Colleagues from Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service recently joined in the annual skylark survey around the airfield. This survey, organised by the Ornithological section of the Société Jersiaise and the Jersey Birds On The Edge Project, has been a June tradition since 2006, when only 36 birds were recorded. This year, a fantastic 99 skylarks were counted, marking the third highest number since the surveys began.
While larger birds are kept away from the airfield for safety reasons, skylarks are always welcome. They’re small, don’t flock, and pose no risk to aviation. Unfortunately, skylarks are on the red list due to habitat loss, disturbance, and changes in farming practices, and their numbers are declining nationally.
Neil Harvey, an Airport Fire Fighter, mentioned, “The airfield grassland has become a favourite spot for skylarks to nest and roost in recent years. It’s now Jersey’s primary habitat for these birds. We’re thrilled to continue our role in surveying and conserving skylarks in Jersey.”
Tony Paintin from the Ornithology section of the Société Jersiaise added, “Although skylarks are common autumn migrants and winter visitors, they’re a rare breeding species in Jersey. Their main stronghold is at Jersey Airport, where the long grass policy and lack of disturbance create the perfect environment for them.
“I’d like to thank the Airport authorities, especially the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service and Air Traffic Control teams, for their help and cooperation.”
Background
The Skylark is one of 19 species that make up the UK Farmland Bird Indicator. As a group, these species are amongst Britain’s most declining birds, and skylark numbers have fallen precipitously since the mid-1970s.
The skylark is found across Britain and Ireland and can be heard singing at any time of the year on sunny days.
In the summer months, the song of the skylark becomes a force of nature, while in the winter skylarks often gather in large flocks on farmland, saltmarsh and dunes.