Ornithological Society – Beach Patrol Scheme

At least 78 species of seabirds breed in the New Zealand region and there are many non-breeding visitors such as Arctic terns and Tropic birds. Records of dead birds washed ashore provides information on bird distribution, seasonal movement, disease, population etc. The OSNZ (Ornithological Society of New Zealand) Beach Patrol Scheme started in 1951. Members of the Society and anyone else with an interest in birds and the ability to identify them correctly is encouraged to record the name of the beach, date, kilometres covered and number of each species found. The objectives of the Beach Patrol Scheme are: To provide information on the species of seabirds washed up on New Zealand coasts, also location and numbers. To record variations in seabird mortality. To increase the chances of recovering banded birds.  To increase the collection of birds in museums, especially of rarely found species.  To provide specimens for scientific study.  To provide opportunities for members to identify seabirds. This data can be send to the scheme co-ordinator as a letter or email. Offical record cards are also available and there is an on-line form available on the OSNZ website (see below). An annual summary of each year's results appears in the journal Notornis.

Regular patrols provide data on bird death numbers and species.

New Zealand wide

Waikato Region

The OSNZ Beach Patrol Scheme started in 1951 and since 1961 a summary of each year's results has appeared in Notornis.

Beach patrollers walk along the high tide line of a beach to find, identify and record what birds have been washed ashore. Birds are usually removed to prevent recounting. Data is recorded on beach patrol cards or the online form. Patrols are usually undertaken fortnightly or monthly, with opportunistic patrols as well.

Inherent and varying error due to involvement of people with varying identification skills.

Record cards and forms and the annual summary in Notornis. Database for storage of results being developed. See link below.

Used in resource consents, planning documents, student studies and research projects.

Generally readily available. Approval of the data use may be required from the OSNZ secretary. Reports available as .pdf at website link below.

Ongoing

Related information: OSNZ Recording Scheme OSNZ National Wader Count OSNZ Nest Record Scheme