Wiltshire Ornithological Society
Wiltshire Ornithological Society
Wiltshire Ornithological Society was formed with the aim of encouraging the study, recording and conservation of birds in Wiltshire. Since setting up on November 30th, 1974, the Society has grown to nearly 500 members.
Our most outstanding achievement is the production of Birds of Wiltshire, published 2007. This is a complete avifauna and a definitive work on Wiltshire’s birds. This publication received Second Prize in the BTO / British Birds Best Bird Book of the Year Award in 2008.
We are currently engaged in the BTO Atlas Survey, 2007-11 and are sharing data with the BTO to produce a new Wiltshire Tetrad Atlas. The survey work will enable us to gain up to date knowledge of bird populations and species distribution throughout Wiltshire.
Although a land-locked county, Wiltshire’s chalk downlands and wide-ranging grasslands provide excellent habitat for some rare and threatened species: there are significant breeding populations of Stone- curlew, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and Quail, for example. Parts of the Cotswold Water Park lie in the north of the county and its lakes and reed beds provide feeding areas for waterfowl, gulls and migrant waders. Common Terns and a variety of warbler species breed here. Wiltshire’s woodlands are home to Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Wood Warbler, Willow Tit, Common Crossbill and Firecrest.
Bird conservation is an absolute priority for the Society. We promote the conservation of Tree Sparrows through a nestbox and winter feeding scheme, working closely with other organisations and sharing our expertise with other counties. We also monitor Barn Owl and raptor numbers and provide breeding rafts for Common Terns.
We always welcome new members whatever their experience or ability, and particularly encourage juniors to join so that they may develop a lifetime interest in birds. Members receive our quarterly newsletter, WOS News, and the annual Wiltshire bird report, Hobby. We offer regular field trips, both in and out of county, throughout the year; and occasionally longer trips to Cornwall, East Anglia, Scotland or abroad. We also hold monthly indoor meetings between October and March, featuring talks by well-known ornithologists, wildlife photographers, conservationists and other bird enthusiasts. All our meetings are relaxed, friendly occasions and non-members are welcome to join us.
For more information about the Society, our calendar of events and latest sightings of birds in Wiltshire, please visit our website: www.wiltshirebirds.co.uk
Are you a birdclub partner? Would you like to be featured here?
If so contact Ieuan Evans (ieuan.evans [at] bto.org)
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