The Long Day Count is carried out by teams of observers in each of the twelve 10km squares recording the number of bird species seen during a maximum of 12 daylight hours on the second Sunday in May each year.
This can be a continuous period of 12 hours, or two short sessions making a 12-hour total.
Aims:
- to observe and record as many species as possible in each 10km square;
- to cover the range of habitats in each 10km square;
- to develop a good understanding of the status of species in the BOS area in Spring.
To add spice to this useful count, each square is handicapped according to its results from the previous five years. The team achieving the best score over its par for the day receives a small perpetual trophy to hold for one year. Many teams are found starting at the crack of dawn - others are out until dark, but the idea is the same, the best score over the square’s own par gets the trophy.
Following the count, a call-over meeting is usually held a few days later to discuss the findings and judge the winner of the trophy. The date and venue are decided nearer the time and should be publicised on the News page.