All in the name of research - but will RSPB's North Wales initiative respect welfare of breeding Ring Ouzels?

                                                      

Ring Ouzel numbers in North Wales  are to be surveyed by the RSPB

A CONTROVERSIAL practice is to be adopted by the RSPB to help in monitoring Ring  Ouzel numbers at sites in North Wales.

The procedure involves playing back recordings of singing Ouzels in the hope of sparking inquisitive birds to make themselves conspicuous.

However, this research technique is frowned on by some ornithologists because it risks confusing the birds and interfering with their breeding activity.

Before these migrants start arriving in Britain from their over-wintering habitat in North Africa for the 2026 season, RSPB hopes to have recruited two seasonal officers to carry out the research.

Says the job description: "We are looking for Conservation Monitoring Officers to undertake a survey of breeding Ring Ouzels in North Wales.

"This  will be a mobile role visiting several different sites across Gwynedd recording the presence of Ring Ouzels using playback of song at specific points along survey routes.  

"The aim is to produce a robust population estimate for breeding Ring Ouzels in Gwynedd to determine the current trend for the species and inform future conservation management."

Surveys are scheduled to start in mid-May and salary will be the pro-rata equivalent of £27,123 - £28,956.                                                     

A trio of Ring Ouzels on the hunt for earthworms