Four ways to help birds
The new 'BIRDS OF WALES' - shared species sponsorship now available!
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, wintering and migrant birds. WOS is inviting individuals and organisations to sponsor each species on the Welsh list and we are delighted to report that by 1st July, 50 species have been sponsored. That leaves almost 400 still available! Sole sponsorship is still available at £200 per species and shared sponsorship is now available at £50 per species – and you don’t have to find a partner sponsor. Find out more about the project and how you can support it through sole or shared species sponsorship here.
Birds in Wales, Volume 16:1 is now published
Volume 16:1 has now been posted to WOS members and the full text is available in the Members’ section of the website. It contains papers on the history of the Orielton Duck Decoy, Hen Harriers in Wales 2016, population trends of Merlins in the Cambrian Mountains, the status of the Dotterel in Wales, the UK Rare Breeding Birds Panel and the Glamorgan Bird Club Swift Project.
Illegal bird poisonings quadruple in Wales
During 2018, there were four times as many illegal bird killings in Wales compared to 2017. Recent figures have shown a huge rise in the number of birds unlawfully killed – last year at least two Hen Harriers, a Common Buzzard, 11 Ravens and a Carrion Crow were all found dead in Wales, after only three confirmed killings in 2017. Read the sad article from Bird Guides and Iolo Williams’ comments here.
Agri-environment effects on birds in Wales
AES provide benefits for the farmland environment, but need to be monitored and evaluated. Agri-environment schemes can increase benefit population growth rate of target bird species and Welsh AES options for woodland, hedgerow and arable were particularly successful. The full paper can be accessed here.
Scarce sightings during June 2019
Greenish, Savi’s and Blyth’s Reed Warbler in the north-west, together with unseasonal swans, divers and ducks! Why not pick one of these scarce birds to sponsor for the new Birds of Wales? You can 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
Monthly Walks (Kenfig NNR) – 2-3 – These take place on the third Saturday of each month. Note the non-running of the one due on Sat 21st April 2018 – see list below. Meet at the Reserve Centre at 9.00a.m. and run to 12:00 at the latest. Contact Strinda Davies for details or alternatively Dave Carrington (07790939743).
Monthly Walks (Kenfig NNR) – 2-3 – These take place on the third Saturday of each month. Note the non-running of the one due on Sat 21st April 2018 – see list below. Meet at the Reserve Centre at 9.00a.m. and run to 12:00 at the latest. Contact Strinda Davies for details or alternatively Dave Carrington (07790939743).
Friday 6th September: Challenging times for bird conservation in Ireland by Niall Hatch (BirdWatch Ireland)
BirdWatch Ireland is the largest independent conservation organisation in Eire. Niall Hatch, Development Officer, will discuss some of the challenges they face.
Indoor meetings are held at Pensychnant Conservation Centre at 7.30pm. Hot drink and biscuits provided afterwards. Donation requested: £1 (members), £2 (non-members).