European Bird Census Council

This report presents an enlarged set of population trends and indices of 135 common bird species in Europe, which have been produced by Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme in 2008. The trends and indices presented in this report cover time period 1980 - 2006, although data back to 60s are available from some European countries.
Updated multi-species indices (indicators) will also be produced and published on this web site soon.

In order to improve communication between the Board and the Delegates, a short newsletter with information on major projects, conferences and other events will be regularly produced and distributed to all Delegates, starting in 2008. Most information is described in more detail elsewhere on the EBCC website. Previous newsletters can be viewed below.

This report summarises main activities and achievements since August 2007 to April 2008. The 2007 update of indices and indicators was produced and published on EBCC website and in the report State of Europe’s Common Birds 2007. The indicators were provided to Eurostat for Structural Indicators and Sustainable Development Indicators. New data have been collated and updated outputs are expected in May 2008. PECBMS network was maintained and partners kept informed via web site, personal meetings and visits, advice and assistance provided as well. Communication included also presentations at conferences and contributions to scientific papers.

A landmark advance in our understanding of the potential impacts of human-induced climate change on wildlife was launched on 15 January 2008. A Climatic Atlas of European Breeding Birds - which maps potential changes in the distribution of all of the continent's regularly occurring nesting birds based on the EBCC’s atlas of European breeding birds - suggests that we need urgent action to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and redouble our efforts for nature conservation, if we are to avoid potentially calamitous impacts on birds.

A new pan-European report The State of Europe’s Common Birds 2007, was published in November 2007.