If you are involved in the Bird Atlas or would like to be, please Click HERE for an important date for your diary.

UPDATED NEWS - OCTOBER 2008

Work started in November 2008 on the second year of the new County Bird Atlas. We've made a good start, but there is still a lot to do, so all local people with an interest in birds are being invited to help. Results will also contribute to a forthcoming National Atlas organised by the British Trust for Ornithology. This is a very important project, supported by all major conservation organisations, including the RSPB.

Records are needed of every bird seen in each small survey area during the winter, and again during the breeding season. All local people can make an important contribution by sending in records of the birds seen in their garden or on their farm, or while out walking or visiting the wider countryside. Some people will make an even bigger contribution, by making several visits to a specific survey area and recording everything seen. Experienced birdwatchers can also help with timed counts. All records are valuable.

Allan Dawes, the Atlas Organiser in Shropshire said “When we did the last Shropshire Atlas, well over 350 local people sent in records. Interest in birds and wildlife has increased since then, so we hope for a lot more helpers this time. Atlassing is very enjoyable – it takes us to the quieter parts of our lovely County, where we wouldn’t otherwise go. The results are very important, to help plan the conservation of birds that are declining.

Carrying out the survey is not difficult, and there are 10 local Area Co-ordinators who will provide each helper with advice, clear guidance on what to look for, and forms to record it all. Full training will be provided for anyone who wants it.”

Leo Smith, who is a local and national RSPB member and a familiar face from our meetings at Craven Arms, would be very pleased  to hear from anyone who would like to get involved with this exciting project.

Leo Smith
8 Welsh Street Gardens
Bishops Castle
Shropshire
SY9 5BH
01588 638577
leo.smith@dsl.pipex.com.

There is further information on the Shropshire Ornithological Society website, www.shropshirebirds.com, including maps showing the coverage achieved, and the distribution and relative abundance of some typical winter visitors, from last year's fieldwork. You will also find more details of the national surveys and results at www.birdatlas.net.

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