My name is Lucian and I am a Master’s by Research student at the University of East Anglia. I am contacting you to ask whether you, or members of the local birding community in Sussex, might be interested in helping with a research project on the movements and behaviour of white storks.
I am currently based at Knepp Estate, where I have been collecting data on white stork chicks during the nestling period. My research investigates how developmental plasticity during this early life stage influences later movement behaviour and migratory decision-making.
As the birds begin to fledge, my focus will shift to their pre-migratory movements across southern England and the Isle of Wight from August onwards. I am particularly interested in their behaviour during this period, including flock composition and social dynamics, habitat use, and other aspects of their behaviour in the field.
Because the birds will be moving across a large area, I am hoping to establish a network of local observers who may be able to assist with targeted observations. The birds are fitted with GPS trackers, allowing me to monitor their locations and provide alerts when they are approaching or within a particular area.
When a bird is nearby, I would ideally ask willing observers to collect, where possible:
– Short video footage of the birds and their behaviour;
– Photographs of the birds, particularly their ring numbers;
– The date, time and location of the observation;
– Approximate flock size and composition;
– Brief description of habitat and weather conditions;
– Any other notable behavioural observations
I will provide a simple observation form and platform to make recording this information straightforward. I appreciate that this would be entirely dependent on people’s availability and proximity to the birds, and I am not looking for a regular or substantial time commitment. Rather, I am hoping to identify people who may be willing to respond to occasional alerts when the birds are in their area.
I would be very grateful if you could let me know whether this is something you, your organisation, or members of the local birding community might be able to assist with. If you are not able to help directly, I would also greatly appreciate any suggestions of local birders, groups or other contacts who may be interested.
I would be very happy to provide further information about the project and discuss how the observation network might work.
Many thanks for your time and consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Lucian Delaney
University of East Anglia
07554 002811