Muckross, Co. Kerry; Bird Survey Report

JULY 2001


Martin Brennan, MSc.


CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION
2. SITE DESCRIPTION
3. SURVEY METHOD
4. COUNT POINTS
5. RESULTS
6. COMMENT
7. RECOMMENDATIONS
8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
9. BIBLIOGRAPHY
10. MAP

 

1. INTRODUCTION

Muckross, Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry.
Grid Reference: V 95 86

A network of 16 sites countrywide has been selected under the project known as The Millennium Forests the objective of which is to restore or create native woodlands. Muckross is one of them. Ecological surveys are being conducted to establish baseline data which will inform management decision making and provide knowledge for the complimentary educational and promotional aspects of the project. This study of avifauna forms part of that broader ecological survey.

 

2. SITE DESCRIPTION

This property is situated on the Muckross peninsula on the northern shores of the lake of the same name about 4 miles south of Killarney town in Killarney National Park. It is at an altitude of approximately 60 meters above sea level. This yew (Taxus bacata) woodland consists of the only sizeable stand of yew in Ireland and represents over 50% of the national area. It is a dense stand of fairly old trees on limestone pavement. Regeneration is poor due to grazing by deer, although this is now being controlled. The trees grow in cracks and on the rock surface which is covered in mosses (Bryophytes). There is little herb vegetation in the pure yew woodland due to the deep shade cast by the dense canopy. There are wet depressions in the limestone where ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is dominant. The study area, comprising approximately 25 hectares, is shown outlined in red on the map attached. It forms part of a larger area of woodland within Muckross Estate and National Park.

 

3. SURVEY METHOD

The survey was conducted using the point count method. Points were selected to represent the diversity of woodland habitats within the study area, subject to the limitations imposed by the requirements of this method - e.g. minimum distance of 200 meters between points. Within the chosen habitats points were randomly selected where the extent of the site so permitted.

Two counts were conducted. These took place between 06.00 hrs and 09.30 hrs on 17th May and 19th June 2001 respectively in favourable weather conditions.

Two separate recording bands were used at each point:- <30m and >30 meters.

All birds, whether detected by sight or sound (calls or song) were recorded.

Birds in flight and those recorded outside the official counts are shown separately and are excluded from computation of densities and from other statistical analysis.

Densities are derived from compounding the two counts for each point by taking the higher count for each species at ranges 0-30m and 0 to infinity as used in the IPA system {Blondel, Ferry and Frochot (International Bird Census Committee 1977)} - (Bibby et al 1985).

Abundance is based on recordings within the point - i.e. within the 30m radius.

 

4. COUNT POINTS

Counts were conducted at seven points within the study plot. As far as practicable these represented the diversity of habitats within the site as a whole and a good spread of locations throughout the entire block. A brief description of the habitat at each point follows. These are specific to the habitats within the 30m radius but would be typical of the habitat generally, with only minor variations expected between any specific points chosen within it.

Point 1.
Mixed yew, oak (Quercus petraea) ash woodland but predominated by yew, with understorey of holly (Ilex aquifolium). Ground vegetation consisted of mosses only. Canopy was closed.

Point 2.
Mixed woodland of oak, ash and yew, but predominated by the broadleaves. An understorey of holly and hazel (Corylus avellaana) existed in parts. Ground vegetation consisted only of mosses. Canopy was closed.

Point 3.
Mixed yew, ash, hazel woodland in a wet hollow. Some holly understorey and occasional rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum). Ground vegetation consisted primarily of mosses and grasses (Graminaea).

Point 4.
Pure yew woodland with some holly understorey. Ground vegetation consisted of mosses with occasional ferns (Pteridophyta).

Point 5.
Pure yew woodland with an occasional birch (Betula spp.). Understorey of holly with with occasional rhododendron. Ground vegetation consisted of mosses with a small area of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and woodrush (Luzula spp.).

Point 6.
Predominantly yew woodland with occasional oak and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Holly understorey. Ground vegetation of mosses only.

Point 7.
Mixed woodland of yew and ash. Some holly understorey. Ground vegetation of mosses only with considerable areas of bare soil.

 

5. RESULTS

Species Richness
The number and variety of bird species varied from point to point and ranged between 5 and 9 (Table 1). The 7 points give a cumulative total of 12 bird species. A further 3 species (Table 11) were recorded within the study area outside the formal counts bringing the total number for the entire property to 15.

Killarney National Park as a whole has recorded the presence of up to 141 bird species - some such records are in excess of 20 years old. More recent work by Duchas personnel (Dr Katherine Freeman - unpublished) has recorded the presence of a further six species in the yew wood or its fringes (also listed in Table 11).

None of the species was recorded at all points. Robin was recorded at 5 of the 7 points within the fixed band. Chaffinch, goldcrest and coal tit were each recorded at four points.

Taking the number of bird species recorded at each point within the fixed band the mixed woodland sites, which were predominated by broadleavess or had an even mix with yew, supported greatest species richness. Points 2, 3 and 7 each recorded 5 species. Point 1, mixed woodland but predominated by yew, was next at four species, while the pure yew sites recorded only 1 to 3 species within the fixed band. By taking the total number of bird species recorded at each point the pattern changes little.
[Comment in discussion on the changes in the species recorded particularly between 2,3,and 7]

Table 1. Bird Species Recorded at Muckross in Summer 2001.

