Banbury Ornithological Society - A Study of Birds in the South Midlands

A Study of Birds in the South Midlands by A. Brownett (1974), is the second ten year report by the BOS covering the period 1962-1971. The report includes the full list of bird species seen in the BOS survey area along with a detailed listing of sightings within the report period. A summary of the breeding season surveys is presented, providing the results of the 13 species that were surveyed.

The report can be viewed and downloaded by selecting this link: A Study of Birds in the South Midlands.

The contents of the report include:

- Conservation

- The Birds of the BOS Area

- Historical and Classified Check-lists

- Systematic List

- Annual Breeding Season Survey

- Breeding Distribution

- Seasonal Distribution

- Tree Sparrows in Conygree Wood

Sean Woodcock, MP for Banbury visited the BOS reserve at Balscote Quarry recently, to see conservation in action. Steve Holliday, one of the site wardens said, “Balscote may be a small site (6ha) but, through positive management, it holds Red List birds such as Lapwing and Yellowhammer, 24 species of butterfly and much more." We looked at the vital role volunteers play in habitat management on site and, in light of BOS data on local bird declines, how we can develop a more joined-up approach to nature conservation locally. We finished by discussing how new proposals in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill can benefit, not harm, biodiversity.

The Gambia - Richard Hall

Richard has visited The Gambia a couple of times and will explore the different habitats and regions of The Gambia as well as giving us some ideas of what birds are likely to be seen.

The Long Day Count is carried out by teams of observers in each of the twelve 10km squares recording the number of bird species seen during a maximum of 12 daylight hours on the second Sunday in May each year. Read more ...

A Study of Birds in the South Midlands - 1962-1971

Sean Woodcock MP visits Balscote Quarry

13 April 2026 - Indoor Meeting at 7.30pm

Long Day Count: 2 or 3 May 2026