The status of the CorncrakeCrex crexin Britain in 1998

A census of Corncrakes throughout Britain was carried out in 1998. National Grid squares of 10 km in the Hebrides, Northern Isles and the mainland of Highland Scotland known to have held the species during the breeding season since 1988 were searched systematically by night for singing males. A sample of such squares elsewhere in Scotland was also searched. In addition, bird-watchers and the general public were encouraged by press publicity to contribute records of singing birds, which were checked for accuracy. A total of 589 singing males was counted in 93 10-km squares. Ninety percent of the population was in the Hebridean Islands. The total count was 23% larger than in the previous census in 1993 and 3% larger than in 1988. All surveys of distribution and censuses between the late 19th century and 1993 recorded a progressive decline in the national population and range. The average rate of population decline between 1988 and 1993 was 3.5% per year, but between 1993 and 1998 the population increased by...