SPECIES
POINTS
 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Blackbird (Turdus merula)
/*
/*
/*
-
/*
-
/
Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
/
/
/
/
/*
-
-
Coal Tit (Parus ater)
/
/*
/
-
/
-
/
Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
/
/
/
-
-
/
-
Great Tit (Parus major)
-
-
-
/
-
-
-
Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)
-
/
/
-
-
/*
/
Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
-
-
-
-
/*
-
/*
Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
/
/
/
/
-
/
-
Rook (Corvus frugilegus)
/*
-
-
-
-
-
-
Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)
/*
-
-
/*
/*
-
/
Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus)
/*
/*
/*
/*
-
/*
/*
Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)
/*
/
-
-
-
/*
/
               
Number within 30m radius
4
5
5
3
1
2
5
Total Number
9
8
7
5
5
5
7

(Note: / = recorded inside 30m zone; /* = recorded beyond 30m zone; - = not recorded)

 

Table 11. Additional Species recorded in the yew wood.

Additional Species Recorded During This Study
 
Chiff Chaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris)
 
Additional Species Recorded By Duchas
 
Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)
Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)
Dunnock (Prunella modularis)
Hooded Crow (Corvus corone cornix)
Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)

 

Abundance
The most abundant species varied from point to point (Table 111), but these are represented by a very small number which dominate this woodland The more diverse woodland (Points 1, 2, 3 and 7) has a greater number of bird species at relatively equal status. In contrast the pure yew wood is dominated by just 2 or 3 species in each case. One species - robin - featured amongst the most abundant on all sites. Chaffinch, coal tit, great tit and goldcrest are the other most abundant species in pure yew wood, and with the exception of great tit, are each amongst the most abundant in at least three of the more diverse yew woodland areas studied.

Table 111. The most abundant species at each point.

SPECIES
P O I N T S
 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Blackbird
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
Chaffinch
2
2
1
1
-
-
-
Wren
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
Coal Tit
3
-
2
-
1
-
2
Robin
3
2
2
1
2
2
2
Goldcrest
1
1
2
-
-
1
1
Great Tit
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
Mistle Thrush
-
-
2
-
-
-
2
Song Thrush
-
-
-
-
-
-
2

Note: species are ranked in order of abundance 1 to 3 (1 = most abundant) where species ranked equally they are given the same number in the order; - = not recorded.


Density
Bird density for the study area as a whole was 24 birds per hectare.

 

6. COMMENT

This yew wood is poor in bird species diversity and is dominated by a small number of species - robin, chafinch, goldcrest, coal tit and great tit. Of the six sites surveyed in this study it recorded the lowest number of species. Overall bird density also is low when compared with that of the other sites in the study, with the exception of Rossacroo, also in Kerry. However, as this is predominantly a coniferous woodland this is not too surprising.

It is of note that a programme of erecting bird boxes within the yew wood is in place for a number of years. This may be a factor in the dominance of the yew wood by species such as great tit and coal tit. This project, conducted by Duchas, has had a success rate (Table 1V) of approximately 50% over the past two years (years for which statistics are available). In the absence of any statistics, at this stage, prior to erection of the boxes it is impossible to say if this has had an impact. It is worth noting however that a similar project in both mixed woodland and traditional farms within the Park has had a much lower box-occupancy success level than in the yew wood (woodland: 28% year 2000 and 40% year 2001; farms: 25% year 2001). This may possibly be accounted for by the availability of other suitable nesting sites in these habitats, it may be density related or weather related.


Table 1V. Occupancy levels of bird boxes in yew wood.

Year Number Of Boxes
O c c u p i e d B y
 Total Occupied
Blue Tit Coal Tit Great Tit Unknown
2000 19 1 2 5 2 10 (53%)
2001 15 1 3 3 - 7 (47%)


7. RECOMMENDATIONS

As a woodland of high conservation status management effort should continue to be concentrated on the grazing threat and damage by deer. Protection of the habitat will contribute to the protection of the species occupying it.

The bird-box project should continue. It could be expanded into a more detailed research project to monitor and evaluate the effects of the provision of the boxes.

Monitor the impact of the forest programme and operations on bird communities

 

8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special thanks are due to Killarney National Park staff Dr. Catherine Freeman and Paudie O'Leary whose co-operation and assistance during the course of this study is greatly appreciated.

 

9. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anon (Forest Service) - Code of Best Practice - Ireland (2000).

Anon (Forest Service) - Forest Biodiversity Guidelines (2000).

Bibby, C. J.; Burgess, N. D. & Hill, D. A. - Bird Census Techniques (1992).

Carruthers, T. & Larner, J. - The Birds of Killarney National Park (1993).

Fitter, R.; Fitter, A. & Blamey, M. - The Wild Flowers of Britain and Northern Europe (1974).

Higman, S.; Bass, S.; Judd, N.; Mayers, J. & Nussbaum. R. - The Sustainable Forestry Handbook (1999).

Humphries, C.J.; Press, J.R. & Sutton, D.A. - Trees of Britain and Europe (1981).

Mullarney, K.; Svensson, L.; Zetterstrom, D. & Grant, P.J.- Collins Bird Guide (1999).

Mutch, W. -Tall Trees and Small Woods, How to Grow and Tend Them (1998).

Peterson, R.; Mountfort, G. & Hollom, P.A.D. - A Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe (1954).

Richards, A.J. - British Birds, A Field Guide (1979).

Sutherland, W.J. & Hill, D.A. (Eds) - Managing Habitats for Conservation (1995).

 

10. MAP

Legend
Study area : outlined in red
Count Point : number in yellow circle