The breeding population of the Annex 1 species Ortolan (Emberiza hortulana) is to be recorded in 2023 nationwide within the known distribution area on sample plots. For this purpose, the following services must be provided in particular:

Partial service 1: Methodological preparation of the survey

1. Presentation of the actual state of breeding distribution on the basis of sheets of the topographic map 1 : 25,000

Compilation of data on the breeding distribution of Ortolan in Saxony-Anhalt on the basis of the results of the nationwide breeding bird mapping 2005-2009 as well as data from www.ornitho.de from the years 2010 to 2022 on the Ortolan on the basis of TK 25. For ornitho data, the breeding season code B2 is to be used as the minimum criterion from 10.05. The total distribution map related to TK25 represents the total study area for the 2023 survey.

2. Selection of sample plots within the current distribution area

Within the total distribution area of the Ortolan in Saxony-Anhalt, a total of up to 350 sample plots must be demarcated. Sample plots shall be set up in each sheet of TK25 occupied by the species. Each sample plot corresponds to a full half-minute field according to the boundaries in www.ornitho.de.

TK25 with up to 20 territories of the Ortolan according to the previous total distribution map contain 2, TK25 with 21-50 territories 4, TK25 with > 51 territories contain 6 sample plots. In TK25, which is cut through the state borders, the number of sample plots can be reduced according to the approximate area share of Saxony-Anhalt.

The sample plots are randomly selected within TK25, but must contain habitat structures suitable for the Ortolan (agricultural landscape with forest edges, field trees, rows of trees, etc.). Sample plots should not be adjacent to each other on their longitudinal or transverse sides. At least 30 sample plots should be located as completely as possible within EU bird protection areas with larger Ortolan populations. The selection of sample plots is to be coordinated with the State Bird Protection Observatory.

3. Delineation and digitization of the sample plots

The coordinated sample plots and the routes therein, which enable a largely extensive inspection of structures suitable for the Ortolan, are to be digitized as GIS shapes and deposited in cooperation with the Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten as counting areas in the module semi-rare open land art in orni-tho.de.

4. Development of a recording method

In coordination with the State Observatory, the Vogelschutzwarte and the Dachververband Deutscher Avifaunisten, a recording method is to be developed that can be used on the one hand for the ongoing recording project as well as for future monitoring within the framework of the monitoring of rare breeding birds. For the cartographers, a mapping and input guide is to be developed in coordination with the State Bird Observatory and the DDA.

Boundary conditions for the method should be in the sense of simplification and adaptation to the monitoring of rare breeding bird species:

- Two-time morning inspection of the sample plot in the periods 01.-20.5. and 21.05.-20.06

- Full-surface inspection of suitable structures (forest edges, field trees, rows of trees) of the entire sample area

- Mapping of all territorial features

- Consistent mapping by means of ornitho.de (MsB module semi-rare open landers); the walking routes must be marked

- Mapping on paper maps and subsequent digitisation should only be carried out in rare exceptional cases.

Part 2: Organizational preparation, carrying out the mapping, merging the data

5. Allocation of mapping areas

Application and allocation of all sample plots to full-time and volunteer cartographers. A maximum of 5 mapping areas should be processed per mapmaker. In one morning, a maximum of 2 closely spaced sample plots can be processed.

6. Methodological guidance of the mappers

Conducting a video conference before the start of the mapping in preparation for the mapping season, in particular to explain the recording method and to explain the digital recording via www.ornitho.de's NaturaList app.

7. Mapping of the Ortolan on the sample plots according to the methodological specifications

The mapping is carried out on the 350 sample plots consistently according to the methodological specifications (exact adherence to the sample plots, inspection times, other specifications) digitally via the NaturaList app from www.ornitho.de. Only in exceptional cases can analogue mapping by means of a map and subsequent digitisation be carried out.

Territory-indicating shrikes, sparrowhawk mosquitoes, turtle doves and hooves found during the mapping walks are to be mapped (also via the app).

8. Collecting and evaluating the data

At the end of the mapping period, the data shall be transferred to a geographical information system (preferably QGIS). The form of evaluation (formation of paper territories, evaluation also of one-off evidence or evaluation of the maximum number of territorial birds during the inspections) must be coordinated with the State Ornithological Observatory and the DDA before the evaluation and the number of territories must be determined according to the sample area and total according to the determination then made.

9. Supplementing the systematically collected data with random reports from ornitho.de

For areas outside the sample plots, random data on the Ortolan area occurrence from www.ornitho.de for the year 2023 will be researched. Minimum criterion is breeding season code B2 from 01.05. These data are used to supplement the dispersion pattern and the total stock estimate.

Partial service 3: Evaluation and reporting

10. Evaluation and writing of a manuscript

With the involvement of appropriate experts, the total population of Saxony-Anhalt is extrapolated on the basis of the data from the sample plots as well as supplementary data outside the sample plots. Taking into account legacy data and data from the MhB, the stock development is presented. Habitat claims are discussed on the basis of mapped territories and available land use data.

On the basis of the available results, a proposal for long-term monitoring of the Ortolan is submitted. The necessary number of sample plots to be processed annually is to be determined in cooperation with appropriate experts both for the overall landscape and for monitoring in the EU SPA.

The structure and layout of the manuscript (at least 10 MS pages) is based on the latest annual reports on bird monitoring in Saxony-Anhalt.

Events:

Partial service 1 (methodological preparation of the recording): 31.03.2023

Partial service 2 (organizational preparation, carrying out the mapping, merging the data): 31.10.2023

Partial service 3 (evaluation and report): 31.03.2024