Bird survey - quick risk analysis for your project 

A preliminary bird study is a comprehensive desk-based analysis that provides an early assessment of which bird-related factors may affect a project. It identifies which risks need to be addressed and where it may be warranted to proceed with bird surveys. The assessment is based on existing data on bird occurrence within and around the project area, Ecogain’s own extensive data, and our bird experts’ extensive experience.

We compile and analyze data on bird sightings from SLU Artdatabanken, including excerpts of protected data, and supplement this with Ecogain’s own data and information from local ornithologists. Our bird experts then assess which species and habitats may be affected by the project. The results are presented as maps where protection zones for sensitive species are clearly marked, and where areas are classified based on risk level.

No. The bird study is a desk-based analysis based on expert knowledge and existing data. Therefore, it can be conducted year-round and much more quickly than a field survey.

The analysis itself usually takes two to three weeks. The total turnaround time may sometimes be slightly longer, as certain data needs to be obtained from external sources. Contacting local ornithologists and obtaining data from Artportalen can take varying amounts of time, for example, due to high demand. The preliminary study has a fixed price, so waiting for external data does not affect the cost.

The preliminary study covers all bird species found in and around the project area throughout the year—including breeding, resting, and migrating birds. Which species are of greatest significance depends on the project’s design and the type of activity planned. In wind power projects, for example, eagles, grouse, and loons are particularly sensitive. Quarries, zoning plans, infrastructure projects, and logging affect the entire bird population in the area.

No. The preliminary study does not replace a field survey when one is needed. It provides an early assessment of potential ecological risks and identifies where a survey is warranted. However, it can provide clear indications as to whether or not you should proceed with surveys in a given area.

The preliminary study is a comprehensive desk-based analysis based on existing information, Ecogain’s own data, and expert assessments. It provides a well-founded basis for determining where it is justified to proceed with surveys and where it is not. A bird survey is conducted in the field and is dependent on the species’ seasonal activity. It provides the detailed information required as a basis for the permitting process.

In the fall, well in advance of winter. That will give you time to decide which areas to survey during the coming season. Some surveys may need to begin as early as January in southern Sweden, for example, for species such as the eagle and the eagle owl. If you order the preliminary study too late, you won’t have time to schedule the surveys for the right season, and the project may have to wait until next year.

Yes. Since it’s a desk study, it can be conducted year-round. If it’s ordered in the fall, there’s also a good chance that this year’s observations will be included in the data.

This rarely means that the entire project must be scrapped. In larger projects, it is more often a matter of adjusting the layout. For example, if a buffer zone around a golden eagle’s territory affects part of the project area, it is often possible to adapt the design and proceed with the rest. The preliminary study provides the basis for assessing whether a project area is suitable, needs to be adjusted, or should be reevaluated.

No. It applies to all types of development projects that use land—wind power, solar farms, power grids, roads and other infrastructure, mines and quarries, zoning plans, and logging operations.

Yes, as part of a consultation document. However, information about protected species cannot be disclosed publicly in a consultation. Instead, it is stated that there are known bird habitats in the area and that these will be taken into account. Often, the layout has already been adapted—for example, to accommodate a golden eagle’s territory—and in such cases, the details do not need to be disclosed.

Bird surveys typically have a fixed price of 35,000 kronor. This price includes the collection and analysis of data, costs for species extracts from the Species Database, expert assessment, and a report with maps and recommendations for the next steps.