Four ways to help birds
A NEW 'BIRDS OF WALES' TO MARK THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOS
There has only ever been one book giving a complete account of all the bird species ever recorded in Wales. This was Birds in Wales, by Roger Lovegrove, Graham Williams and Iolo Williams, published by Poyser in 1994. This volume has been of huge value for bird conservation in Wales since then, a first port of call for birdwatchers and conservationists alike. However, the information contained in it is now nearly thirty years old, and there have been great changes in the fortunes of many species since it was published. In 2002 the Welsh Ornithological Society published Birds in Wales 1992-2000 by Jon Green to update the original Birds in Wales, but the time has now come for a new book to give an up-to-date picture of the birds of Wales. There have been very significant changes since Birds in Wales was published in 1994. The list of birds recorded in Wales is longer now, with a good number of new species recorded as vagrants. Wales has gained several new breeding species, notably Little Egret, Eider, Avocet and Dartford Warbler. Other species, such as Great White Egret, are being seen in Wales in much greater numbers than formerly and may well breed in the next few years. On the other hand, some breeding species have been lost since 1994; the Corn Bunting was already in trouble in Wales in 1994 but has now vanished as a breeder. Perhaps more significant still is that some species which appeared to be reasonably secure in 1994, such as the Curlew, are now in real trouble. To mark WOS’ 30th anniversary, work has begun on a new volume, describing the history and current status of every bird ever recorded in Wales, common and rare, with an assessment of the conservation issues facing our breeding birds. The publication of this new book will give an up-to-date picture of how well or how badly our birds are faring and will be an invaluable resource for anybody interested in birds in Wales. WOS is inviting individuals and organisations to sponsor each species on the Welsh list and we are delighted to report that by 24th May, 24 species have been sponsored, or are in the process of sponsorship. YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS LANDMARK PROJECT, AND HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT IT THROUGH SPECIES SPONSORSHIP HERE.
Scarce sightings during April 2019
In spite of weather extremes, with a cold start, summer sunshine over Easter, followed by the furious gales of Storm Hannah, spring migration proceeded relatively normally. For many observers, the highlight was a trip of three Dotterel which spent the week after Easter on the Great Orme; there were also two Bonaparte’s Gulls in the south and Black Kites in the north-west. Browse Robin Sandham’s round-up here.
Interactive Map
Click on each county to discover more about birds and birdwatching
Icons designed by Wissawa Khamsriwath from Flaticon
Events for birdwatchers in Wales
09:30 RSPB Dinas Car Park
Walk around the magical Gwenffrwd-Dinas Reserve
The annual fix of such species as pied flycatcher, redstart and tree pipit. Meet in reserve car park. Don’t forget to bring a packed lunch for this all day trip.
Events organiser Wendell Thomas – 07912 577626
Strawberry Cottage Wood
Sunday 02 June 2019 09.00 hrs – 12.00 hrs
Leader: Andrew Cormack.
Description
Woodland walk, with some steep parts, 3hr.
Meet at Walkers’ car park, Queen’s Head pub, near Cymyoy; £2 charge.
Contact: Andrew Cormack, 01873 853866
For further information please contact Dave Brassey on 01633 664212.
Note that in some rural areas the nearest post code (and therefore your sat nav) may not take you to the exact parking place. Use a map and the grid reference to find this.
Crosskeys – Walk along R. Ebbw for Dipper and Grey Wagtail and then in woodland for Nightjar; 3hr.
Friday 07 June 2019 20.00 hrs – 23.00 hrs
Leader: Richard Clarke.
Meet at car park at Blackvein Road: ST225913.
Contact is Richard Clarke, 01633 615581
For further information please contact Dave Brassey on 01633 664212.
Note that in some rural areas the nearest post code (and therefore your sat nav) may not take you to the exact parking place. Use a map and the grid reference to find this.
Title:
Collister Pill
When:
Sunday 09 June 2019 08.00 hrs – 11.00 hrs
Speaker/Leader:
Lyndon Waters –
Category:
Outdoor
Description
Easy 3hr walk from Undy Church to the coast.
Meet at Undy Church
Contact is Lyndon Waters: 07506 060939
For further information please contact Dave Brassey on 01633 664212.
Note that in some rural areas the nearest post code (and therefore your sat nav) may not take you to the exact parking place. Use a map and the grid reference to find this.