Fieldwork

The BOS has a proud history of fieldwork and the resulting database is extremely well respected in the bird world.  Monitoring bird species is important in providing an indication of the state of the local environment.  The BOS has a number of on-going surveys and the more members who are involved the more comprehensive is the understanding of the bird life in our area.  New birders need not find fieldwork daunting as there are always experienced fieldworkers who are willing to explain and teach new skills.  

The area around Banbury that is covered by the BOS is divided into twelve 10km squares as shown in this map: BOS area map. If you feel you would like more information on surveys or would like to learn a bit more about the species and habitats in the square in which you live, or regularly visit, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Committee who will provide you with the appropriate contact information.  

We conduct the following surveys:

1) On going bird recording with monthly record submission. See Monthly Bird Recording

2) Winter Random Square Survey (WRSS) - a twice yearly survey of all birds in random 1km squares

3) Summer Random Square Survey - an annual survey of breeding birds in random 1km squares

4) Short and Long Day Counts - surveys of the total number of species across the entire BOS area

The results of the surveys are published in our annual reports and publications.

Upcoming surveys are listed below.