2005-2006, Hyder Consulting, Burbo Bank, Ornithological Survey

A series of boat based bird surveys was carried out at approximately monthly intervals between September 2005 and April 2006 during the pre-construction (baseline) period for Burbo offshore wind farm. Each survey comprised of undertaking observation protocols whilst sailing fixed transects which covered the proposed windfarm site and a buffer zone. In general the site holds few bird species, and those that do occur are present in relatively low numbers. The numbers of birds that frequent the site are likely to be restricted due to the high level of disturbance arising from the close proximity to busy shipping lanes. The species targeted during the survey were common scoter Melanitta nigra, great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, red-throated diver Gavia stellata and common tern Sterna hirundo. Most were recorded in low numbers, and are most unlikely to be significantly affected by the windfarm.