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Home > Research > Policy > National regulations > Provincial nature policy > Results winter 2004-2005 |
Cereal strips for farmland birds in winter: first results from West Flanders In the West Flemish Heuvelland and in the area of Zwevegem, respectively 10 and 2 ha of cereals were left, in strips or small patches, during the first trial winter of 2004-2005. This was done to provide an alternative source of food for endangered farmland birds in winter, such as Gray Partridge, Corn Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Skylark, and so on. Yellowhammer still occurs in the Heuvelland, but not in Zwevegem. This method is part of a three-year pilot project by the provincial administration of West Flanders in cooperation with many partners: the INBO (scientific support), Regionaal Landschap West-Vlaamse Heuvels, various game management groups, the Zuid-West-Vlaamse Natuur- en Milieukoepel, the local Natuurpunt bird study groups and local farmers, of course. After three years, the effect of the cereal strips will be evaluated. This may lead to a new management agreement, drawn up by the Vlaamse Landmaatschappij. The cereal strips are monitored simultaneously by volunteers on a monthly basis. The first results indicate the following, preliminary conclusions: - A total of 40 species made use of the strips. The largest diversity was found near dense hedgerows. Most species were seen in the small-scale and therefore more species-rich landscape on the hills of the Heuvelland. In the more open areas of Zwevegem, diversity was far less significant. Not only cereal seed eaters are drawn to the strips, but also species that feed on smaller weed seeds or invertebrates, such as Song Thrush, Dunnock, lots of Reed Buntings, etc. Pheasants are often common and eat a lot of grain, which opens up possibilities for cooperation with hunters.  Photo: Over-wintering cereal field at Galooie Loker; the one hawthorn serves as a perching post for tens of seed eaters (Yellowhammer and Tree Sparrow) - The birds mostly visit the patches between late November and mid-March. Early spring is the most critical time of year because food is very scarce in other places. It is therefore important to leave the cereal strips as long as possible, at least until the end of March, preferably even longer in areas with Corn Buntings (end of April). - Yellowhammers are drawn to all cereal strips of the Heuvelland that are within their normal breeding area. The breeding population has increased by 75% in the past three years, and is now estimated at 100 pairs. The highest count in winter was 156 birds, which represents a very important part of the population and indicates an obvious lack of food in other areas.  Chart: Numbers of Yellowhammer on cereal strips in the Heuvelland in winter 2004-2005 - Pigeons and crows hardly visit the edges; they prefer more open (maize) stubble where it is easier to spot approaching enemies, and where they can move more freely.  Photo: The highest numbers of pigeons and crows are found on maize stubble, not cereal strips. - Unfortunately, the critically endangered Corn Bunting did not visit the cereal strips; the species is currently on the brink of extinction in West Flanders. In Flemish Brabant, the species does make use of such strips, and appears from early December to late April, for a longer period of time than other species. - Many small patches are better than a single, large one; it is therefore advisable to create many small-scale patches. - Edges along streams are not efficient: if they are not covered with dredgings in autumn, they are flooded, or the wetness of the soil prevents the production of grains in the spikes.  Photo: cereal strip along a stream, destroyed by dredging (Kooigem) - Strips along busy roads or in shade hardly attract any birds.  Photo: cereal strip in shade; too cold and too wet for cereals and birds alike - Skylarks and Grey Partridges only frequent the cereal strips of open areas in late winter. For these species, the measure is insufficient, and a solution with weedy stubble is needed. Olivier Dochy |
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Farmland birds in trouble |
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Farmland birds Zwevegem |
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Farmland birds Heuvelland |
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Results winter 2004-2005 |
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