Kent Ornithological Society 
Nightingale in song - Barry Wright
The KOS organised a county survey in spring 2023 to help track the Nightingale population trend since the previous Kent survey in 2012. The aim was to establish an updated population estimate and monitor numbers at the known hotspots.
The survey involved two visits to a one-kilometre square (from a stratified random selection of 200) in the period 21st April-21st May. Visits were requested to be made between first light and 0830 (i.e. not at night, when paired males may not be singing).
To take part, volunteers were asked to visit the survey website, and select the square or squares they’d like to cover. The survey provided an opportunity to record other scarce birds, and also mammals, such as deer, which may affect Nightingale habitat.
Once a square was allocated, the volunteer was able to download instructions, recording form and a map on which to record the locations of singing Nightingales.
A graph illustrated how Nightingales are in trouble, to provide encouragement for volunteers to support the survey.
The results of the KOS Nightingale Survey 2023 will be provided in the 2023 Kent Bird Report