Adam Gooding

As a volunteer bird surveyor with the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS), I conduct monthly counts of non-breeding waterbirds across key wetland sites, including Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, and Burrator Reservoir. My role involves accurately identifying and recording species such as wildfowl, waders, divers, and herons, contributing valuable data to monitor population trends and species distribution in the UK. I am responsible for recording these counts online through the WeBS platform, ensuring the information is available for analysis in national reports, which inform conservation strategies and legal protections for wetland habitats.

Volunteering for Winter Gull Survey around the Wembury Bay area, I contribute to monitoring wintering gull populations, focusing on six key species of conservation concern This nationwide survey aims to update knowledge on population trends and the impact of threats like avian influenza. Through my participation, I gained valuable skills in bird identification, fieldwork, and ecological data collection, directly supporting conservation efforts by contributing to crucial information that helps identify key roosting sites and develop more effective strategies to protect vulnerable gull species. This position allows me to demonstrate my ability with Avian species by identifying all on sight confidently and accurately.

I participate in the collection and synthesis of high-quality data on seabird breeding abundance, distribution, and demographics to inform conservation policy. The aim of the project is to provide evidence for identifying drivers of seabird population trends and support effective management actions. My role involves conducting colony counts to assess the number of adult breeding birds and recording breeding success to evaluate productivity. Through this experience, I enhance my skills in ecological monitoring and data collection while contributing to the protection of internationally important seabird populations. Additionally, I engage with a network of professionals and enthusiasts, helping to raise public awareness and appreciation for seabirds and their habitats.