2.2.8 Shore-based sea-watches

Sea-watching is a type of birdwatching where participants observe seabirds from a fixed point on the mainland. While many birders will do this as a leisure activity related to their hobby, sea-watching can provide important information relevant to seabird research. Ideal locations to carry out this method are coastal areas where there is an open view of the sea, particularly somewhere that allows birds to pass close by such as a headland with deep water immediately offshore. As many of the birds can be passing far offshore, sea watches are typically carried out using spotting scopes.

To carry out repeat surveys (which are important for seasonal and inter-annual comparisons) ensure that the location is clearly identified and easy to revisit. For comparative purposes, undertake surveys at the same start time for a set amount of time and be meticulous about data collection. If there are large-scale weather events (such as sudden squalls or storms) or offshore fishing vessels (with attendant seabirds) that may impact your count, take detailed notes. Seabird behaviours can also be recorded, such as whether birds are feeding or transiting or being counted singularly or in active groups. Through repeat observations it is possible to build up a list of species that frequent a particular section of coast.

In areas where there are active birdwatching clubs or people are using apps like eBird, see whether there are historical or long-term data available for sea watches in the area. Birders can be a very important and useful resource in this manner, although you need to be careful as some people are better at identifying species than others! Lastly, it is also possible to use sea watches as a method to observe bird activity that may lead to identifying places where birds fly to nesting places inland or help guide capture attempts for the same purpose (see the following case study).