated to you, you will be able to download instructions, recording form and a map on which to record the locations of singing Nightingales. But to summarise the key parts of the instructions:
· Two daytime visits are required between 27th April and 14th May, ideally a week or more apart, with the first visit during the first seven days;
· Squares should be searched from first light to 08.30, covering all suitable Nightingale habitat within the square;
· Record dates and times of visits, and the locations of Nightingales, on the recording form and map;
· Record simple habitat data from a list of codes provided;
· Record other notable bird species and mammals such as deer and wild boar.
Nightingales are in trouble, so take a look at the website and please help if you can – and good luck! Thank you.
Additional Records of Nightingale
It is important that all Nightingales are reported this year. Any singing males recorded outside of the KOS survey should be reported using BirdTrack, KOS sightings database or eBird. It is important that an accurate location is provided to avoid double counting birds that others may have recorded during their survey visits. Please give a 6-figure grid reference of the bird’s location if possible or at least the 1km square reference. The KOS sightings database allows a pin to be dropped on a satellite map which automatically generates a full grid reference for the record.
If birds are heard in adjacent squares whilst doing the survey, please make a note of the number of birds, and which 1km square(s) they are in, on the recording form. If possible, provide grid references.
In all cases of additional records, it would be helpful if an indication of habitat could be provided.