Corncrake Calling

 Corncrake Calling  is a four-year RSPB Scotland project to save these culturally iconic birds in Scotland. The project is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Each year, the project conducts a survey of Corncrakes in Scotland. They also collect casual recordings of Corncrake via the Report a Corncrake citizen science project.

There are two main ways Corncrakes are recorded as part of the project.

A Core Areas Corncrake survey takes place each year between 20th May – 10th July. This is a continuation of monitoring carried out on an annual basis since 1993 to determine the Corncrake population in the UK. This survey covers all areas known to hold important populations of Corncrakes.

During multiple night-time visits to survey sites, the number of calling male Corncrakes is counted. Data from the survey are logged on RSPB's mapping system and shared with  NBN Atlas Scotland.  

The second method the project employs is to ask people to submit casual Corncrake observations to the  Report a Corncrake map .

The project team of experienced biological recorders carry out the Core Areas Corncrake Survey, with the support of volunteers. In 2023 alone, 25 volunteers supported project staff to carry out the survey. These dedicated volunteers donated an amazing 145 volunteer hours of night work last year. Without the support of these volunteers, the Core Areas Corncrake Survey could not have been completed and the team is incredibly grateful for their support.

The Core Areas Corncrake Survey data contribute to a long-term dataset that tracks Corncrake population changes. The survey results help to inform decisions about targeting conservation work for this species, including funding through Scottish Government agri-environment schemes. The results also help to understand how effective conservation delivery is, by demonstrating the impact on Corncrake populations.

The data from the Report a Corncrake citizen science project helps the Corncrake Calling team to identify locations where Corncrakes are present outside of the core project areas.

Corncrakes are culturally iconic birds in Scotland. Once widespread, Corncrake populations have fallen dramatically as farming and agricultural production have intensified. They are now found only on some Scottish islands and in parts of the northwest coast of Scotland. The conservation status of the Corncrake remains precarious, and they are dependent upon conservation action.

Collecting annual Corncrake population data is an essential part of Corncrake conservation. This is because it allows us to monitor the impact of conservation activity and also to ensure the limited conservation resources available through Scottish Government agri-environment funding and other funding mechanisms are deployed where they will have the biggest positive impact.

RSPB Scotland could not carry out annual Corncrake surveys without the support of committed volunteers. Scottish Government funding needs to continue to support the vital survey work that conservation staff and volunteers deliver, as well as the monitoring of agri-environment schemes.